GREYHOUND trainers caught using live bait would be banned for life under a raft of recommendations to crack down on animal cruelty. A review into the state's greyhound industry has reported that stronger powers are needed for animal welfare officers, and breeding programs should be reviewed to reduce the culling of dogs. Racing Minister Jeremy Rockliff tabled the recommendations in Parliament yesterday, but said the review found no evidence of live baiting in Tasmania. Mr Rockliff ordered the review after ABC program Four Corners revealed trainers had been using live rabbits, possums and piglets as bait in three other states. "The report underlines the need for industry to develop a culture where the community can be confident that animal welfare standards meet contemporary expectations," Mr Rockliff said. Denison Greens MHA Cassy O'Connor will today move a motion in Parliament to set up a joint parliamentary inquiry to investigate the industry, focusing on live bait and "wastage" of dogs. The government and opposition have indicated they will support Ms O'Connor's inquiry. "These recommendations highlight how crucial a parliamentary inquiry into greyhound racing is to the industry in Tasmania," Ms O'Connor said. "It is obvious from these recommendations and from the many accounts received from across the state, the greyhound racing industry in Tasmania is in crisis," she said. "The current state of affairs is unacceptable and I hope that the inquiry can start work as soon as possible," she said. RSPCA general manager Peter West said the animal welfare body had investigated a number of reports of live baiting since the Four Corners program aired, but had found no evidence. "We'd be naive to believe it didn't go on in this state," Mr West said. Mr West said the recommendations were a "first step in a number of steps that need to happen". "I think it's really good that the industry is manning up in this regard," Mr West said. "The RSPCA is not about shutting down this industry but it is about animal welfare," he said.
GREYHOUND trainers caught using live bait would be banned for life under a raft of recommendations to crack down on animal cruelty.
A review into the state's greyhound industry has reported that stronger powers are needed for animal welfare officers, and breeding programs should be reviewed to reduce the culling of dogs.
Racing Minister Jeremy Rockliff tabled the recommendations in Parliament yesterday, but said the review found no evidence of live baiting in Tasmania.
Mr Rockliff ordered the review after ABC program Four Corners revealed trainers had been using live rabbits, possums and piglets as bait in three other states.
"The report underlines the need for industry to develop a culture where the community can be confident that animal welfare standards meet contemporary expectations," Mr Rockliff said.
Denison Greens MHA Cassy O'Connor will today move a motion in Parliament to set up a joint parliamentary inquiry to investigate the industry, focusing on live bait and "wastage" of dogs.
The government and opposition have indicated they will support Ms O'Connor's inquiry.
"These recommendations highlight how crucial a parliamentary inquiry into greyhound racing is to the industry in Tasmania," Ms O'Connor said.
"It is obvious from these recommendations and from the many accounts received from across the state, the greyhound racing industry in Tasmania is in crisis," she said.
"The current state of affairs is unacceptable and I hope that the inquiry can start work as soon as possible," she said.
RSPCA general manager Peter West said the animal welfare body had investigated a number of reports of live baiting since the Four Corners program aired, but had found no evidence.
"We'd be naive to believe it didn't go on in this state," Mr West said.
Mr West said the recommendations were a "first step in a number of steps that need to happen".
"I think it's really good that the industry is manning up in this regard," Mr West said.
"The RSPCA is not about shutting down this industry but it is about animal welfare," he said.
