BALLARAT Labor MP Jaala Pulford has commissioned an independent inquiry into animal welfare in the Victoria greyhound racing industry.
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Ms Pulford, who is Agriculture Minister, announced an investigation into animal welfare and allegations of animal cruelty in the greyhound racing industry would be led by Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria Charles Milne.
Ms Pulford said Monday night’s ABC Four Corners program was the first time she had seen the footage of live baiting.
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“I was horrified. The images that Four Corners broadcast last night are abhorrent,” Ms Pulford said on Tuesday.
“Ballarat is a place of racing enthusiasts and I imagine that local participants at Ballarat racing events would also be horrified at allegations of live baiting.
“I imagine that most participants are doing the right thing, but these allegations will reverberate through the
code. The conduct that people saw on their televisions screens means there are very serious questions to be answered.”
Ms Pulford said work to launch the inquiry began after media reports of live baiting surfaced on Saturday.
She said her role as Agriculture Minister would be to bring animal welfare within the greyhound racing industry back in line with community expectations.
The state government has allocated $3 million from the Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund to boost Greyhound Racing Victoria’s integrity measures. The funding will be used to employ four education officers, a full-time investigator, trial track steward and further surveillance measures.
Racing Minister Martin Pakula has commissioned a second independent inquiry to investigate industry participants by Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna, who will work alongside GRV.
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au
