Question On Notice No. 2603 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 February 2015 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Question Directed to the: Minister for Agriculture and Food
Parliament: 39 Session: 1
Question
(1) Have there been any allegations or complaints to the Western Australia Animal Welfare Unit in Western Australia’s greyhound racing industry regarding:
(a) live baiting; and
(b) any other acts of animal cruelty?
(2) If yes to (1), please detail the incidents and actions by the Animal Welfare Unit in response to those complaints or allegations?
(3) As the Four Corners, RSPCA, Animal Liberation and Animals Australia investigations of the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland revealed industry self-regulation had failed to uncover cruel live baiting documented in practice there by racing industry leaders and stewards, will the Minister now instigate an independent investigation of the Western Australian greyhound industry by the Animal Welfare Unit?
(4) Is the Minister aware that the State Government provides funding of millions of dollars, including $13 million for the new Cannington race track and $600,000 of Royalties for Regions funding to the greyhound racing industry?
(5) Is the Minister assured that people involved in the industry do not breach the Animal Welfare Act 2002.?
Answered on 11 March 2015
(1)(a) No
(b) No
(2) Not applicable
(3) No, however, reports of cruelty will be investigated.
(4) Yes
(5) There have been no reports of animal cruelty or other potential breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 to the Animal Welfare Unit of the Department of Agriculture and Food in relation to the greyhound industry in WA. Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) General Manager Racing Integrity has been in contact with RSPCA Chief Executive Officer and Chief Inspector both prior to and after the airing of the Four Corners program. The RSPCA is operating collaboratively with RWWA. Stewards and investigators from RWWA routinely and regularly conduct unannounced visits, inspections and surveillance in WA. RWWA has substantially increased the penalties for the possession or use of live game in relation to greyhound racing.