A majority of The Ashburton Courier readers support an overturn of the ban to greyhound racing, a poll suggests.
The poll on the Courier’s Facebook page, showed more than 90 per cent want the ban overturned.
By early Tuesday afternoon 36 people had voted yes to the ban being overturned, while only two had voted no.
‘‘It is the most transparent and has the highest welfare standards of any animal industry in New Zealand,’’ said one commenter supporting overturning the ban.
‘‘Personally seen trainers treat their dogs like family and with so much love and dedication to their care,’’ said another.
One of the commenters opposed said: ‘‘I don’t believe animals should be used for entertainment purposes like this. And as far as everyone saying they are rehomed, there are hundreds of dogs without homes and euthanised in shelters every day, so why is adding to this ok?’’
Greyhound NZ has mounted a legal challenge to the ban, being enforced by the government on animal welfare grounds. It has applied to the High Court for a judicial review.
An interim injunction will be heard on August 14.
If granted, it will act as a stop order on any work being completed to further the ban until the resolution of the judicial review.
Greyhound NZ argues serious injuries and deaths at race meetings nationwide have reduced with continued increases in the organisation’s national animal welfare standards.
Deaths following a race due to injury have dropped dramatically over the years. There were 62 in 2018-2019, compared to nine last year.
Greyhound NZ points out there are also deaths due to injury in harness and thoroughbred racing. There were three euthanasias due to injury following a race in harness racing this season up to last week, and 18 horse deaths last season from 26,010 starters in thoroughbred racing.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you want the ban on greyhound racing overturned? Please keep responses to 200 words or less. Email the editor, [email protected]
