Questions without notice and ministers statements
Animal welfare
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:00): (328) My question is for the Minister for Racing in the other place. Last week Tasmania’s top greyhound trainer was banned for life following evidence of live baiting. The ban includes owning, racing or nominating any greyhound, yet a number of registered Victorian dogs remain at his property. Will the minister ensure these dogs at his dilapidated property are brought home to safety, just like my office did for Graham Cracker, who he also trained?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:00): I thank Ms Purcell for her interest and her passion on this matter. What I will do is pass on that question to the Minister for Racing in the other place, and I am sure he will provide a response in line with the standing orders.
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:01): Thank you, Minister, for referring on my question. The living conditions for animals at this trainer’s property and in his care are insufficient, with dogs freezing and living in squalor, yet the racing industry has advised my office it is up to individual owners to secure the safety of their dogs. This is a completely unacceptable response in an animal welfare emergency from an industry that claims to care about the animals they rely on to operate. Has the minister or his office engaged with the registered owners of these Victorian dogs to help ensure their safety?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:01): I thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary question. In line with the standing orders I will also pass that on to the minister in the other place and request a written response in line with the standing orders.