Greyhound racing
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:08): (43) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Racing. This week I was horrified to learn about the shocking recent export of Victorian greyhounds to China, as also reported in the Herald Sun. These three dogs were sent undesexed, against Greyhound Racing Victoria’s own rules, direct from Melbourne to China for the purpose of racing and breeding in an illegal greyhound-racing ring. The self-regulating and Victorian government funded industry has directly contributed to and grown the illegal greyhound-racing industry in China. Will the government commit to the safe return of dogs Turbo Thomas, Canya Cruise and Deliver to Victoria?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:09): I thank Ms Purcell for her longstanding advocacy and interest in the welfare of greyhounds in our state. In light of the standing orders of this place I will pass that on to the relevant minister for a response.
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:09): These dogs were found by advocacy organisation Free the Hounds for sale on a Chinese racing website. The Victorian Racing Tribunal found greyhound owner Damien Senn guilty of five charges relating to the export of Turbo Thomas, Canya Cruise and Deliver to China. Will the minister support my calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the self-regulating greyhound-racing industry in Victoria?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:10): I thank Ms Purcell for that supplementary question directed to the Minister for Racing in the other place. In line with the standing orders I will forward that question to him for an appropriate response.