Save greyhounds from cruel export

Australia's greyhound racing industry is not one with a glowing track record for animal welfare. Just like in the horse racing industry, animals whose only fault is that they are not fast enough to win are disposed of in the thousands. A very small portion of these unwanted animals are rehomed, however the vast majority are killed. But perhaps the grimmest fate that can await these unlucky dogs is export, and this export trade may soon grow if not stopped.

A primary export destination for greyhounds from Australia is Macau, with hundreds of racing dogs facing cruel conditions in this region of China. In Macau's greyhound racing stadium, the Canidrome, these dogs are kept in cages so small they can barely turn around and must literally run for their lives on the track.

Greyhounds from Australia were killed at the Canidrome at a rate of more than 1 every day in 2010. Nearly all of these dogs were healthy and not even five years old. All they had done wrong is fail to finish in the top three for five consecutive races.

Despite acknowledging its concerns about the welfare of Australian greyhounds in Macau, Greyhounds Australasia is refusing to stop sending them there. With an ongoing supply of dogs from Australia, this unethical practice can continue, and is even threatening to expand.

Macau is the only place in China where greyhound racing is currently legal. But with racing industries from around the world pushing for the legalisation of greyhound racing on mainland China many more greyhounds are at risk.

The Australian government can help stop this cruel practice by banning the export of greyhounds. Please call on Minister for Agriculture, Joe Ludwig, to stop Australia's export of greyhounds.