The Hunter reacts as greyhound ban lifted

BY JACINTA LEE

There have been mixed reactions in the Hunter to news the greyhound racing ban has been lifted statewide.

It follows from Premier Mike Baird's announcement yesterday he "got it wrong," after signing off on a plan to reverse the decision.

Local trainer Bob Whitelaw said he welcomes the backflip, but he claims the government's image has been tarnished.

"I think he's done himself a lot of damage and done the government a lot of damage. I've got no doubt about that," he said.

"It's good to see that the Premier has admitted he was wrong."

Meanwhile, Scot Macdonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, says the NSW government intends to take a hard line with the industry from here on out.

"This is not a free hand for the industry," he said. "There are very, very high expectations about the greyhound industry and how it conducts itself going forward."

Hunter Greyhound Racing Industry Left Reeling After Ban On Sport

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Hunter's Greyhound Industry believes the Baird Government's decision to shut down the sport is grossly unfair.

From July next year, Greyhound Racing will be banned in NSW following reports of widespread live baiting and the mass slaughter of dogs for being too slow.

However, The Gardens Chairman, Brett Lazarini says the entire industry is being punished for the crimes of a select few.


Well-known Cessnock trainer, Bob Whitelaw says they're not going to take the decision lying down.

"It's going to destroy a lot of families and a lot of lives across NSW. The racing industry for many years at different levels has been split. I think what it's done it will bring the industry and they'll fight this to the finish", he said.

Meanwhile, the decision has prompted animal welfare groups to call for a nationwide ban on Greyhound racing.


"I can only hope that this reverberates around the country. The only way to stop live baiting, and we've seen those disgraceful images, is to end greyhound racing - not just  in NSW, but indeed the country", RSPCA NSW Chief Executive, Steve Coleman said.