Today I tabled the full report by the Director of Racing and the Chief Veterinary Officer into animal welfare provisions in our greyhound racing industry.
The report highlights the need for the industry to change its attitudes to animal welfare, and does not shy away from telling the industry it must change.
While I am committed to responding in due course to the recommendations of this report, tabled in Parliament last week, I have taken swift action to immediately address some issues raised in the report relating to the Animal Welfare Act.
The Liberal Government has already tabled an amendment Bill to this Act, including increasing the penalty for aggravated cruelty offences amongst other things, however I will be moving further amendments.
These amendments relate to the powers of animal welfare officers to enter, search and inspect premises and to collect evidence of an offence, and to better define aggravated cruelty.
I have also taken action to transfer Racing Services Tasmania from the Department of State Growth to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
This is a decision I have been considering for some months and has the support of the Director of Racing and the Chief Vet, as explained in their report.
This will ensure Racing Services Tasmania, as the racing regulator, can leverage off the animal welfare and veterinary skills available within DPIPWE to achieve better animal welfare and integrity outcomes.
I trust this report into animal welfare provisions in the greyhound racing industry will greatly inform the Parliamentary Inquiry into live baiting and other greyhound welfare issues which this Government supports.
The full report and appendices are available at: http://www.racing.tas.gov.au/the_racing_services_tasmania/latest_industry_news
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Racing
