The fundamental reason for greyhounds racing and dying on Victorian tracks is to boost the profits of the multinational gambling firms
Lamp Post, a 3-year-old black dog, was killed at Bendigo on 13 March 2026 despite being able to finish the race on his broken hock.
Lamp Black had made more than $50K for his owner. The industry is constantly telling us how much they love their dogs and how well they are cared for. Yet they continue to kill greyhounds with repairable injuries. Greyhound Racing Victoria owes the public an explanation as to why Lamp Post wasn't eligible for the Greyhound Racing Initiative scheme.
No cause for celebration
So far in 2025, there have been four on-track deaths in Victoria compared to 10 deaths over the same period in 2025. However, this is no cause for celebration as the industry is still busy killing dogs away from the track. There has been an enormous surge in off-track deaths as the Victorian greyhound racing industry tries to conceal the extent of greyhounds dying on their tracks. In FY25, Greyhound Racing Victoria reported 43 on-track greyhound racing deaths and 47 off-track deaths. Victoria also kills more greyhounds racing than any other state.
So far in 2026, there have been at least 24 off track deaths with 8 of those being racing-related deaths, including Hail The Chief, Son Of Ghost and Mr. Frankie Lee, all killed this week after breaking legs racing.
More disturbing facts
- In the 70 days of racing this year there have been 65 broken bones; 40 of those are hocks (ankles).
- Last year over 200 greyhounds suffered a fractured leg while racing in Victoria.
- Even more dogs suffer injuries while trialling (practicing), like the two dogs with untreated broken legs in the VRT decision from this week (Danny McDonald). The number of injuries outside of racing is unknown.
No words
No Words, the dog who was forced to race despite being born without a tongue, suffered a fractured leg on the Shepparton track earlier this year. According to his trainer he has had surgery, is recovering well and will be retire. Let’s hope it is to a life of luxury and not a kennel.