Owners and trainers of racing greyhounds in Gippsland are being urged to provide feedback on the Andrews Labor Government's proposed reforms that if left unchanged, will force many from the industry.

Shadow Minister for Racing and Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said submissions on the draft Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds needed to be completed by 5pm Monday, August 14.

"I have had many owners, trainers and clubs contact me saying they feel this is an attempt to ban the industry by stealth,” Mr Bull said at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club today.

"Some of the concerns I have heard include fencing requirements that will result in costs of tens of thousands of dollars to comply down to the need to change dogs' toys weekly.”

Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien, said many local residents had also contacted him about the proposed amendments.

"This is a classic case of overreach. We need strong regulation, but not to the stage where it puts trainers out of business,” he said.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, whose electorate takes in all three Gippsland clubs in Sale, Traralgon and Warragul, said the Victorian Nationals were strong supporters of the industry.

"Anyone caught doing the wrong thing should of course face the consequences, however what we don't need is attempts like this to push good people out," she said.

The draft code of practice and a link to provide a submission are available at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/greyhounds/code-of-practice.

Caption: Nationals MPs Melina Bath, Danny O’Brien and Tim Bull discuss concerns over the Labor Government’s draft Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds with Sale Greyhound Racing Club manager, Des Dooley, this morning.

Thursday, August 3, 2017