02 June 2015

ABC The Drum: Sadistic side of greyhound racing must change

A Queensland inquiry has offered the greyhound industry a last gasp chance to survive after accusations of "animal cruelty on a scale never seen before". But there's reason to be sceptical things will change, writes Michael Hutak.

Some time around 1015AD King Canute was such a greyhound fan he introduced laws in ye olde England that rendered the breed exclusive to nobility, banning his celtic subjects, serfs and commoners from using them for hunting and gaming. Thus the "sport" of coursing emerged, whereby gentlemen owners of two greyhounds would wager on whose dog could best chase and catch a live hare. Apparently, this is a noble and pleasurable pursuit.

No comments: