This page provides a snapshot of the greyhound racing industry in Australia with an emphasis on the last five years.
It was in 2015 that then Premier Mike Baird announced a ban on greyhound racing after evidence of live baiting and widespread animal abuse. This was followed by an extreme backlash from pro- racers which resulted in the ban being overturned. Despite overwhelming evidence of systemic animal cruelty, state governments across Australia gave the industry another chance.
Quick linksFeeding of contaminated ‘knackery’ meat
Many greyhounds across Australia are fed on a diet of knackery meat. This meat is unfit for human consumption and is sourced from dying, diseased, disabled and dead livestock.
Australia – world’s largest commercial greyhound racing industry
Australia is one of only eight countries in the world with a commercial greyhound racing industry — but it's by far the biggest.
Industry marketing to communities
The marketing of greyhound racing as "family friendly entertainment" is a very cynical and dangerous ploy by the racing industry.
Four corners expose and McHugh report
In 2015, Four Corners broadcast shocking footage of live rabbits and possums being tortured and ripped to pieces in order to “live bait” greyhounds – a practice that was banned in 1967.
A chance to reform
Despite evidence of systemic animal cruelty, the industry was given a chance to reform.
What the animal experts say
RSPCA Australia considers that there are significant and entrenched animal welfare problems inherent in the greyhound racing industry.
On-track deaths and injuries
Injuries are very common in greyhound racing causing intense pain, suffering and distress. Serious bone fractures of the leg are the most common injury.
What causes the worst injuries
The most catastrophic injuries occur when greyhounds collide at speed of up to 68km per hour, particularly at track bends where they are attempting to turn and follow a lure position that is too close to the inside rail.
Optimal track design identified by UTS
In 2017, the University of Technology, Sydney found that “Approximately 80% of all catastrophic and major injuries were caused by congestion and incidents such as checking, collision and galloping.”
Rebate schemes
Rebate schemes are made available by the racing industry to owners who are unwilling or unable to pay for the treatment of serious injuries.
The ‘wastage’ caused by overbreeding
Not every dog is suited to racing. Around 40% of the 11,000 greyhounds bred in Australia each year are surplus to requirements. The industry calls them 'initial wastage'.
The ‘disappeared’
There is a constant oversupply of greyhounds in Australia as the industry breeds far too many dogs in the hope of finding the one that will run fast enough to earn money.
Crimes and fines
Published research shows most Australians feel strongly that penalties for animal abuse are too low and this also applies to greyhound racing.
A history of cruelty
Greyhound racing is built on the sacrifice of young, healthy greyhounds when they fail to make money for the industry.
Doping and drugging
In 2018 the Sydney Morning Herald reported that greyhounds test positive for drugs 10 times more than horses at races.
A life of quiet desperation
Evidence demonstrates that most greyhounds are kept under inadequate conditions that fail to meet their physiological, behavioural and social needs.
Gambling – a public health issue
According to the latest reports, Australians are the biggest gamblers on earth, losing more than $24 billion in 2017/18.
Who bets on greyhounds
"among the 3.2% who bet on greyhounds, the average age is not quite 41—younger than the average Facebook website visitor, The Bachelor Australia viewer, or The Man from U.N.C.L.E movie-goer...
A dying industry – economic modelling
In its 2017 annual report, IBISWorld described the Horse and Dog Racing industry as being in the declining stage of its economic lifecycle.
Stopping sponsors
In 2020, Toyota Australia, Volkswagen Australia and Optus along with other high profile Australian companies cancelled their sponsorship of greyhound racing. Once they were alerted to the realities of greyhound racing, they were quick to disassociate themselves from the industry.
