EXTERNAL LINK

However, I am appalled a the inaccurate quotes about the global industry, particularly the USA industry, by the Social Democrats.

I may be wrong but they parallel the nonsense put out by the New South Wales state Premier after the "findings" of its 2015/6 Special Commission (McHugh). These were completely wrong and the Premier was subsequently criticised by the state's Auditor General for using them.

Far more than eight countries host greyhound racing, some with betting, some without. Oddly, the most accurate set of figures is available on the (anti-racing) Grey2K website.

Comparisons with America are odious due to vastly different circumstances - primarily because most greyhound racing is an offshoot or an excuse to continue with the operators' main financial purpose, ie running casinos. Nevertheless, USA does have a severe PR problem.

In Australia, the industry is almost totally funded by commission on betting via totes and bookmakers. The odd government grant does occur but only for political reasons to underpin a major future source of its tax income.

PS: I thought the comments of Deputy Healy-Rae were well put.

The most pertinent comment I noticed was 'A Red C poll conducted in 2019 found that only 16% of people support this industry". Irrespective of the actual figure from place to place, this is undoubtedly the industry's greatest challenge - getting the public onside. Far too little effort is placed on this fundamental shortcoming. It's no good preaching to the converted; you must go outside the bubble.