‘More deaths to come’

By Stuart Teather
RSPCA Victoria president Dr Hugh Wirth has launched an attack against Racing Victoria Limited (RVL), saying the organisation was only looking to further its interests when deciding to resume jumps racing.
Dr Wirth pointed to the RVL’s press release when announcing the decision, where its chairman Michael Duffy was quoted as saying the decision was made in the interests of the racing industry.
“In making this decision the RVL Board is mindful of its primary obligation to the racing community and its stakeholders,” Duffy said.
Dr Wirth said that effectively meant the RSPCA’s submissions to the board in the lead-up to the decision were worthless.
“What that absolutely says is commercial interests far outweigh those of animal welfare,” he said.
He acknowledged the RVL was never going to shut down the sport and said it was up to the government to step in.
“There’ll be more deaths, there’ll be more community uproar and eventually the board will be forced to abandon the sport.
“The government will respond like minister Hulls responds – no minister can withstand the whole business of horse deaths within racing.”