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Greyhound Racing

How greyhound racing impact animals

“Greyhound racing is an odious, inhumane industry that kills thousands of innocent dogs and puppies every year in the most cruel and depraved ways.” ~ Abigail Boyd, Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council in Australia, May 30, 2019

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Greyhounds are intelligent, gentle dogs with a quiet disposition. Although they possess great athletic ability, most greyhounds are content to spend much of the day sleeping. In greyhound racing, the needs and well-being of these sensitive creatures come second place to their owner's interests in profiting from them. Greyhounds in the Australian racing industry face injury, death, high doping rates, horrific training, widespread neglect and a very uncertain future with limited rehoming options after only a few years of racing.

Fast Facts

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Neglect & Maltreatment

NEGLECTED DOGS REVEAL REALITY OF DOG RACING FOR GREYHOUNDS

Despite introducing the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission in 2018, investigations have revealed that greyhounds still leave the racing industry in a neglected state.

A 2021 survey undertaken by the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) found that most dogs arriving at kennels were in poor condition.  Some dogs could not walk up or down stairs, had untreated wounds from track racing and had not been socialised for rehoming.

“Eighty-nine per cent of community-run Greyhound groups said that the dogs that they took into their care came with pre-existing conditions that required veterinary care, including bad teeth and really poor diets,” ~ Kylie Field, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds says.

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The fact that so many dogs are leaving the industry in neglected condition calls into question the care provided to greyhounds in the racing industry.

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Injuries and Death

RACING TO DEATH

In 2022, 10,592 greyhounds suffered injuries on Australian tracks. Typical injuries include severe fractures to limbs, ribs, spines and skulls. Torn muscles and cartilage are typical injuries from falls during racing and training. Stress-related injuries occur from over-exertion and can lead to post-race collapse.

With so many injuries, it is perhaps not surprising that, statistically, one racing greyhound is killed every two days on Australian racetracks. In 2022, 184 greyhounds were killed as a result of racing incidents.

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It is worth noting that the available statistics possibly exclude many injuries suffered. The RSPCA states that: "Additional injuries will occur during pre-training, training, trialling and non-TAB races; however these statistics are generally not published. It is important to note that injuries may be detected post-race day and these injuries may not be formally recorded."

Wastage

BRED TO BE DISCARDED

A greyhound's racing career is short, at around three years. To replace retired dogs, those injured and killed, approximately 11,000 greyhounds are bred annually in Australia.  

As with horses bred into the racing industry, many are not suited to racing. Of the dogs produced each year, 25% won't be used for racing, leaving thousands battling to find homes.

In some cases, this leads to the euthanisation of otherwise healthy dogs.

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Fox in the hen house

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY & REGULATION

In some parts of Australia, the Greyhound Racing Authority is responsible for the commercial development, promotion and marketing of greyhound racing; and its regulation.

Along with the conflict of interest from having the Greyhound Racing Authority in charge of regulating and promoting the industry, the RSCPA claims that in some states, there is still a lack of enforceable greyhound-specific animal welfare standards.  

As per the horse racing industry, there is a significant lack of transparency and oversight regarding rehoming animals leaving the racing industry. Details regarding the whereabouts and well-being of greyhounds who have left the racing industry are rarely able to be verified.

Doping/Drugging dogs

METHAMPHETAMINE AND MORE

Reports show that since 2012, greyhounds are, on average, ten times more likely to return positive doping results than horses in the racing industry.

 

To win races, RSPCA Australia states that banned substances such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, caffeine, anabolic steroids, Viagra, cocaine, and Erythropoietin (EPO), among others, are reported to have been administered to racing greyhounds. These drugs can have severe health impacts on dogs, including death.

The penalties for doping dogs are almost inconsequential and unlikely to act as a deterrent. The Coalition for Protection of Greyhounds reports, "Financial penalties range from nothing to $2,500 for a repeat offender."

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Horrific Training Exposed

LIVE BAITING HORROR

Some trainers have been found to participate in the illegal practice of live baiting to train greyhounds. Live baiting is where live animals are tied to a mechanical lure and propelled at high speed around the race track with greyhounds in pursuit. Sometimes, live baiting involves inciting greyhounds to catch animals on ropes or leads. This is a terrifying, horrific experience for the animals used as bait, who are often killed brutally by the greyhounds once caught.

The RSPCA reports receiving complaints about using live rabbits, possums and piglets to train racing greyhounds in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

In 2015, the Four Corners ABC program exposed live baiting across three Australian states. Several greyhound trainers, including those with high profiles in the racing industry, were implicated in live baiting, indicating that animal cruelty was widespread and entrenched in the greyhound racing industry.

 

While measures have been taken to eliminate live baiting, including strengthening penalties and increased surveillance, the RSPCA reports continued allegations and investigations of live baiting in the greyhound racing industry.

Ditch Dog Racing

Our fun shouldn't come at the cost of another

Today there are so many ways to enjoy sports where the participants are willing participants and have the capacity to consent to the potential risks of racing. Quite simply, there are ways we can enjoy ourselves that don't require breeding animals, using them and then discarding them.

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Ditch Dog Racing - Spare greyhounds facing risk of injury or death, and being discarded by the racing industry, by choosing to avoid greyhound racing and letting your local member of parliament know why dog racing should be ditched.

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Kinder Options

Running

Human-based Sports

There are countless alternative forms of entertainment to embrace instead of supporting greyhound racing. Opting for human races, whether on foot, with motorbikes, or in cars, guarantees that all participants have consented to race and no animals endure suffering. It's a way to enjoy thrilling competition and entertainment without compromising the well-being of animals. Choosing these alternatives reflects a compassionate and responsible approach to entertainment that respects both human and animal welfare.

Make Cruelty
Ancient History

Looking for a fun and compassionate alternative to greyhound racing? The Compassionate Stakes T-Rex Races event in Canberra provides an exciting and cruelty-free entertainment option that stands in stark contrast to traditional greyhound racing. We firmly believe that a great time should never come at the expense of animals, and our event fully embodies this ethos. Participants get to race like T-Rexs, bringing a playful and exhilarating twist to the day. While greyhound racing raises ethical concerns, our T-Rex races offer a light-hearted and enjoyable experience for all, ensuring that entertainment and compassion go hand in hand.

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