The impact of heat on racing greyhounds

by Melinda Quach

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

Inconsistent and inadequate policies

In Australia, there are some hot weather policies implemented within the greyhound racing industry, however the policies are not consistent across states. CPG’s research shows South Australia’s policy of allowing TAB races to continue despite predicted extreme weather is not seen in most other states. In NSW, Victoria and WA scheduled racing events must be cancelled if the temperature is scheduled to reach 38°C either at any point in the day or at any point during the event’s scheduled time. 

“Greyhound racing inherently poses significant risks to animal welfare. RSPCA Australia supports mandatory welfare standards across all racing codes including the provision to cancel races in weather above a specific temperature”
RSPCA Australia
After CPG lobbying, GRSA released an updated heat policy that required all of its clubs to abandon race meetings at a set temperature. See here for what you can do to help push them further!
 

Race meetings must be cancelled in the NT if the estimated daily maximum temperature is 40°C. Even in Queensland, where rules on hot weather are also lacking, they at least look at the temperature at the time of the race and base their decision on that, whereas in South Australia it appears they look at the predicted temperature at 8:00am the day of the race. This temperature is irrelevant later on a very hot day. In order to significantly reduce the likelihood of heat illnesses in racing greyhounds, there must be a standard and consistent hot weather policy across the country. 

A temperature cap is essential

 CPG’s view is that 31°C should be the cut-off point for greyhound racing. At this point, races should be cancelled.

 In addition to this, there should also be pre- and post-race cooling exercises implemented to ensure that the greyhound’s temperatures do not reach dangerous levels. 

This is particularly important for large dark-coloured greyhounds as they are more susceptible to developing high body temperatures than small light-coloured greyhounds. 

SA allows greyhound racing in extreme temperatures

One of the common conditions affecting racing greyhounds are heat illnesses such as heat stress and heat stroke, particularly in countries with high ambient temperatures such as Australia. This is an area of interest for Dr Rebekah Eyers (Animal Welfare Advocate, RSPCA South Australia).

“RSPCA SA has expressed its concerns re dogs racing in extreme temperatures to the SA greyhound racing industry on several occasions. Most importantly, we need mandatory enforceable welfare standards for greyhound racing that include a capped temperature at which races must be cancelled. With climate change predictions to deliver more hot weather events, reform is urgently needed.” she said.

The symptoms to look out for in dogs include panting, dry mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, ataxia and elevated body temperature, all of which can lead to organ failure and ultimately death.

What are the risk factors

An academic research article published in 2016 examined body temperature changes in racing greyhounds across South Australia and the impact of potential risk factors such as sex, body weight and colour. The study produced some surprising results.

Greyhounds are constantly forced to race in life-threatening situations. Racing in extreme heat is yet another area where the racing industry and state governments fail to protect the dogs they exploit day after day. As stated by RSPCA SA the industry must implement “mandatory enforceable welfare standards for greyhound racing that include a capped temperature at which races must be cancelled”.