DUBBO MP and Deputy Premier Troy Grant has labelled live-baiting in the greyhound industry "absolutely abhorrent" as the fallout continues from the ABC's Four Corners investigation into the issue.
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The report showed cases of extreme animal cruelty as live rabbits, piglets and possums were used as bait at greyhound training tracks across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) responded on Monday night following the airing of the program, announcing a special taskforce which will investigate the extent of live baiting within the NSW greyhound racing industry.
Grant, who is also the Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, said the illegal practice must be stopped as soon as possible.
"Like most people, I am shocked and appalled by the absolutely abhorrent and distressing footage shown in the Four Corners report last night," he said in a statement.
"Animal welfare is an issue the NSW Government takes very seriously.
"The RSPCA NSW and Greyhound Racing are investigating the claims and I expect those agencies to take decisive action to stamp out illegal live baiting practices.
"Live baiting is completely illegal in Australia, and anyone found to be involved in the practice will be dealt with by the appropriate authorities."
Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club president Shayne Stiff was contacted but declined to comment stating he didn't want to interfere with the upcoming investigation.
The investigation announced by GRNSW will be led by former High Court justice the Hon. Michael McHugh AC, QC and will examine training methods in NSW and arrange for the supervision of trial tracks and training facilities. The taskforce will also investigate whether GRNSW and relevant agencies, such as RSPCA NSW, have the necessary powers to properly investigate allegations of animal cruelty.
The RSPCA also released a statement condemning the footage seen in the report.
RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil said it was her organisation's belief that the report only showed the tip of the iceberg and called for serious changes to the industry.
"Urgent amendments to animal welfare laws in each state and territory are also needed to strengthen offences, enforcement, and penalties for perpetrators who take part in the barbaric practice of live baiting," she said.
"There are likely hundreds of dogs currently being trained by those individuals implicated or already suspended that will now be at risk of euthanasia. Greyhound authorities need to closely track these dogs, waive fees for adoption programs and substantially increase the support given to adoption initiatives."
Anyone found guilty of live baiting faces up to five years jail and a $22,000 fine under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan said in a statement progress in stamping out the issue is already being made.
"GRNSW stewards have immediately opened an investigation into the NSW participants shown engaging in these dreadful acts of animal cruelty. We have already stood down six participants, some of whom were shown on tonight's (Monday's) program, following RSPCA NSW raids last week, with another registered trainer also being stood down following a random GRNSW inspection," he said.
"GRNSW has been proactively investigating claims of live baiting and has referred a number of cases to RSPCA NSW matters."
