Ban Australia’s New Greyhound Race: Our Activist Spotlight

After two years of planning, Logan Deputy Mayor, Russell Lutton insists on completing the construction of a $25 million greyhound racing facility in Logan, Queensland, Australia. Lutton feels the track is an ideal addition to the current landfill site:

“This facility is going to be a big thing for the city once it is up and running – I don’t think people truly comprehend the magnitude of what this facility can bring to Logan.”

Lutton’s comment sparks an important question: what exactly will this race track bring to the community? Despite the mayor’s optimism, opposition to the racing facility continues, with concerns about risks both people and animals may face: gambling debt and animal mistreatment.

As an animal rights activist, this petition’s author, Kisha Giannangelo, wrote a letter to Logan citizens with these two reasons for her concerns: 1) Gambling is a method of extracting taxation from communities without their awareness that it’s a harmful or involuntary enterprise, and 2) Greyhound racing is responsible for the deaths of as many as 20,000 greyhound pups every year. Furthermore, greyhound racing has been recognized as an inherently cruel sport and consequently abolished in 6 states in the US.

Gambling addiction is a serious problem that continues to land people in debt and in need of counseling and financial help. Greyhounds used for racing are often mistreated, then put to death or abandoned when no long fast enough or needed at the track. So the question remains, who will this track benefit once built?

Giannangelo summed her feelings up with this Paul Harvey quote: “Ever occur to you why some of us can be this much concerned with animals suffering? Because government is not. Why not? Animals don’t vote.”

You have the power to speak up for animals. Sign this petition if you want to stop the construction of a new greyhound track in Logan, Australia.

Care2

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kinoshika R.

7:41PM PST on Nov 10, 2010

The initiative taken for the concern is very serious and need an attention of every one. This is the concern which exists in the society and needs to be eliminated from the society as soon as possible.
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send a green star

Mary S.

10:56PM PDT on Sep 27, 2010

Josie E.

1:15PM PDT on Jul 16, 2010

I'm completely against it. Having seen the amount of dumped Greyhounds in Australia (which are thankfully rescued and rehomed by the wonderful Greyhound Adoption Program in all states), I find it really disgusting that this sport continues.

Mervi R.

11:12AM PDT on Jun 30, 2010

I think ALL greyhound racing should be banned now.

Lisa W.

12:49AM PDT on Jun 29, 2010

There are over 20,000 greyhounds bred for racing in Australia EVERY YEAR. The wastage resulting from the exploitation of these beautiful dogs is enormous & appalling. It is incredible that in our modern society where there is much focus on animal welfare that this destruction of thousands and thousands of dogs, as a result of an entertainment & betting industry, continues unchecked. It is time it stopped. It is well past time we did something about it! The truth is that the industry is not well regulated, live baiting is still occurring, the dogs are largely seen as a commercial, disposable object, and those welfare initiatives undertaken are only a 'bandaid' or token effort on behalf of the industry to try & ward off any public outcries. But it won't work. Eventually, awareness will prevail. It is happening around the world & it will happen in Australia - & it can't come too soon. Let the racing industry die!!!!

Suzanna v.

9:34AM PDT on Jun 26, 2010

What I care about is the cruelty we humans use towards these gentle and beautiful animals. Only and because of making money. our despicable greed. We all should change our way we "see" animals, because this will be the basic of true civilization! When we want to gamble, we should use non-violence in our games, without the abuse and the use of animals. Petition signed and shared too.

Mary C.

1:32PM PDT on Jun 25, 2010

Greyhounds make wonderful pets...no used to provide entertainment for gambling. It is abusive!

Corey O.

4:32PM PDT on Jun 24, 2010

You guys are nothing but clowns, Come over to my house and see how my greyhounds are treated. NSW in australia has just also started programs that allow greyhounds to be adopted out through NSW prisons. It would do you clowns better to clean up your own backyards you greenpeace warriors

nora g.

10:10AM PDT on Jun 24, 2010

Greyhound races must be banned all over the world. They only bring suffering to gentle dogs that would be more useful as companions of children or elderly who live alone.