For decades, stories of live baiting have plagued greyhound racing. But despite reports and government inquiries — the ability of authorities to investigate reports has been hindered by a lack of video evidence. In a high-risk operation, investigators used surveillance cameras to obtain much-needed evidence on which action could finally be taken.
Greyhounds are naturally gentle dogs, but as ‘sight hounds’ they can easily be incited to chase moving objects. Cut-throat trainers looking for a ‘winning’ edge take advantage of this by ‘taunting’ dogs with tethered live animals, and tying animals — literally kicking and screaming — to fast-moving lures.
The shocking vision, which aired on ABC Four Corners, exposes a culture of cruelty and cheating, and throws into question thousands of races and millions of dollars in prize money.
Industry self-regulation is failing dismally. And while self-regulation continues, there can be little hope that live baiting will ever be eradicated from the industry.