The greyhound industry is on the
ropes and the participants have been
subjected to the rope-a-dope treatment
for more than six months now.
It has gone from a vibrant industry
with a strong future to one on the
edge of a black hole, the so-called
event horizon.
I am seeing people every day
whose livelihoods and reputations
are being eroded and who are watching,
helpless, at an industry disintegrating
before their eyes.
The mood of the people is pessimistic
and if anyone needs verification
then one only has to look at the
breeding figures to realise that a
major contraction of racing will
occur over the next few years.
The greyhound industrys issues
were precipitated by the Four Corners
expos in February.
We are aware that many in mainstream
society wish to end all sorts
of racing, especially jumps and greyhound
racing.
They are certainly a minority
because our society, like most, exists
with a silent relaxed majority who
tend to live and let live.
But the anti-racing lobby are a
vocal, literate and well organised
minority that are fundamentally
opposed to all forms of animal exploitation,
with many even arguing
pet ownership is a form of animal
slavery.
These anti-racing groups have
been invigorated by a mainstream
television program justifying their
long-held beliefs that all racing is
cruel and inhuman and should be
outlawed.
On the other hand, Governments
of Australia have the unenviable task
of being all things to all people.
They have to be seen to understand
the concern that was expressed
on behalf of the general public by
the media in the days after the Four
Corners program, but whether the
media accurately reflected the views
of the person in the street is certainly
up for debate.
However, the wagering industries
do generate substantial income
for all the states that helps to support
the same silent majority in their
schools and hospitals and the roads,
connecting them as well, and a government
without revenue at their
disposal is often described as one
term!
Any Government would
acknowledge that our industry, like
society, has its problems but most
would be happy to accept the tatty
edges of our industry, as long as it is
reasonably well run and generating
income for essential services.
In the past I believe the greyhound
industry was an admirable
part of the social fabric and lauded
by successive governments for its
success.
Racing industries generate substantial
employment.
As a social outlet for gamblers
they deliver a product with less social
downside than the other great
generator of revenue, the pokies.
So the essential question is, how
well is our industry doing at the
moment?
Has the past few years of management
improved or diminished its
prospects?
And in the aftermath of the so-called
live baiting scandal, has the
management sought to protect our
industry or have they made decisions
with the main intention of protecting
their own reputations and proving to
the media who they believe speak
for, the general public, that what was
reported was factual and entirely
correct?
I would suggest the latter, and
furthermore if the present management
of the greyhound industry are
to continue on this path, then the
industry is doomed.
The leadership and culture of the
GRV organisation is pointing the
finger of blame at its participants.
Property inspections are routinely
initiated with vile and blatantly
untrue allegations of live baiting.
It was not clear to me, as someone
deeply involved in the industry
in Victoria, that there was an endemic
culture of live baiting with greyhounds,
in the months and years
before this supposed expos.
The facts around the live baiting
in Victoria are far from straightforward
or proven, and whether there
was any culture of live baiting is still
not clear.
In my opinion, the operation of
the Tooradin trial track as a Licenced
GRV facility would naturally mean
that rules, procedures and practices
would be under the guidance of
GRV and its staff.
The GRV tribunal has declared
that the alleged offences at this facility
were those of absolute liability
for at least one of the individuals that
have been charged.
It would therefore appear that the
argument that the GRV in the form
of the Racing and Disciplinary
Board panel is advocating, is that
adherence to the rules, procedures
and practices of the trial track were
the responsibility of the customers,
who paid for the use of the GRV
track and its rabbits.
This judgement seems to absolve
the GRV of any responsibility for
the operation of the track, even
though it is clearly the Licencing
body and as such, taking responsibility,
along with the proprietor for its
operation.
The video evidence on the
Four Corners program has little
provenance, however, assuming
what is portrayed is factual, the trial
track staff seem to have been in the
habit of euthanising rabbits for those
who wanted a freshly killed rabbit in
the moments before a trial.
The GRV has said since the
program was released that this was
not the practice that should have
occurred and that the rabbits should
have been killed as they were delivered.

This information was apparently
conveyed to trial track operators but
was not widely disseminated to industry
participants, who if they were
abiding by the rules, simply had to
ensure they were trialling with a
euthanised rabbit, which makes it
even more baffling why any offence
occurring at the trial track should be
based on absolute liability.
The unfortunate consequence of
this fresh euthanising practice is that
the camera has then picked up multiple
rabbits in their death throes,
which is creating the element of
doubt whether the animal is actually
alive or dead, and it would appear
that a final adjudication on that matter
could lead all the way to the High
Court, where it is probable that this
greyhound industry and the 18 accused
participants can hold hands
and allow the lawyers to push them
into the black hole together.
Walnut Veterinary Clinic
84 Clarendon Street
Cranbourne, 3977
(03) 5995 5255

Thanks Des for a great piece of writing. I truly hope that the new CEO of GRV gets what has actually happened and is able to bring a fresh approach to solving the crisis we face.

he makes the paper that much better

The GRV over the past few years have also failed to advise many of these Greyhound Vets about rule changes and or discussion forums with the GRV .

The GRV have been feeding out propaganda that has been derived from people and Vets with no Greyhound Experience and this is why we are are the cross roads today .

0ver 10 years ago so many people stepped up and tried in vain to try and get some things changed to assist with CHASE IN OUR MODERN DAY GREYHOUND

We have all been railroaded by the PTB and at present there is a systematic approach that all trainers are GULITY OF LIVE BAITING UNTILL PROVEN INNOCENT.

The GRV have let down all of us and they had the power to control and act on reports of live baiting years ago but they FAILED IN THERE DUTY OF CARE AND IT IS THEM WHO SHOULD BE PULLED THROUGH THE COURTS .

I just hope some of these people who have been caught up in this live baiting saga can subpoena some people who worked at the GRV and the RADB over the past 5 to 10 years and lets see how they go in front of the courts with a bible in there hands .

Deflection of all blame 100% has been directed at US THE MEMBERS and this is just not right and as they say EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY and we will fight back with BITE .

As greyhound men and women we must all now stand up and take on the PTB in every State and if we don't then we will loose out big time .

I urge every Greyhound Person to now consider VOTING IN THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO RUN OUR Government AND OUR SPORT .

There are Politicians who are with us all the way and it will be these Poli's who will help strengthen our INDUSTRY for the future .

PS ....

There is 22000 Australian members on Greyhound Data alone and these numbers represent POWER to us all ..our destiny can be full of optimism and positive representation in every State ..

More to come on all the politicians Names who support Greyhound Racing ....VOTE FOR OUR FUTURE ....

PSS...
The GRV HAVE THE WORST RECORD OF GREYHOUNDS WHO HAVE BROKEN DOWN ON THERE STATE OF THE ART TRACKS AS THEY CALL THEM ....

The GRV have failed to act in making sure we have tracks designed to cater for race dogs who can reach and exceed 100 race starts ...

Many dogs in the USA race over 100 starts and race over 150 and 200 starts before there careers end so who can tell me what is wrong.

WHY DO WE STRUGGLE TO REACH 50 RACE STARTS IN AUSTRALIA with our Australian raced Greyhounds ...

I think I commented on the Fegan article at the time and it does contain many good points. However, I do take issue with this claim:

"It was not clear to me, as someone deeply involved in the industry
in Victoria, that there was an endemic culture of live baiting with greyhounds, in the months and years before this supposed expos."

First, it was not "supposed". From evidence in all three states - legally or illegally obtained film, admissions by trainers and trial track operators, statements before McHugh, WDA interviews and common sense - it is clear that live baiting was a normal practice. Further, the acts of killing and then using the resultant dead bait were almost certainly contrary to state laws about animal cruelty.

The related cases of proven abuse around that period - multiple drownings and shootings, etc - offered circumstantial evidence of the attitude of some participants.

Even today, many folk do not accept that restrictions on the use of skins (as lures) is a valid policy. As such, opponents could make a case that it is no more than an attempt to get around official controls and an admission that they would really like to get back to live baiting, or at least dead baits.

It is also clear that many trainers regard giving the dog a "sniff" prior to a run as an aid to success. (Personally, I have never seen live baiting - other than on film - but I have seen what appeared to be a "sniff" a few times, just by accident).

The only questions that remain are what proportion of participants made use of each of these practices, and why did authorities not take stronger action to eliminate them?

All three state authorities protested that they lacked the resources to combat the abuses. There is a grain of truth in that, but only a grain. They were clearly weak. On the other hand, there is no doubt that a significant minority of participants either busted the rules or failed to dob in the people who were betraying the industry's trust. All are now paying a price.

There is a remarkable similarity between this subject and the woes that cricket has to deal with now. In both cases, the culprits have admitted their guilt.

Consequently, Fegan's claim that the practice of live baiting was not "endemic" is moot. Not only was it significant in volume but it was practised by the industry's top people. To argue that it was not significant is silly.

Finally, the irony is that there is no proof that dead or live baiting is a worthwhile practice. In fact, some observers have pointed out its failures (at Tooraddin). But that matters little now, trainers will have to find alternatives or quit.

Besides that, can you explain to me what a 'significant minority' means?

As for your claim that live baiting was significant in volume, I strongly disagree and I base that on my own experience as a new trainer.
I entered the sport as a trainer prior to live baiting. I saw plenty of trainers turn up to the trial track near Bendigo with a dead rabbit when that policy was allowed. Never saw a live one. Not once. As someone who is entirely self-taught and with no family background in the sport, I had never heard of live baiting until I saw it on 4 corners. And by that stage I had been training for about 12 months.
So if it was a wide spread practice, you would think I would have come across conversations about it sometime within 12 months.
So my personal theory, based on my own personal experience within the circle of greyhound training, is that it was definitely not endemic, definitely not significant, and for the life of me I have no idea why you are trying to inform the world that it was.

And finally, your last point about trainers having to find an alternative or quit??? That is arrogance in it's purest form Bruce.
I have never even used an animal skin, only ever used artificial lures with a squawker and never had an issue with chase.
So may I suggest you find an alternative to writing crap Bruce, or quit!

"It was not clear to me, as someone deeply involved in the industry in Victoria, that there was an endemic culture of live baiting with greyhounds, in the months and years before this supposed expos."
Bruce,,, who are you to "take issue" with what Dr Fegan states is not clear to him? It is clearly NOT clear to him! and you somehow have an issue with that statement? Clearly one of (if not the most) prominent greyhound vets in the country, and you "have an issue"
Sorry mate,,,, but I just do not get what you are trying to do here!

You did the same with the Jesaluenko thread where people commented on the merits of the dog and you went on about short betting odds being a detriment? (which rightly so got deleted)

Bruce... Rather than jump on a selected thread and post a negative comment each and every time,,,, may I suggest you start up you're own thread of "Everything Bruce" that you are able to post your thoughts on the industry..... I am sure people wont complain if you had your own thread,,, that way people do not need to read your negative views on every other thread you post on.

Regards.
Rich

Take pity on a homeless peer
Who tries to find a deaf ear
Entwined with lust is mud and dust
Mixed with a little anti crust

Mr Fegan you are under the microscope
From someone who has too much rope
Never fear for your words are heard
More than the most disliked/disagreed nerd.

How many people have made there fortunes from your Program Bruce .

Lets take a look at all of the scams and betting scams that have evolved over the years and i believe many were shafted with promises of Wealth from these Online Computer Form Analyst programs ..... Bruce .

I believe many of these betting scams are just that scams so what makes yours any different to an other computer form analysis programs,

I believe there is a Symptomatic and a continued attempt by yourself Bruce to truly derail anything Positive .

I have seen your Articles on the Animals Australia site ..and Grey2K and Grey2kWW ..over the past few years .

You have been a very busy boy over the years Bruce and you have written some fantastic articles but Mate you are not helping our INDUSTRY these days and i feel you are Deliberately trying to derail it ...

You deliberately Post to further create debate WHY

You are not a dumb person Bruce so i QUESTION YOUR MOTIVES

The broad picture is that live baiting and associated practices went close to getting the industry shut down. What could be more serious?

In each of three states the breaches were committed by the top echelon of the training ranks, amongst others. They are the role models.

I quoted several sources of hard evidence - not opinion - indicating that all these practices were widespread. Indeed, the geographical fact that three states were involved is itself supportive of such a conclusion.

Evidence from GRNSW to McHugh effectively stated that it was aware of abuses but had been unable to combat them - all long before your entry to the sport. (Also try reading the much-criticised WDA report if you have time).

Going further, your point that "I have never even used an animal skin, only ever used artificial lures with a squawker and never had an issue with chase" is nice but it is also contrary to views or wishes of several other contributors on G-D - ie they say they want and need to use skins.

All the above points emerge from words spoken by other people, not me. I am simply adding them up and so now come to two conclusions:

1. The incidence and knowledge of live baiting and related practices was significant - whether that means 100 or 1,000 people is irrelevant. Measure it by the damage they have done.

2. Negative? Well, 90% of the commentary on this website is negative, too. People are unhappy with their lot. Why is that? Can it be because we have excessive regulation, poor commercial judgements, too much management-by-committee, crook tracks, a dicey history, political interference, a shortage of public support, declining breeding, and so on. Yes, yes and yes.

Jamie, I like Bendigo, the town has a nice feel to it. But, just as an example, here's a "however". Why on earth did they scrub a decent 700m trip and replace it with a smash and grab start near the bend from the 660m boxes? One was pretty predictable, the other is not. One rewarded good dogs, the other relies on luck. Makes no sense. I asked why but I understand the orders came from the city.

As for writing "crap" - I have been doing this for over 20 years for six different trade publications. I sought none of those gigs, they all invited me in. I am quite used to brickbats but the compliments are far more numerous - except on this site where most people have a habit of shooting the messenger and ignoring the actual subject.

So, yes, the industry can no longer afford people who want to revert to the good old days.

Des Fegan is a worthy contributor to the industry but on this occasion he made one poorly researched statement. So I addressed that because it is fundsmental to the industry's future. Fegan's use of the word "endemic" may or may not be accurate. I prefer the less definitive "widespread", mainly because the majority of participants strongly oppose live baiting.

LEAVE IT ALONE.
Move on like the industry is trying to do.
Stop holding it in the fire.

The main thread of this piece brought up the subject of live baiting.

A major respondent wrote about live baiting - or his lack of knowledge of it.

A continuing concern in Victoria is how (Tooraddin) live baiting and subsequent events have been handled. Participants are still unhappy.

A direct offshoot of live baiting - ie skins on lures - is a big topic of conversation, mostly involving assertions, not proven facts.

Almost daily, new regulations are being put in place, or proposed, due to live baiting and excessive or illegal euthanasia.

The obsession with so-called welfare issues is prompted partly by live baiting.

The WDA Report, which primarily addressed live baiting, continues to get rubbished by some trainers on the ground that WDA folk are not experienced trainers. How presumptuous!

That hardly indicates the industry is "trying to move on" - or more accurately - learning how to handle the broad subject. In that context, it is essential to correct errors and misconceptions before they become embedded in people's minds.

More importantly, the public will not move on and will store the memory - to be used again and again to formulate their approach to the industry. The Greens are doing it repeatedly.

Live hare coursing is also ancient history but I would contend it forms part of the background to the overall (negative) attitude to the greyhound breed in the broad community.

Anyway, the vast majority of my comments relate to facts, not "theories". The original Fegan passage on which I commented was not fact but merely his impression of the situation. It was wrong.

I agree with what is possibly the aim of your plea - to look to a better future. That will happen when the subject is (a) no longer swept under the carpet but dealt with positively, (b) when the industry mounts programs to better inform the public about the wonderful world of the greyhound (GAP is great but we need much more), and (c) when the culture of a minority of participants matures so that they do the right thing because they believe in it, not because it's a rule.

Besides, Michael, neither you or your five "Agrees" are entitled to speak "on behalf of the industry" any more than I am.

So what do you do in response to my asking you nicely?...you continue on with it.
Just shows what stuff you are really and truly made of, Bruce.
The industry needs no help from you if this is the type of help you offer...the antis will find much more use for it.

If anyone had any doubts before about what makes you tick, this response of yours should surely squash them.

I base my "on behalf" on the massive negativity to your post to challenge the good Dr. Fegan.
You just need to look and not ignore.
There are obviously different rules you put in place when you go behind the industry's back and write to the authorities on the industry's "behalf".

Stop writing to entertain yourself and damaging this industry further.
Entertain yourself in other ways with your writing hand.
The infertile and acid discharge you write is caustic.

STOP IT BRUCE.