The New South Wales (NSW) greyhound racing industry has been rocked by the resignation of its chief executive officer (CEO), Tony Mestrov, and the release of a damning report that has been hidden from the public for months.
Mestrov Resigns Amidst Controversy
Mestrov stepped down from his role as CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) on Monday, following a string of controversies that have plagued the industry in recent months.
The most recent scandal involved the alleged mistreatment of greyhounds at a training facility in the state’s north-west. The facility was owned by a prominent greyhound trainer who has close ties to GRNSW.
Mestrov has denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations have put further pressure on an industry that has been under fire for its treatment of animals.
Damning Report Hidden From Public
Adding to the industry’s woes is a damning report that was commissioned by GRNSW in 2021.
The report, which was conducted by the independent animal welfare group Animals Australia, found widespread evidence of animal cruelty within the greyhound racing industry.
GRNSW has refused to release the report to the public, citing legal advice. However, the report was leaked to the media and has since been published on Animals Australia’s website.
Report Highlights Animal Cruelty
The report found that greyhounds in NSW are routinely subjected to:
- Intensive confinement in small cages
- Excessive drug use
- Live baiting
- Unnecessary euthanasia
The report also found that GRNSW has failed to adequately regulate the industry and has turned a blind eye to animal cruelty.
Conclusion
The NSW greyhound racing industry is in crisis. The resignation of its CEO and the release of a damning report have exposed widespread animal cruelty and regulatory failures.
It is clear that the industry needs urgent reform. The government must take action to protect animals and ensure that those responsible for cruelty are held accountable.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
