LETTER: Give a greyhound a “forever home”
Dear Editor
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The news that greyhound racing will be banned in NSW and the ACT is most welcome.
As Premier Mike Baird said, this industry is responsible for the unnecessary slaughtering of tens of thousands of healthy dogs.
Now that the industry has been given notice to close down, the fate of thousands more is uncertain.
The government must ensure that the greyhound racing industry stops all breeding program immediately in order to make certain that there are not even more dogs in need of "forever homes".
Over the next year, any money earmarked for building or renovating tracks should be reallocated to promote desexing and dog-adoption programmes.
Greyhounds are gentle, friendly dogs who love nothing better than human company, a kind word and a loving touch.
If you are thinking of taking a new companion into your home, a greyhound, or any shelter dog, will offer loyalty and affection.
Please don’t buy a dog from a breeder and sentence one of these beautiful animals to an early death; adopt a companion and offer him or her, and yourself, many years of joy and love.
Desmond Bellamy
PETA Australia
BAN A TOUGH DECISION FOR GREATER GOOD
Being a leader is about making tough decisions that are for the greater good.
Last week I had to make one of those tough decisions, and that was to end greyhound racing in NSW by 1 July next year.
The decision followed a Special Commission of Inquiry Report that was over a year in the making and had the powers of a Royal Commission to really get to the bottom of what’s wrong in the greyhound racing industry.
The findings of the report disgusted me: as many as 68,000 greyhound were killed over the last 12 years for not being fast enough, up to one fifth of trainers use the horrific live baiting practice and there is no appetite for the industry to change.
The industry was already planning a significant downsizing due to it not being economically viable in its current state.
This would have meant the closure of up to 19 regional tracks, including the one in Cowra.
With our decisive action, we’re now actually able to provide Government financial assistance and employment transition support to those in the industry with race tracks closing.
I strongly urge those battling with this issue to take the time to read the Commission’s report: http://www.greyhoundracinginquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au/
Troy Grant
NSW Deputy Premier, Leader of the NSW Nationals and Minister for Racing
Thumbs up
A local reader has given the owner of Curves a big thumbs up.
She said it will be a very sad day if Parkes Ladies Gym, Curves, has to close at the end of August after operating for nearly 10 years in the town.
Many members have been attending for nine-plus years and many have come and gone only to return again as they realise the benefits of the exercise circuit in a calm, secure and friendly surrounds.
For me I consider it as a prescription to help manage my health and well being, others have found it helps them lose weight and keep fit.
All this will be lost if someone does not come forward to take on the gym from its current owner who is wanting to retire.
With sadness but with much appreciation we will be farewelling Barb who has done a wonderful job in setting up and managing Curves in various locations in Parkes. It would be great if a new owner could be found soon – A grateful Curves member.