Concerns for animals in the racing industry have been an ongoing concern for a slew of animal welfare groups, such as the RSPCA, Animals Australia, and the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.
Animal welfare groups have called for an end to greyhound racing, and the Coalition for th Protection of Greyhounds said the report must consider phasing out the sport.Credit: Wolter Peeters
Queensland’s newest greyhound racing track in Ipswich, The Q, was expected to officially open on June 8, promising to meet “the highest standards of animal care”.
The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds alleges that five greyhounds have already died in racing trials at the track beginning from March.
In its submission to the review, it has called for the state to stop building new racing infrastructure, reduce government funding for the sport, and consider ending racing entirely.
“The review has to include the possibility of phasing out greyhound racing,” said CGP president and former Greens state member for South Brisbane Amy MacMahon.
“We’ve just seen New Zealand phase out greyhound racing because of the rate of animal injuries, but the stats in Australia are worse.”
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The QRIC’s recorded almost 500 injures in racing industry greyhounds across three months from October to December last year, of which 50 where deemed “serious” and eight were fatal.
A further 90 dogs died or were euthanised because of issues not linked to old age or illness, and almost 300 dogs were retired – going to new homes, breeding programs, living with trainers, or being adopted out.
The QRIC’s most recent equine lifecycle and on-track injury report, covering the 2023-24 financial year, recorded 292 thoroughbreds and 52 standardbreds – which are used for harness racing – died.
In that same period, over 3300 thoroughbreds and 276 standardbreds were retired.
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