THE damning report into Greyhound racing by former High Court judge Michael McHugh makes for some uncomfortable reading for the farm sector.
Mr McHugh’s findings on live baiting and widespread abuse of dogs, by up to 20 per cent of industry participants, are damning.
The report has wider ramifications for other animal-related industries. The most significant relate to Mr McHugh’s instructions on the social licence to operate – particularly ‘wastage’ of dogs that “are commercial commodities, not animals to be cherished and loved”.
Mr McHugh described social license as highly changeable – granted to industries in a court of public opinion where the goal posts will shift over time.
The report laid out a series of onerous and wide-ranging reforms. Premier Mike Baird said a ban was needed because “the culture of deception and mistreatment of dogs just ran too deep” and “the death of thousands of dogs a year” was unacceptable.
Wastage and commercial animals are facts of life for a lot of livestock production. With seven Greens and one Animal Justice MP in Macquarie Street, and social media-savvy animal rights activists, it’s little wonder producers are nervous.
Many livestock industry stakeholders were contacted for this article, but declined to be named. Most said they felt exposed to fresh attacks from the animal welfare lobby. One key stakeholder said “the National Party has clearly forgotten to consult its base and this has lead to a shocking decision”.
NSW Labor leader Luke Foley is opposed to the ban and argued for reform. He called on Parliament to block enabling legislation and called on Nationals MPs to cross the floor on a vote.
“Mike Baird stated wastage as the reason for the shutdown. On that logic we would shut Thoroughbred racing tomorrow, and harness racing, and the beef industry.”