Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:06): My question is for the Minister for Racing in the other place. Last week the Victorian Racing Tribunal handed down a decision in relation to a greyhound named Baba Bear. Baba Bear was only two years old and ran only one race in Victoria. His trainer sent him to a property where he was put on a treadmill for training. Baba Bear was left unsupervised, lost his balance and was strangled to death. Thirteen photos were uncovered showing the dead dog attached to the treadmill. For this his trainer only received a warning-off period, which prevents him from entering races for a short period of time. He did not receive a fine. If this happened to any other breed of dog, the perpetrator would be facing serious charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Why does the government continue to allow the greyhound racing industry to self-regulate despite ongoing incidents of animal cruelty?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:07): I thank Ms Purcell for her question and interest in this matter. In line with the standing orders, I will pass it on to the Minister for Racing in the other place for a response.

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:07): Thank you, minister, for referring it on. Every single time that I make inquiries about the self-regulation of the greyhound racing industry, Greyhound Racing Victoria responds and states that although greyhounds are governed under the rules of racing and code of practice, GRV stewards do have powers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and are able to provide Animal Welfare Victoria with a brief of evidence if they believe there have been breaches of the POCTA. How many times has this happened?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:07): I thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary question. In line with the standing orders, I will make sure it is passed on to the Minister for Racing in the other place for a response.