Danica Spolly, a two-year-old, was killed at the Sale track in Victoria to kick off the greyhound racing industry in 2022. This young greyhound was killed on Race 6’s first turn on January 4 after colliding with another dog and falling to the ground. She had a fractured wrist and foreleg, but the on-track veterinarian chose to euthanise her even though these ailments were treatable.
In the increasing slaughter of greyhound racing, Danica Spolly is but another statistic. She had little prospect of success. In Australia, track turns account for 77% of racing deaths, many of which happen at the first turn. Additionally, 86% of greyhounds with leg fractures are put to death, typically while on the track.
The Sale track contains danger. In the past two years, there have been six greyhound racing fatalities and close to 400 injuries. Additionally, even though GRV will reimburse up to $2000 for legitimate on-track injuries, this reimbursement only applies if the dog resumes racing.
In contrast, euthanasia is inexpensive.
The industry for greyhound racing has little care for the welfare of the dogs, as seen by the continuous use of curving courses.
Professor Andrew Knight, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland’s School of Environment and Science, nails it when he says: “According to the evidence, curves are where most accidents and fatalities occur. Therefore, most injuries and fatalities may only be avoided by shortening and straightening the rails.”
Why won’t the greyhound racing industry move more events on the straight track at Healesville if it genuinely cares about canine welfare?
Many, many more poor dogs will follow Danica Spolly in 2022.
The image shows Danica Spolly crashing to the ground at high speed in her final race.
The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ending greyhound racing as a terrible sport for dogs. CPG thinks people deserve to know the realities of greyhound racing because of its brutality, and those state governments should modify their rules addressing greyhound care.