It’s been a big week at The Balanced Dog. I have just finished my last Saturday of consults for 2025 and, earlier this week, Sox turned 8 (his birthday party was a two weeks ago, to accommodate the travel plans of friends).
And there are only 20 days left to make a submission on the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill. A year ago, the NZ Government made an announcement of its intention to ban greyhound racing in this country; the bill has passed its first reading with wide cross-party support. It’s now time for the public to have their say…
Probably thanks to Sox’s birthday, and the number of greyhounds I work with in my practice, greyhounds, racing and animal welfare have been on my mind a lot recently. I am definitely making a submission.
Here are the points/issues I want to raise:
- Animals are not statistics. Behind percentages are living, breathing and sentient creatures.
- What do we mean by animal welfare? In layman’s terms, it’s quality of life for the entire life of the animal.
- What is the definition of an accident? Depending upon which dictionary you use, this is defined as an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance or an unfortunate event resulting especially from carelessness or ignorance.
- What is our lifetime responsibility as stewards and ”owners” of dogs?
- What are the inherent risks of racing?
- How painful is a broken hock, a fractured skull or other high impact injury?
- With concerns that greyhounds will become extinct in New Zealand if racing is banned, what protections will there be for breeders who wish to continue their bloodlines and provide the NZ public with a greyhound if they choose to buy one?
I encourage anyone with an interest in the greyhound breed to submit. That’s what public submissions are for. There are many templates circulating to assist you in making a submission. I believe the most powerful submissions are those that share personal experience.
Be sure to read the legislation so you can align your comments with specific clauses and be sure to tell the Select Committee if you want to be heard (that is, appear in person or by video link).
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
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