The mayor of Australia’s deadliest track has spoken out against racing after more appalling greyhound deaths.
Patrick Hall, mayor of the City of Canning, couldn’t hold back his anger after three young dogs died racing at the Cannington track, Australia’s worst in 2023 with 13 on-track deaths.
Columbus Monelli died of a neck fracture and severe head trauma after falling on 27 January 2024, while on 29 January Cash Landing died from a “truncal-spinal fracture” and Cameron Keeping was euthanased with a fractured hock.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Hall said he was “ashamed and deeply embarrassed that the Cannington Greyhound Track is located here in the City of Canning. If I could close it tomorrow, I would….I simply cannot continue to close my eyes to the horrors occurring on our doorstep here in Cannington.”
He perceptively added: “As the carnage goes on and the death toll continues to mount, I can tell you that the deaths this week are just the tip of the iceberg. Dogs are being seriously (and needlessly) injured each week at tracks across Australia – many suffering permanent and crippling injuries.”
Mayor Hall also called on the state government to stop supporting this “blood ‘sport’” and urged the media to “shine a bright spotlight” on the greyhound racing industry.
If only more council mayors had the same principles and ethics to stand up for the greyhounds.
Facts:
- Cannington track was Australia’s most lethal track in 2023 with 13 deaths.
- It was the fifth-worst track for injuries with 452, and recorded the third-highest number of serious injuries, 115.
- A least 6 other dogs are listed as Deceased after racing at Cannington in 2023.
Image at top shows Columbus Monelli breaking her neck in a race video since removed.
Image below shows the children who saw the death of Columbus Monelli.
