End overbreeding of greyhounds in Australia

An E for euthanasia was chalked on the head of this greyhound so no mistakes were made.

Every greyhound industry inquiry ever held in Australia has recommended breeding caps, but state goverments have failed to act.

Most recently, the South Australian Independent Inquiry (2023) found overbreeding driven by the desire for winning dogs, resulting in a surplus that could not be rehomed. Conditions for greyhounds were appalling, with neglect, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions. Dogs were often kept in isolated, cramped spaces with minimal exercise or social interaction.

How you can help 

If you choose to send your own email, please emphasise the need for breeding caps and improved welfare standards.

The most persuasive emails will also tell your own story, and that of your greyhounds.

Racing Minister emails below. 

A crisis of over breeding and unimaginable suffering

The dog racing industry is now the largest government-sponsored puppy farming business in Australia. State governments give millions of taxpayer dollars to the industry every year. This results in greyhound suffering.

National racing industry data shows breeding has been increasing over the last five years.

Last year, 10.5K greyhounds were named – the largest number since the big drop in 2017 and 2018. So we’re already at 84% of the prior high and this doesn’t even include un-named pups (these are pups deemed not suitable for racing by the industry which it discards one way or another).

The drop in breeding followed the McHugh inquiry in NSW (2015) and the several live baiting exposés after that.

Worse still, CPG research shows the racing industry only rehomes one dog for every four it breeds annually.

FY2023 saw 10,178 pups whelped and only 2,636 greyhounds rehomed nationwide by GAPs

Need for breeding caps

The solution is clear: implement caps on the number of greyhounds bred. We urge state and territory governments to take immediate action.

Join us in calling for:

  • an enforceable cap on the number of greyhounds bred,
  • breeding standards, including environmental and social enrichment from puppyhood,
  • regular inspections and compliance checks on breeding establishments,
  • a national database to track greyhounds from birth to end of life.

Together, we can end overbreeding and ensure a better future for greyhounds in Australia.

 

breedingtext

Quotes

“Greyhound industry figures discussed breeding so many dogs it  would become impossible to shut down the industry due to welfare issues, in secret recordings tabled in South Australia’s Parliament.”
ABC online news, Leah MacLennan, May 2024

“The community has an expectation that overbreeding should not occur.”
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) policy 2018