NSW Premier Mike Baird has hit back at criticism of his government's decision to ban greyhound racing, taking to Facebook to list the top 10 myths he claims are being touted in support of the doomed industry.
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He concedes, though, it won't be possible to re-house all greyhounds and many may be put down.
"Whatever loss of life regrettably comes as a result of the shutdown is a small fraction of what would happen if the industry continued and I am open to any approach to save as many dogs as we can," writes Mr Baird on the social media site.
He also disputes that he just wants to ban everything.
Here is an edited version of his list.
1. You are punishing many for the crimes of a few.
Mr Baird said the changes will have a big impact on some communities but those in the greyhound industry impacted by his decision should direct their anger "towards others in their industry who have brought us to this place".
2. This is a land grab for developers.
Wentworth Park will not be sold off, Mr Baird writes.
"Let me state this as clearly as possible: we will not be developing any tracks on Crown Land into residential or high rise. Something to clarify here: the government owns about half of the tracks, but not all of them."
3. All these greyhounds are now going to die.
"There is absolutely a huge challenge here. We are working very closely with the RSPCA and their partners to re-home as many dogs as possible and our strong preference is for dogs to remain with their current owners or be adopted into homes. One of the reasons we have given till July next year for the industry to close is so we can work out the best possible way to care for as many as dogs as possible."
4. This is a hastily made decision and there has been no consultation.
The opposite is true, argues Mr Baird. "When the Four Corners story on this emerged over a year ago, our response was not to make immediate decisions."
5. The Government is hypocritical and will still take money from people in NSW gambling on dogs racing in other states.
"We don't want to curtail your right to punt. But we also don't want the government to profit from poorly run greyhound industries."
6. This Government just wants to ban everything.
"I'm a big advocate of small government that keeps out of your way. But that doesn't mean government stands back and allows cruelty to animals on a widespread scale. I understand why some people feel like they are being over-governed when we introduce more laws - particularly if it is a law you don't like. Creating extra restrictions brings me no joy. But neither does the death of thousands of dogs a year."
7. The industry was already reforming and on its way to a better future.
"Although there had been some progress made, the Inquiry found that the industry has had many years to reform and failed to do so. In fact, even after the Four Corners investigation and with the full knowledge that we had ordered an inquiry, the report found trainers were STILL using live baiting and flouting the rules."
8. A total shut-down is an over-reaction.
"The culture of deception and mistreatment of dogs just ran too deep...The sad reality is, further regulation simply isn't a viable option."
9. If you really cared about puppies you'd shut down puppy farms.
"We continue to work closely with the RSPCA and other stakeholders to try and get better outcomes here."
10. The review said this should go to Parliament. Why isn't it?
"It is. The government will present legislation to shut down greyhound racing during the next sitting period and parliament will indeed consider and debate our proposal," writes Mr Baird.
