WAGGA greyhound trainers say they are disheartened but still determined to continue fighting after Premier Mike Baird reaffirmed he plans to outlaw the sport by mid-July next year.
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It comes after weeks of speculation that the ban date could be put delayed or overturned completely if the National Party was not re-elected during the Orange state by-election on November 19.
But on Friday Mr Baird said the ban date was a done deal and “the right decision”.
Findings from the head of the Greyhounds Transition Taskforce John Keniry, who visited Wagga last month, were expected mid-October and would determine how the government would support the industry during its closure.
"As I have said, the date has been locked in," Mr Baird said.
"That is firm. What we have asked John Keniry to do is make some recommendations in relation to the transition."
In July, Mr Baird announced plans to outlaw greyhound racing by mid-2017 amid evidence of live-baiting and cruelty throughout the industry.
But those who participate in the sport have denied that cruel practices are widespread, and asked for greyhound racing to be allowed to continue with more regulation.
Members of Wagga’s greyhound industry will travel to Orange this month to openly campaign against the re-election of the National Party in the hopes it will trigger a ban u-turn.
Fourth generation greyhound owner and trainer Rod Oakman said Mr Baird’s latest comments just added to already sleepless nights of worry.
He felt nothing but uncertainty about what the future held for greyhound racing and would have to re-mortgage his house if the ban goes ahead.
“I’ve have mixed feelings at the moment, but the longer it goes ahead the better it is looking for the greyhound industry,” Mr Oakman said. “The Orange by-election will be what makes or breaks [the decision].”
Trainer and President of Wagga greyhound racing Adam Oliver said hearing the Premier say the ban date was locked in was “like rubbing salt into wounds”.
“I’m pretty disgusted, he hasn’t changed his mind since day dot and I don’t think he will,” he said. “I think Mr Baird would be still worried about the Orange by-election, and none of us are going to back down.”