The NSPCA appeals to the community to make their voices heard and sign a petition to convince government not to legalise dog racing.
Great concern was expressed by Senior Inspector Jaco Pieterse, Manager of the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit on Monday that government would even consider legalising greyhound racing in South Africa with their recent publication of the proposed Draft National Gambling Norms and Standards in the Government Gazette No 37653 of 23 May 2014.
It’s said that dog racing has been illegal in South Africa since 1949.
The NSPCA strongly opposes the legalisation of greyhound racing and is in the process of submitting a communication to the Director-General of Trade and Industry, advising of concerns and motivating that the ban on dog racing in South Africa is upheld.
The petition has reached more than 12 000 signatures.
“People must accept the fact that running and racing are two different things. Dog racers themselves will say greyhounds love to run, yet again their dogs are confined for most of their lives in small cages,” Senior Inspector Jaco Pieterse said.
He continued “Human athletes can decide whether or not to run with injuries or to take drugs, dogs cannot. South Africa already lacks proper law enforcement and is one of the countries with the highest crime rates.”
The NSPCA said in a statement on Monday “There is no African state where greyhound racing has been successful. South Africa should be moving forward in keeping the ban on dog racing.
“Dog racing is not legal anywhere in Africa and is not a traditional African pastime. It is in decline even where it receives State subsidies such as in the USA, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“By legalising dog racing you are condoning vast amounts of money being spent on gambling and animal cruelty rather than supporting family economics.”
The NSPCA appeals to all to join them in the fight against the proposed legislation to legalise dog racing.
To sign the petition click here
