Despite a massive public outcry, a controversial greyhound breeding facility in Ipswich has been given the green light.
The development, set to house 125 dogs and puppies, has sparked outrage from animal welfare groups, which lodged a staggering 6,200 submissions against the proposal.
The facility, owned by Snow Catton, will be located on Ipswich Boonah Rd at Purga, just a stone’s throw from the state government’s new $39 million greyhound track, The Q. It will feature 103 kennels, six pup yards, two exercise yards, a 200-metre running track, a 12-metre bullring, and four parking spaces.
This approval will likely open the floodgates for similar developments in the area, cementing Ipswich’s position as a centre for the greyhound industry. Thousands of international animal rights activists voiced their concerns, claiming the facility would endanger animals’ lives.
However, the council granted preliminary approval after the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission reviewed all submissions and advised it had no jurisdiction over animal welfare concerns. The commission will oversee the facility’s operations, including monitoring animal welfare practices.
Residents also raised concerns about noise pollution and the environmental impact on local wildlife, particularly koalas. To address these issues, a 1.8-metre acoustic fence will be built around the kennels, and operational hours will be restricted to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The kennels must also be at least 50 metres from a documented koala habitat.
Despite these measures, concerns remain about the adequacy of the noise impact assessments and the lack of local council control over animal welfare. Mayor Teresa Harding voiced her apprehensions about gambling, property values, and the council’s limited power to regulate animal welfare.
The final decision will be made by the full council in late August.
Published Date 19-August-2024
