22 October 2021

Greyhounds – Faruqi PSB – Customs Legislation Amendment

(Commercial Greyhound Export and Import Prohibitation) Bill 2021

 

 

There is currently a Private Senator’s Bill to amend the Customs Act.

 

Labor supports strong animal welfare standards and we will have more to say on this issue over the coming months.

 

Most of the laws relating to animal welfare and the enforcement of those laws sit with State and Territory governments.

 

Currently, the export of greyhounds is subject to Greyhounds Australasia’s rules. The rules require any person exporting greyhounds to another country to obtain a Greyhound Passport prior to meeting the requirements of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

 

Australia is one of seven countries with a legalised commercial greyhound industry. The others are New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam, Mexico and the United States of America. Passports are not issued for export to countries with poor animal welfare standards.

 

I understand only a small number of dogs exported from Australia each year are greyhounds, and most of them go to New Zealand which has a strong legislative animal welfare framework.

 

Labor believes that all animals should be treated humanely and that it is the responsibility of all governments, state and federal, to ensure that this is done.  

 

It is our expectation that the Morrison Government does everything it can to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.