The most critical perspective of the ethical issues raised by this case study comes from animal rights. This perspective sit in direct contrast with utilitarianism, in fact Jeremy Bentham, known as the founder of modern utilitarianism said, "We deprive animals of life, this is justifiable; their pains do not equal our enjoyments” (Salt, 1894). Animal rights is a perspective that values the rights and freedoms of animals and sees fundamental wrongs in the use of animals as a resource whether that be for food, medicine or entertainment (Regan, 1983). On the surface greyhound racing is unethical as it “exploits” animals for entertainment, however, efforts have been made to improve the ethical standing of the sport and reduce its infringement on
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The first option is for the Australian state governments to outlaw greyhound racing altogether as both the industry, dog owners, and trainers have displayed their incompetence to maintain a level of animal welfare. While critics to this proposal will argue the revenue generated from greyhound racing is of key importance to the Australian economy, Price Waterhouse Cooper concluded the industry is a ‘consumptive sector’ that doesn’t ‘generate any significant productivity benefits to the rest of the economy (Animals Australia, 2017). From an animal rights position, on the surface this proposal appears to be a win that will end unnecessary abuse and suffering of animals particularly given the systematic disregard for animal rights demonstrated by use of live baiting. However, one key question must be raised, with an estimated 300,000 racing dogs, what will be the dogs’ fait if racing was to be outlawed? With between 13,000 to 17,000 dogs being killed as it stands, it’s fair to assume majority of the racing dogs would be euthanised which in itself would raise ethical concerns. As raised previously, the industry employs 10,000 workers, if banned, these employs will be forced into unemployment which could have severe social and economic impacts. For these reasons, though a desired outcome for animal rights organisations, it’s not a practicable solution to the
The first option is for the Australian state governments to outlaw greyhound racing altogether as both the industry, dog owners, and trainers have displayed their incompetence to maintain a level of animal welfare. While critics to this proposal will argue the revenue generated from greyhound racing is of key importance to the Australian economy, Price Waterhouse Cooper concluded the industry is a ‘consumptive sector’ that doesn’t ‘generate any significant productivity benefits to the rest of the economy (Animals Australia, 2017). From an animal rights position, on the surface this proposal appears to be a win that will end unnecessary abuse and suffering of animals particularly given the systematic disregard for animal rights demonstrated by use of live baiting. However, one key question must be raised, with an estimated 300,000 racing dogs, what will be the dogs’ fait if racing was to be outlawed? With between 13,000 to 17,000 dogs being killed as it stands, it’s fair to assume majority of the racing dogs would be euthanised which in itself would raise ethical concerns. As raised previously, the industry employs 10,000 workers, if banned, these employs will be forced into unemployment which could have severe social and economic impacts. For these reasons, though a desired outcome for animal rights organisations, it’s not a practicable solution to the