With shock waves of the state government’s greyhound racing industry ban reverberating across the state, the future of at least one dog is assured. And, while he will be forever linked to the NSW premier, this dog’s tale begins in the Hunter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
In May ex-racing dog Houdini was surrendered to the Newcastle’s Friends of the Hound. Living up to his name, Houdini escaped near-certain death. Instead of being euthanised, he would be rehomed. But, as Houdini’s new life was being planned out in July, Mike Baird announced the racing industry ban.
Hoping to raise awareness of greyhound adoption services, animal welfare group PETA contacted Friends of the Hound organiser Kay Mills, asking to sponsor Houdini’s care and adoption in exchange for a name change. They settled on Mike Baird. The canine Mike Baird is now being fostered in Maitland until a permanent home is found.
“I hope Mike becomes a symbol,” Ms Mills said. “I hope he has a bright future.”
PETA Australia Associate Director of Campaigns Ashley Fruno said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and in this case Mike Baird the politician should be thrilled to have such an adorable namesake.
“The naming is about more than saying thank you to the Premier,” he said.
“Ending an industry that kills thousands of dogs every year is a fantastic step, but now we need to focus on finding loving homes for greyhounds. By naming one such dog after the Premier, PETA Australia hopes to remind people that by adopting a dog like Mike, they can save a life.”
