A greyhound trainer has been stung with a $350 fine for striking their dog on the hindquarters during a race.
In a judgement released on Thursday, the Racing Integrity Board fined Francis McPhee $350 for striking their dog Vegas Chops on July 11, 2021. McPhee struck Vegas Chops during a race broadcast on Trackside TV.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said it shows how little regard the industry has for the dogs.
"Many greyhounds develop behavioural problems because of their training and upbringing," he said. "Hitting dogs is simply unacceptable."
It's not the first offence of its kind for Aotearoa's greyhound racing industry. In 2014, a trainer was fined $300 for kicking their greyhound and in 2015 a $250 fine was issued to a trainer who punched their greyhound.
Last week Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan accepted The Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand's 37,700 signature-strong petition, calling for a ban on greyhound racing.
"Thirty-one dogs are confirmed to have lost their lives in the most recent season and hundreds have been injured," Appelbe said.
"How many more dogs must suffer before the Government acts? These dogs belong on the couch, not the racetrack.
"As one of only a handful of countries that allows dog racing, it's time for Aotearoa to find other ways to amuse ourselves that don't needlessly put the lives of dogs at risk."
In April, the Government launched another review into greyhound racing, arguing the industry hasn't acted quick enough on its last review to resolve animal welfare issues.
Racing Minister Grant Robertson said he wasn't satisfied with the industry's work on animal welfare.
He said Greyhound Racing New Zealand had failed to provide sufficient information on changes they are making.
At the time Greyhound Racing New Zealand welcomed the review, saying it was confident the body was on track with what it was asked to do.
Greyhound racing is legal in only seven countries. A ban in the Australian Capital Territory came into force in April 2018, followed by a ban in Florida, USA, in November.
