Current state of greyhound racing regulation

Since 2015, when it was shown that horrific and cruel practices, such as live baiting, were common practice in the greyhound racing industry, states and territories have generally attempted to establish some kind of regulation of the industry. 

Victoria, SA, WA and the Northern Territory do not have independent regulators responsible for animal welfare. This means that the state racing body is responsible for both regulation of the industry and its commercial development, promotion and marketing.

Even those states with independent regulators, are tasked with promoting a successful industry. This conflict is failing the greyhounds. 

CPG is conducting a state-by-state assessment of the respective regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness in prioritising animal welfare and holding those who do not comply with requirements to account for their actions.

“This self-regulatory model fails to ensure that the welfare of greyhounds is prioritised and can lead to serious conflicts of interest, such as the use of financial incentives to promote greyhound breeding which in turn increase wastage rates.”
RSPCA Australia

Racing Regulation: South Australia

In the first paper to be released, CPG examines the South Australian approach to regulating the greyhound racing industry.

Key findings include:
  • Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) routinely prioritises continuity of racing over implementing sanctions that might deter breaches of the rules by other industry participants. 
  • GRSA’s doping control program is antiquated and predictable, which makes it easy to plan doping programs around race days. 
  • Greyhound welfare plays second fiddle to marketing and commercial considerations. 
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