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A 125-dog breeding and training facility has been proposed near the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre, which is due to be completed in 2024.

The 56-acre property south of Ipswich could become home to a large-scale greyhound breeding and training facility if a development application lodged with the Ipswich City Council is approved.

The site is also intended to operate as an ‘intensive animal husbandry’ and training facility and would see several new litters of greyhounds bred and trained for racing purposes. Breeding dogs for racing purposes raises significant animal welfare concerns.

A 200m sprinting track and outdoor exercise yards are amongst the proposed changes to the land. The proximity of the proposed breeding and training facility to the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre is a driving factor in the application, allowing trainers and the dogs to reside less than ten minutes away.

This facility will bring more suffering to greyhounds purely to make money and entertain people.

AWLQ strongly opposes the proposed 125-dog breeding facility at 763 Ipswich-Boonah Road in Purga. As an organisation committed to the well-being and humane treatment of animals, we are deeply concerned about the establishment of an intensive animal husbandry and training facility that would breed and train greyhounds for racing purposes.

Will you help us say no to more greyhounds suffering for entertainment?

Please lodge your opposition to this development before 14 September 2023. We have provided a suggested template here; however, we strongly encourage you to use your own words for better impact.

2129/2023/MCU: Material Change of Use at 763 Ipswich-Boonah Road in Purga.

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Dear Ipswich City Council,

This is a submission in objection to application 2129/2023/MCU for the 125-dog greyhound training and breeding facility. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Material Change of Use at 763 Ipswich-Boonah Road in Purga.

I am deeply concerned about the establishment of an intensive animal husbandry and training facility that would breed and train greyhounds for racing purposes. This submission aims to outline my concerns, highlighting the animal welfare issues associated with both breeding and greyhound racing.

Animal welfare issues associated with breeding

Breeding dogs for racing purposes raises significant animal welfare concerns. The proposed facility intends to produce several litters of greyhounds, which places a tremendous strain on the breeding dogs, the puppies, and the overall welfare of the animals involved. Some of the key concerns include:

Establishing a large-scale breeding facility may lead to overbreeding, resulting in an excess population of greyhounds. This can lead to overcrowded shelters, increased euthanasia rates, and the subsequent abandonment and neglect of unwanted greyhounds.

Maintaining a facility of this magnitude would make it challenging to provide each dog with the necessary care, socialisation, and individual attention. Dogs require proper socialisation, mental stimulation, and exercise for their well-being, and these needs can be compromised in a large-scale breeding environment.

Intensive breeding practices can contribute to the propagation of hereditary diseases and genetic disorders. Such issues can be exacerbated when breeding is prioritised for racing performance rather than overall health and welfare. The health and genetic well-being of the dogs must be a primary concern.

Animal welfare issues associated with greyhound racing

Greyhound racing has long been associated with numerous animal welfare issues, which have raised serious concerns among animal welfare organisations and the public. Some of the key points include:

The fast-paced and competitive nature of greyhound racing places these dogs at a significantly higher risk of injuries and even fatalities. The racing track environment, combined with the pursuit of speed and performance, exposes greyhounds to potential collisions, falls, and musculoskeletal injuries.

The racing industry often fails to provide adequate retirement plans for greyhounds once they are no longer deemed competitive. Many retired greyhounds face uncertain futures, with many being abandoned, euthanised, or ending up in overcrowded shelters. Ensuring appropriate retirement plans and rehoming efforts for retired racing greyhounds is paramount.

The conditions in which racing greyhounds are often kept can be substandard, with some dogs spending a significant portion of their lives in kennels or crates. This restricted living environment can lead to physical and psychological distress, depriving the dogs of essential enrichment and companionship.

The training methods employed in the greyhound racing industry have come under scrutiny for their potential to involve harsh practices such as live baiting and doping. These methods not only compromise the welfare of the dogs but also contribute to public perception issues surrounding the industry.

The proposal does not align with community values

Commercial greyhound racing, once a thriving industry, is now waning and remains active in only seven countries: Australia, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. Its decline is evident in most of these nations.

In Australia, the industry leans heavily on government subsidies, largely sourced from gambling revenue. Without these substantial financial infusions, it's conceivable that the industry would be diminishing in Australia as well. A case in point is the Queensland government's recent decision to channel 80% of the revenue from the Point of Consumption Tax back into the industry, underscoring the extensive government backing it enjoys.

In 2022, the Queensland government approved a $40 million publicly funded greyhound track in Purga. This decision was made without Ipswich City Council's approval and despite significant public resistance. During the consultation phase, over 10,000 objections were registered against the development, including approximately 3,000 from Ipswich residents alone.

Greyhound Racing's reputation has suffered due to recurrent animal welfare concerns and the negative societal consequences of gambling. Notably, Australia ranks highest globally in gambling losses per capita, with losses in 2017 reported at an alarming US$958 per person annually. This addiction has led to severe social repercussions such as crime, mental health issues, family breakdowns, domestic violence, and even suicides. It's worth noting that these detrimental effects hit lower-income and indigenous communities the hardest.

Impact on the community

The potential effects of housing 125 dogs mere hundreds of meters away from residential homes cannot be overlooked. The applicant's noise impact reports seem inadequate, assuming only 18 dogs will bark at night – a minuscule portion of the total projected number – and 58 dogs during the day. It's well-known that dogs, including greyhounds, frequently bark to communicate, especially during feeding times. Typically, if one starts barking, others follow suit.

However, while occasional barking is expected, incessant barking is a concern. It's an unfortunate but common occurrence among kennel-dwelling dogs, often resulting from feelings of boredom, anxiety, fear, and repeated frustration. This continual barking is a distressing coping mechanism for these animals.

The applicant's proposal lacks detailed plans for mitigating or addressing the inevitable noise disturbances, asserting that neither soundproofing nor other mitigation strategies are necessary.

If approved, this development could profoundly affect nearby residents. Should the applicant not sufficiently recognise or address these concerns, the proposed development should be reconsidered.

Detrimental effects on local biodiversity

The current project, while not directly causing deforestation in the koala habitat, indirectly poses significant threats to the species and its environment. One of the primary concerns arising from this initiative is the proximity of potential predators to the koala’s habitat.

Introducing over 100 dogs on site is particularly alarming. Dogs are known predators of koalas, often chasing, injuring, or killing them. A substantial number of dogs in the vicinity significantly amplifies the risk to these already vulnerable marsupials. Even if these dogs are managed or restrained, the mere presence of such a large number can stress koalas.

Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that koalas are particularly sensitive to environmental disturbances, notably man-made noises. Human activity can be distressing for these creatures.

Though prey species, like koalas, may not always exhibit noticeable signs of distress or panic in the face of these disturbances, the underlying effects can be profound. Chronic stress, resulting from continuous alterations to their environment, can compromise their overall well-being. One of the severe ramifications of such stress is a decrease in their reproductive rates. Additionally, continuous stress weakens the immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing their lifespan.

It's essential to consider these implications carefully. While the immediate footprint of a project might seem minimal, the ripple effects on local wildlife, susceptible species like the koala, can be profound.

Approval will set a concerning precedent

Endorsing this development could pave the way for further similar projects in the vicinity, especially given the imminent inauguration of the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre in Purga. While the state government has overlooked the community's reservations about greyhound racing, the Council holds a duty to engage with and prioritise the community's concerns. As such, it is imperative that this development, along with others of its kind, be declined.

Thank you for reading and considering my objection to the greyhound breeding and training facility, ref 2129/2023/MCU. For the above reasons, I request that the Council, as consent authority, refuse the application.

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