Friday Hound Blogging

We're sure you are familiar with the old saying that goes First they came for the socialists and I did not speak up because I was not a socialist. It's a sad commentary on apathy and the inevitable result of complacency. We tell you this because YOU NEED TO WAKE UP PEOPLE!! Our freedoms are in jeopardy. Sound the call to action! A las barricadas amigos! Why, you ask. Because the jackbooted thugs have come for the overlords and the rest of us can't be far behind!

Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) stepped up its inspections of trainers and owners after a Four Corners program earlier this year uncovered the use of live baits to "blood" racing dogs Live rabbits, cats and possums were being used as lures in mechanized training facilities known as bullrings.

It's a fascist paradise man. 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and A Clockwork Orange all rolled into one, plus a little of The Iron Heel. It's power come down from the high mountain to crush your dreams. It's, well let's let overlord, former trainer and publisher of the GreyhoundUnion.com newsletter, Tony Vass tell us. He's had first hand experience.

"I can't speak for all of them but I have been getting a lot of calls from members and non-members around Victoria saying that their rights are being trampled," Mr Vass said.

Oh we hear you Mr. Vass. Evil has a stranglehold on liberty and is slowly chocking the life out of her. The dark shadow of Mordor has spread across the land. Um...just to be clear though, what rights are you talking about? The right to condemn innocent rabbits cats and possums to meaningless, violent deaths in the unsubstantiated belief that it will make the dogs run faster? The right to commodify sentient living creatures and place them in harm's way in the singular pursuit of (no) profit? The right to off 40% of greyhounds when they are no longer productive? We're just trying to get a clear picture here.

Mr Vass said there were a number of trainers who were angry and disillusioned by the process

As well they should be Mr. Vass, as well they should be. Where do these pencil necked bureaucrats get off thinking they can invite themselves on to an overlord's property just because they represent governmental oversight of your industry? Is this a dictatorship? Have the overlords no rights? Where's Cliven Bundy when you need him?

Animal Welfare officers reported a trainer allegedly fired a gun and attempted to assault them during an unannounced inspection on the man's property at Rosedale, east of Melbourne.

Oh. There he is. Well look, you have to expect that when freedom is threatened patriots will rise to defend her. You would do well to take note of that GRV chairman Bernie Carolan.

Mr Vass said the incident on Tuesday was predictable, if not inevitable, and GRV officials had been warned about the growing tension in the industry over unannounced property inspections.

 Word to the wise, Mr. Carolan, word to the wise. You're heading down a dangerous path toying with the the overlords' fundamental freedom to be callous, cold hearted and cruel, just like it says in the bible.

"The Domestic Animals Act, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Racing Act come together in the Code of Practice, which participants in the industry need to follow. "We do have the power to do what we believe we have to do to lead some culture change within the industry, [so] incidents like the live baiting incident from February won't occur again."

Oh sure, hide behind the law Mr. Carolan, like that makes a difference. The overlords are talking about free enterprise here. The right to kill and maim their way to riches, just like any other business person. Well, OK, most people in business don't make a profit by death and injury, but the overlords don't really make a profit anyway, so give them a break all right? Cripes, you expect them to work for a living? That's why they have the dogs. And the rabbits. And the cats. And the possums.

What do you say, Mr. Carolan? All the overlords are asking for is a couple day's notice. You know,  so they can tidy up a bit, maybe put on some water for tea. Is that too much to ask?

GRV said the incident in Gippsland would not stop its officers carrying out snap inspections.

Geez, there's just no pleasing some people huh Johnny?

I am very calm, loving and playful. I am not a jumper, but I do like to play. I will bring you a squeaky toy or a ball. I actually play fetch, which is unusual for a Greyhound. I enjoy going for walks. I am good with or other dogs or by myself. I get along perfect with dogs of any size and kitties too. I enjoy going for car rides. I just lie down, go to sleep and enjoy the ride. I can go up and down the stairs; however, I don’t really like the tile stairs that are in one part of my foster home. I am fine with any other surface of stairs though. I don’t mind being in my crate. I go in there to take naps. I have met kids from the age of three up to the age of ten. I loved them and was so gentle. I gave them lots of loving kisses. I have actually loved everyone one I have met. I am housebroken too. For more information about this dog, and other rescued racing greyhounds looking for homes, go here. If you don't know about the plight of racing greyhounds go here and here.