Well how about that!

Events over the last week had seen many greyhound owners and animal lovers everywhere in a state of panic as the UKs daily mail published a story stating that hundreds of greyhounds were to be euthanised over the next few weeks.

Animal welfare agencies were contacted and many discussions were had. Many (myself included) were dreading the sad news that the hounds had met their end.

What a difference a few days can make.

There's been a heap of discussion and feedback and it turns out that the daily mail story may not have been entirely accurate.

It turns out that the figure of more than 70 trainers being banned may have been exaggerated as the reality is that Queensland have banned 5 trainers and New South Wales has suspended about 13 trainers. Ohter comments were that Greyhound Victoria seem to be bending over backwards not to take action against the trainers; they and have allowed the owners of the dogs to continue to race their hounds if they sign a statment saying that they knew nothing of the live baiting.

It also appears that many of the dogs belonging to trainers under investigation have largely been placed under their wives names. The dogs of the trainers still being investigated are being held by the RSPCA but the goof news is that Australian greyhound charities in  effected states report that they have been surprised by the increased level of potential fosterers coming forward as well (thank goodness!).

This said, there are still some points I raised in my earlier blog that need to be addressed. Sponsors who walked away from sponsoring the racing industry after benefiting from it for years need to take some responsibility and start funding greyhound welfare 

 Equally important, Australian broadcaster, ABC whose show, 4 corners exposed the live baiting scandal need to maintain a watching brief to ensure that the welfare of the dogs is maintained. Its simply responsible journalism.