Greyhounds continue to suffer in Victoria. The passing of Fine Edition, a Warrnambool greyhound, two days after racegoers raised safety concerns, has drawn attention to this.
On June 21, 2021, a two-year-old named Fine Edition died in Warrnambool. The on-track vet euthanized her after she slipped and clashed with other dogs at the home turn, breaking her foreleg. Greyhound Racing Victoria currently lists her as “retired.”
This year, Fine Edition was the 81st dog nationwide and the 19th dog to pass away while competing in Victoria (listed here).
Racing injuries have significantly increased compared to the previous year due to a more intense racing schedule at Warrnambool in 2021. Injuries increased by 93% from 82 to 158 between January 1 and June 21.
Injuries to seven, eight, or even ten dogs occurred during some of this year’s worst racing meetings in Warrnambool.
From January 1 to June 21, 178 greyhounds in Victoria experienced “life-threatening” injuries. A 30% rise from the corresponding time in 2020.
The Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association of Victoria Inc (GOTBA Vic) released a statement two days before Fine Edition passed away expressing its disapproval of Greyhound Racing Victoria and asking for a day of protest on July 3.
Track safety is one of the main issues raised by GOTBA Vic, who declares: “We no longer have faith in GRV to provide safe racing.” GRV “has failed to implement several independent expert track safety suggestions” is a significant issue.
On curving tracks, in races with seven or eight dogs, the majority of fatal racing mishaps take place. Straight tracks and six-dog races were suggested in industry-funded research from the University of Technology Sydney in 2017 to prevent injuries and fatalities, but little has changed.
GOTBA Vic Day of Action announcement
Data note: Of the 81 greyhounds killed so far on Australian racetracks in 2021=
– 71% were killed after racing in 7 or 8 dog races
– 75% were fatally injured at track turns
– 86% sustained leg fractures
– 60% were fatally injured by falling