Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is appalled by the disgraceful cruelty experienced by Australian greyhounds exported overseas that was covered in last night’s story on the ABC’s 7.30 Report.

GRV chair Bernie Carolan said the story drove home the urgent need to reform greyhound racing at all levels to make animal welfare the overriding priority.

“As part of GRVs new reform agenda, we are vigorously investigating any Victorian involvement in greyhound exports to any jurisdictions that don’t have strong and firmly enforced welfare regulations,” Mr Carolan said.

“We are working closely with Greyhounds Australasia to put a stop to all such exports but while trade with poorly regulated and enforced jurisdictions is banned under Victorian and National greyhound racing rules, it’s not yet illegal under Federal law.”

“Despite repeated appeals by Australian greyhound regulatory authorities for a Federal ban on exporting greyhounds to such jurisdictions, no action has been taken to date.”

“Everyone who loves this racing code and the greyhounds that are its heart must be united in stamping out this terrible trade.”