NSW greyhound racing deaths surge 44% – the Gold Standard?

One of the deadliest periods for greyhounds in NSW occurred in the first half of 2021.

Thirty-six greyhounds perished on the racetrack, a 44% rise over the 25 that died during the same period in 2020 (1 January–30 June).

Additionally, the number of “life-threatening injuries” increased by 24%.

The information was gathered by examining publicly accessible stewards’ reports in CPG’s “Lethal Tracks – NSW Update 1st Half 2021” report, which is available here.

The industry regulator NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission‘s Injury Report for the First Quarter of 2021 emphasises the worrying statistics.

According to their research, the first quarter of 2021 saw the highest rate of catastrophic injuries since the first quarter of 2019. Greyhound deaths are referred to as fatal injuries by GWIC.

Richmond in NW Sydney was the most deadly track in the year’s first half, followed by Wagga Wagga (4 deaths), Maitland, Wauchope, and Wentworth Park (3 each). Twelve other NSW tracks have documented deaths.

With 86% of dogs put to death with broken legs, curved tracks saw the majority of greyhound fatalities.

According to Sentient, a group of moral veterinarians, “Greyhound racing must be abolished, as evidenced by the tragic deaths of 36 dogs. Furthermore, dogs cannot be shielded from catastrophic injuries, most of which happen during turns.”

“NSW already has the greatest standards of greyhound welfare in Australia and the lowest catastrophic greyhound racing injury rates ever,” NSW Minister of Racing Kevin Anderson said in February 2021.

Will Mr Anderson demonstrate his genuine concern for dogs by ending the racing on curved tracks, given the over 50% increase in fatalities?

Track upgrades have only received a small portion of the anticipated $30 million in government money.

The conservatives frequently praised the NSW Government’s “Gold Standard” approach to resolving the COVID situation.

For its callous disdain for greyhound welfare and its, to quote the Sydney Morning Herald, “craven fall to a powerful lobby group,” the NSW Government should be denounced.

The picture depicts Tamika, age 2, breaking her foreleg at Dapto in May. She will sadly soon be put to death.