Hi Garry,
I owned, and prepared greyhounds here in Victoria 30 years ago. Fortunately I had good ones. If they weren’t up to Vic standard I sent them to Perth. I used to train the dog from when it was a pup to chase a rabbit skin in which a squeaker was concealed. I never had any problems with a dog that wouldn’t chase. So, I think that is one of the problems. The dogs live in a run for 18 months until one day the owner says it’s time to break it in. The dog has no idea what it’s supposed to do. With time and money being of the essence it’s no wonder live baiting is rife! I never used it, but I was aware of plenty who did. It’s a pity because properly reared the dog’s instincts take over immediately it gets to the breaking-in track.
The other problem which is almost impossible to overcome is what to do with a very slow dog that’s no good for racing. The GAP program was set up to counter this and to prevent dogs being put down or being sent to Asia where animal cruelty laws are virtually no existent. But there’s just too many greyhounds being bred. Nevertheless, I think it unjust that honest folk who abide by the rules and have a genuine love for the animal are treated in the same manner as the criminal class. Since this decision comes from the same politicians that canned the suspension of live cattle exports a few years back, it’s obvious that greyhound racing does not contribute much to government coffers, so they can afford to placate the animal liberation lobby and make greyhound racing the sacrificial lamb.
Regards
Mark Ham
Lots of wet tracks today and we scratched our Winform Gold Club horse to wait for better going. WE HAVE A FREE RACING TOURNAMENT TODAY AND THE TOP THREE (ENTRY IS FREE VIA OUR WEBSITE) GET ENTRY INTO A $23 TOURNAMENT. IT’S FUN AND ADDICTIVE. AND IF YOU RUN OUT OF FANTASY DOLLARS (BETTABUCKS) YOU CAN BUY BACK IN FOR $1.25, (hope that doesnt break the bank). TOP BETTA HAS THE FORST LEG OF A FOUR WEEK SKINS TOURNAMENT ON METRO RACING AND GUARANTEED PRIZEMONEY FOR EACH OF THE FOUR WEEKS IS $10,000 AND ON THE FOURTH WEEK $25,000. Balances from each day are carried forward and while you can enter each day separately , it is better to start today and have your fantasy dollars (Bettabucks) carried forward.