0bjections to the legalisation of dog racing

Director-General, Department of Trade and Industry
Private Bag X84
Pretoria
0001

Fax number: 012 394 2054
E-mail: NEMashamaite@thedti.gov.za

Dear Mr Nkoatse Ernest Mashamaite

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE (23 MAY 2014) NO 37653: DRAFT NATIONAL GAMBLING NORMS AND STANDARDS – GREYHOUND RACING

As a South African and someone strongly concerned about the wellbeing of animals I strongly oppose the proposed legalisation of Greyhound racing.

My main objections to the legalisation of Greyhound racing is as follow:

• Animal abuse
• Law enforcement will be hugely problematic
• Dog racing is not a traditional African pastime

Dog racing, including greyhound racing involves many welfare problems which is inherent in other countries and are not limited to:

• Lives of confinement, some being confined more than 20 hours per day
• Lack of or inadequate medical/veterinary attention and treatment.
• Serious injuries which includes broken legs, paralysis, head trauma and death from cardiac arrest
• Continual breeding: - South Africa already having an overpopulation of dogs
• Potential inhumane disposal of unsuitable, injured or “retired” dogs
• Cruel and inhumane training methods, in some instances live animals are used
• 50% of greyhounds are “disposed of” before they even reach the tracks.
• Drugging of the dogs to hide injuries or to enhance performance
• Excess dogs will be contributing to illegal hunting and poaching of our wildlife

Animals are already widely abused in South Africa and there are very limited resources for the protection of these animals and the funding of animal welfare organisations.

Dog racing remains illegal in many countries around the world for various reasons, including the widespread abuse involved in this activity.

I strongly urge you to uphold the ban on dog racing in South Africa.

Kind regards



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