Below is a letter received from Steve Rosier Chief Executive of GRA (NSW) answering criticisms levelled at the export of greyhounds from Australia to Asia.

Following this letter you will find the excellent reply from one of our supporters.

"Animal Welfare in Asia"

"I refer to your recent communication concerning animal welfare and the exportation of greyhounds from Australia. It is advised that this issue is one of concern to all greyhoundauthorities. Indeed, the matter has been discussed at length and ultimately resulted in our national body, the Australian and New Zealand Greyhound Association (ANZGA), making enquiries of the Federal Department ofAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia (in particular theAustralian Quarantine Inspection Service) as to the Federal Government requirements on the exporting of greyhounds.

The AQIS has advised that it “is responsible for ensuring export consignments of live animals and animal reproductive material are preparedand certification issued in accordance with the importing country requirements”. This activity falls within the legislative provisions of the Export ControlAct 1982. The transport and subsequent export of live animals also needs tocomply with domestic animal welfare legislation such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other international standards, primarily the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – Live Animal Regulations.

The AQIS maintains a database of all export protocols that it receives and this is maintained and kept up to date as much as possible and may be utilized as a guide for determining export conditions to an overseas country. The location of that database (ANIMEX) is http://www.aqis.gov.au/animex/asp/search.asp.

In addition I have also been advised that there are only a small number of exporters that have been forwarding greyhounds into Asian countries for nearly 30 years. In most cases these have been to Macau and in more recent times to Vietnam and China. The past 18 months has also witnessed some greyhounds going to Korea where they commenced greyhound racing in April of this year.

One reported misconception is that thousands of greyhounds are being exported to that country whereas the official AQIS statistics put the number for last year at 200 and information available to the ANZGA for this year puts the export rate at just 20 per month.

The ANZGA continually raises the welfare question in the Asian region and itis satisfied with the provisions in place with both Macau and Vietnam. Further to this I can advise that my Chairman, Ross Magin, being the immediate past President of the World Greyhound Racing Federation (WGRF), has personally inspected racing operations in Macau. He has publicly reported his findings in this respect and such may be viewed by visiting theAuthority’s web site (http://www.gra.nsw.gov.au/columns/) and clicking on the Chairman’s June 2002 Report.

Further, and in response to many requests, the ANZGA has sought information from the Korean Government on the welfare of the racing greyhound in that country. That ANZGA is currently awaiting a response and detailed information. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for raising your concerns and please be assured that the situation is being monitored as best as can be done.

Kind regards, Steve RosierChief ExecutiveGRA (NSW)"

And our supporter's reply...

"Dear Mr. Rosier.

Your general statement has spoken volumes about you and the Australian racing industries priorities. It is evident that you think the lives of the greyhounds that have been sent to Asia over the last 30 years are worthless.

You refer to 200 greyhounds sent to Korea as being a small figure. Surely you must be aware that one greyhound sent to such a place is one to many. The fate of the 369 greyhounds sent to Macau has also become very clear. Recently reported in the media greyhounds that can no longer race in Macau are being slaughtered and thrown into the landfills.

It is not surprising that you and your chairman express such little regard for the welfare of the very animals that make you money. As the whole foundation of the greyhound racing industry has been built on suffering and abuse.

You claim that ANZGA is satisfied with the provisions in place regarding Vietnam and Macau. Yet you fail to mention that there is no hope, opportunity or rehoming programmes for the greyhounds that are retired or injured or have failed the grade in Asia.

Once again the media has exposed the fate of greyhound in Asia. Butchered in such places as Vietnam, Macau, China and Korea. They are ending their days either in the dog meat industry or thrown into landfills. Perhaps you care to be sent images of Australian greyhounds that have been slaughtered and skinned alive in Asia.

The Australian greyhound racing industry is coming under world scrutiny for continuing to contribute to the barbaric treatment of greyhounds exported to Asia.

You are aware of the cruelty inflicted on companion animals in Asia, so why do you continue to support the export of greyhounds to such places. I urge you to take this matter seriously and stop supporting such atrocities, by ensuring the export of greyhounds to Asia is immediately stopped. I await your actions.

Sincerely Mr.JP Kavanagh"

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