The ACT Opposition has told Labor it is out of touch with punters at the racetrack as it called on the government to back away from plans to defund the greyhound racing industry.
Racing and gaming spokesman Mark Parton will table a motion on Wednesday asking the government to explain what consultation it had with the ACT greyhound racing industry before pulling the pin on the sport's funding in Canberra.
In his inaugural speech to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Parton took aim at Labor and the Greens after Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the industry had no future in the ACT earlier in the year.
This was despite NSW premier Mike Baird backing away from a state-wide ban on the sport in October.
"The greyhound racing industry has been absolutely and fully compliant with all animal welfare requirements for their 37-year history and I think they have every right to question the dismissal of their sport in this city," Mr Parton said.
"They don't understand and neither do I the basis upon which they are being banished by this Labor government. I'm sure that those from the other side ever bothered to join me at the greyhounds one Sunday night would be staggered by how many former Labor voters they encounter."
Mr Parton, who used to be racecaller and owns shares in two racehorses, said the government had provided no evidence of any breaches of the law or of any cruelty within the sport locally.
Greens politician Caroline Le Couteur condemned Mr Parton's motion and would continue to push for an end to greyhound racing in the territory.
"It is outrageous that the Canberra Liberals think that an industry that kills up to 17,000 healthy dogs nationwide a year has a place in our community," Ms Le Couteur said.
"Over the last 20 years the Greens have championed animal rights in the ACT, and secured laws to prohibit battery hens, sow stalls and puppy and kitten farming. It is well past time to put an end to greyhound racing and the live baiting, abuse and slaughter of healthy dogs that goes with it, and the Greens won't stop until this industry is stopped."