The number of greyhounds killed due to racing on Tasmanian tracks this year has leapt from four to 11 after the release of new data under Parliamentary Questions on Notice.
The information has confimed that many Tasmanian greyhounds that are injured while racing are later euthanased at vet clinics.
In response to Questions on Notice to House of Assembly Estimates Committee ‘B’, Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie revealed the following information :
For the period 1 January – 4 June 2022:
– of the 23 greyhounds removed from the racetrack with major injuries, seven were euthanased
– All seven dogs killed had suffered fractured legs
– Retirement is promised for 14 of the 23 injured greyhounds, with two returning to racing
– One greyhound with a fractured metatarsal was not taken to a vet but treated at home
– 11 greyhounds are now known to have died in racing-related incidents on Tasmanian tracks this year, with four dying at the tracks
– Hobart is now the third-deadliest track in Australia with five racing deaths, behind Geelong (seven deaths) and Angle Park/ Adelaide (six). Launceston records four deaths and Devonport two
– The national racing greyhound toll now rises to 98 deaths in 2022
(note: under racing industry classification, a major injury is one requiring a stand-down period of 28 days or more)
“The release of this data reveals the cruelty of greyhound racing and the appalling suffering of these beautiful dogs,” said a CPG spokesperson.
“It also reveals that TASracing doesn’t believe in transparency. This data should be regularly disclosed and available to everyone, but they try to hide the suffering of greyhounds,” she said.
“TASracing has also started censoring or removing race videos that show racing incidents. Greyhound racing is obviously feeling the pressure in Tasmania as it realises it has lost its social licence,” she said.
“30 percent of Tasmanian greyhounds with major injuries were euthanased. If this trend was translated across Australia, it would mean that 334 of 1115 greyhounds with major injuries have been euthanased,” she said.
“The 2022 national racing death toll would rise from 98 to 432. It’s shocking,” she said.
“Tasmanian greyhound clubs recently issued a press release trying to promote their industry. Once again, the appalling facts have cancelled out their marketing spin.”
Image shows an excerpt from the data sheet.