The greyhound racing industry is on its knees

Did you know that Australia is one of only seven countries in the world where commercial greyhound racing is still legally practised? And that Australia accounts for over half of the worldwide gambling revenue from greyhound racing? Globally, there are currently 104 ‘legal’ race tracks, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Mexico and Australia. 57 of these tracks are situated in Australia with 27 located in NSW. Despite over a decade of public outcry and animal cruelty revelations, greyhound racing is still legal in all Australian states and territories, except the ACT.

The Australian Commonwealth and State and Territory governments, greyhound industry bodies and the regulators, have continued to demonstrate they can’t monitor or regulate the greyhound racing industry. The industry has been forced to its knees, and alongside it, the gambling industry which underpins betting on animals. In this article, we discuss how the industry is incapable of reform, the recent exposes across Australia, the horrific on-track deaths and injuries, what Animal Liberation is doing to end the industry, and ways you can get involved.

The greyhound racing industry is incapable of reform

The greyhound racing industry regulators and governments have continued to demonstrate they cannot effectively monitor their industry. They are failing to protect greyhound welfare and well-being, and the capacity to ensure even minimum standards, compliance or enforcement. The suffering, abuse, and cruelty inflicted on greyhounds is rampant, yet the industry is both unwilling and incapable of meaningful reform. The industry has itself killed off any social licence through greed, a complete disregard for these gentle and loyal greyhounds, and a lack of any human decency or compassion. 

Animal Liberation strongly contends that industry representatives have a disproportionate influence over the animal welfare standard-setting process and policy direction. As a result, welfare standards are being established that fail to adequately protect animals, and their very function only reinforces existing inadequate industry husbandry and monitoring practices and strong lobbying power. 

Across Australia, with the exception of NSW and the independent regulator, the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), self-regulation and self-auditing member bodies have no regularity powers or authority. Accordingly, all inclusion or reference and reliance on these industry bodies and their literature should be contested and opposed. Self-regulation is a conflicted way of managing animal welfare because, at its core, it relies on a promise by industry to abide by woefully inadequate animal welfare standards, rather than meaningful monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The ongoing exposures, while deeply distressing, have resulted in a powerful new wave of public awareness, investigations and government scrutiny. Never again will Australian Governments, the greyhound industry bodies or the regulators be able to rely on their cliches of “isolated incidents” and just a few “bad apples”.

The greyhound industry is being exposed across Australia

New South Wales

In NSW the Chief Executive Officer at Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), Rob Macaulay, is being investigated over ‘serious’ allegations regarding the operation of the organisation and his management style.

Additionally, a GRNSW-bred greyhound, Turbo Thomas, was sold by GRNSW participant, Trent Anderson, to a disqualified Victorian trainer, Vice Tullio, and then again re-sold to another Victoria trainer, Damien Senn. Turbo Thomas was then exported to China from Melbourne. This was after Turbo Thomas had earned Anderson around $55,000. Despite his winnings, he was sold it off like a spare car part. Shockingly, while Turbo Thomas was exported as a “companion animal”, he is reportedly listed on a Chinese dog breeding website. These examples demonstrate yet again that the Australian greyhound racing industry is unable to control the appalling behaviour of its industry participants. 

Turbo Thomas is by no means the only greyhound sent to an unknown fate. According to recent media reports, another NSW dog, Mickey Doo, was retired from racing and re-classified as a pet before being exported directly to China. Mickey Doo's last registered owner, prominent thoroughbred owner Luke Murrell, told ABC Investigations he sold his greyhound to Mr Tullio. Mr Tullio denied he was sold the dog or had any dealings with it, but said "if the dog is retired, and is a pet, it's allowed to go to any country in the world".

South Australia

Three SA greyhound racing participants have been found guilty of live baiting – the first case of live baiting recorded in South Australia. Troy, Connor, and Jackson Murray were all found guilty by the independent Integrity Hearings Panel and received financial penalties of $80,000, $60,000 and $40,000 respectively and lifetime bans.

Further shocking footage has emerged, depicting horrific abuse towards greyhounds at one of Australia’s most awarded and top-earning greyhound trainers, Tony Rasmussen. The covert drone footage shows an individual kicking, punching, throwing, dragging, and intimidating greyhounds. The heart-wrenching video, which recently aired on Australian TV, was filmed over 2.5 weeks through June and July 2023. 

Tasmania

In Tasmania, well-known and controversial greyhound participant Anthony Bullock has once again been under investigation, after the release of graphic video footage of the appalling and sub-standard conditions for greyhounds at his Exeter property. The footage includes greyhounds in small tin sheds and concrete kennels with what appears to be shredded paper used for bedding. In one image flattened cardboard boxes partially cover a horse carcass, bones, hide and a head on a ute tray. The footage also appears to show the body of a pademelon in the ute tray, as well as other dead pademelons on the Bullock property.

The Tasmanian Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) investigation has released the first part of its report into Bullock clearing him of animal welfare charges relating to the keeping of the dogs he trains. This is in spite of the report listing multiple issues at the Bullock property including “damp and insufficient bedding, parasites including hook worms, whip worms, and fleas, dehydrated and anaemic dogs, unsuitable housing due to dangerous sharp tin edges, and dental problems amongst several dogs.” We are still awaiting the second part of the ORI report. Bullock still faces allegations of using animal parts as a lure, which if proven, carries a life ban as a penalty. The inquiry into the allegations is ongoing and Bullock's licence remains suspended.

Other footage has also been released, of greyhound trainer, Gary Johnson’s, property in Ulverstone. The concerns are in regard to the conditions of the kennels and their proximity to the slaughterhouse located on the property.

Victoria

Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has confirmed a trainer and registered person has been suspended and is being investigated following a probe into alleged luring and live-baiting offences. GRV revealed its Integrity Unit Investigative Stewards had uncovered evidence of luring and live baiting while conducting a targeted inspection at a property in Lara, just north of Geelong.

At the same time, under a rarely used Greyhound Racing Australia Rule (GAR), GRV Stewards also scratched three greyhounds from a Geelong greyhound meeting after the official scratching deadline. All three greyhounds (Bit Of Fernando, Squiggly Izzy, and Jag Fernando) are reportedly owned and trained by Lara greyhound trainer, Leslie Kenyon. GRV stewards scratched the greyhounds “by Order of Stewards in accordance with GAR 19(4)(b) which states: “If, at any time, the Controlling Body determines that a registered person is not a fit and proper person to be registered by the Controlling Body, the Controlling Body may cancel the person's registration, or suspend the person from participating in greyhound racing, until that person has satisfied the Controlling Body that the person is a fit and proper person to be registered by the Controlling Body.”

A comprehensive and damning Victorian report has now been published (31 August 2023) by the Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner into the Victorian Racing Industry and includes greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing and specifically,   Racing Victoria Limited, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria. The report spotlights a culture of cover-ups, code of silence and “tacit consent” surrounding heinous behaviour in many cases, with victims left with nowhere to turn and physical injuries even left untreated in some cases.

Breaking down the greyhound racing death and injury statistics

Between 1 January to 31 August 2023, the greyhound racing industry death and injury rates have continued to climb despite the industry’s claims about ‘safe’ tracks. Animal Liberation together with the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) is renewing our calls for an independent inquiry into NSW greyhound racing, after serious injuries in NSW have increased by almost 30% and a young dog died from a broken neck on an upgraded “safe” racetrack.  

On 30 August at the Richmond track, three-year-old ‘Miss Indi’ fell at high speed and died from a broken neck. Her death follows that of Nobby’s Girl, who died of a skull fracture at Casino in July. On 2 September ‘Ding Dong Ditch’ collapsed post-race, also at the Richmond track and died. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for a post-mortem examination however we do not expect that the results of the post-mortem will be made public.

These tragic and unnecessary greyhound deaths and rise in injuries come after millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent trying to make tracks safer, and GRNSW and industry regulator GWIC introduced a range of “welfare initiatives”. 

Taxpayer money is used to fund the industry.

Ignoring public views and expectations, Australian state governments continue to artificially inflate prize money, pay breeding incentives, prop up financially failing clubs and build unwanted racetracks. And yet, there is very little oversight of the industry that receives all this financial support and refuses to be accountable.

In NSW, the former Liberal National Party Coalition provided Greyhound Racing NSW an additional $30 million of public money over 5 years for a NSW track safety upgrade program.

Majority of Australians oppose greyhound racing

GREY2K USA Worldwide and the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds conducted an Australian survey, which confirmed that a majority of Australians oppose greyhound racing and want an end to taxpayer funding of the greyhound racing industry. The survey results confirm that 57% of Australians oppose greyhound racing and 69% oppose taxpayer money supporting the industry. You can read more here.

There is a push to ban gambling advertisements

In NSW, GRNSW is actively encouraging its members to lobby federal ministers not to ban gambling advertising and reduce gambling harm. They now claim that an end to gambling advertising would result in dogs suffering and animal welfare programs closing. An email from GRNSW to its participants says any ban on gambling promotions would decimate the industry as “racing is funded via state taxes on wagering”.

Animal Liberation supports the recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs Inquiry into online gambling and its impact on people experiencing gambling harm. To read more about the You win some, you lose more, Inquiry and the committee’s report, click here. We know gambling on animals harms animals and humans alike.

Inquiry into banning the export of greyhounds

On Friday 15 September 2023, a public Senate hearing was held through the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, in response to the ‘Customs Legislation Amendment (Commercial Greyhound Export and Import Prohibition) Bill 2021’. Animal Liberation appeared at the hearing (by invitation) to give evidence and answer questions alongside like-minded organisations Animals Australia, RSPCA Australia, Greyhound Rescue, Grey2k USA, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, and Free the Hounds. You can watch and listen to Friday’s recorded Senate hearing here.

Read Animal Liberation’s submission (PDF) and related Supplementary Submission 1, here (PDF).

Around 1,700 submissions have been lodged but due to the volume, thus far only around 65 submissions have been published by the Committee. Based on historical evidence and ongoing exposures, we know the only way to protect Australian greyhounds is to shut down the export trade for commercial purposes altogether.  From the current Senate Inquiry and public hearing, and over 1,700 submissions it is overwhelmingly clear that a majority support a ban on greyhound export. Other submissions can be downloaded and read here.

Just prior to the hearing on 15 September 2023, Australia was again shocked by yet another ABC expose into the export of Australian greyhounds, some being purchased for up to $220,000 each and exported to China where they are fuelling an underground racing industry by exploiting loopholes in Australia's regulations. Watch the exposé here.

What is Animal Liberation doing to help end the greyhound racing industry?

Monitoring NSW Final Disciplinary Action Decisions

Each month, Animal Liberation tracks the NSW Final Disciplinary Action Decisions involving GRNSW participants. These NSW decisions and investigations paint a damning picture of the ongoing entrenched culture of greyhound racing across NSW, even with the NSW independent regulator, GWIC, in place.

Despite the presence of GWIC as an independent regulator in NSW, the greyhound racing industry continues to demonstrate that it is incapable of reform. This industry is entrenched in the suffering and cruelty of racing greyhounds who are confined, conditioned, and commodified for gambling profits.

Between the 1st of January 2023 and the 31st of August 2023, GWIC have investigated and applied penalties relating to 90 serious charges involving 76 GRNSW participants. Learn more here.

Greyhound related submission we have lodged, are working on and will be lodging

Where our resources allow, we are continuing to respond to government inquiries and reviews, and oppose harmful greyhound planning developments and new tracks with formal objections, and in support of progressive policy direction and decision making. 

Recent submissions include:

• Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, for the committee’s consideration and reporting on the Customs Legislation Amendment (Commercial Greyhound Export and Import Prohibition) Bill 2021.

• Formal objection in response to Latrobe Council Tasmania in response to a $16M planning proposal by TasRacing to develop a greyhound & harness racing facility.

• Formal objection in response to Ipswich City Council Queensland in response to a planning proposal to establish a 125-greyhound breeding and training facility at Purga.

Working on and proposed submissions:

• South Australian State Government’s Independent Inquiry into the Governance of the Greyhound Racing Industry in South Australia (GRSA) – due Friday 29 September 2023.

• Tasmanian State Government’s review into dog welfare regulations – 2024.

Opposing new tracks

Thousands of compassionate people have already signed our petition to oppose a new proposed Tweed greyhound death track; and the Tweed track isn’t the only proposed track we’re watching.

With the scheduled end of the Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society lease in June 2025, the industry has purchased land valued at $4 million to accommodate a new Dapto Dogs track at Dapto in the Wollongong Local Government Area. The three-way tussle for a new proposed track in the NSW central west continues between Bathurst, Orange and Lithgow, and the industry is also looking to secure a new site when Sydney’s Wentworth Park greyhound racing ceases following the expiration of the current lease in 2027. 

We will be opposing all the above proposed new tracks at Tweed, the central west, Dapto and the Wentworth Park replacement and because we have these enormous challenges ahead of us, we are starting early with current work to expand our petition to oppose all new and refurbished greyhound tracks across NSW. 

Why do we write submissions and oppose tracks?

Lodging submissions helps the Government's knowledge and understanding of an issue. It is an important way to influence report findings, recommendations, policy direction, and progressive outcomes for animals. In April 2023, we celebrated the unanimous refusal by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for GRNSW’s proposed planning proposal to build a 400-greyhound facility. This win is proof of what we can achieve with your support against this industry.

How you can help

The shocking industry exposures and our strong campaigning alongside like-minded individuals and organisations is having an impact. We are confident, that it will be you and our collective voices and campaigning, that brings about the end to greyhound racing in NSW and across Australia.

1. Take the pledge to never bet on a greyhound;

2. Sign our petition to oppose a new proposed Tweed greyhound death track;

3. Current submissions you can have your say on:

   • In response to shocking revelations about South Australian greyhound racing participants, the South Australian State Government is currently undertaking an Independent Inquiry into the Governance of the Greyhound Racing Industry in South Australia (GRSA). Any member of the public or organisation may make a written or oral submission providing information or making recommendations relating to any or all of the inquiry’s Terms of Reference.

     • Submissions can be emailed to: greyhoundinquiry@sa.gov.au by the closing date of Friday 29 September 2023. You can compile and lodge your own submission using the Submission Guide put together by our friends at the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.

     • You can also sign the Petition calling on the SA Premier and Racing Minister to introduce a new lead investigator into the GRSA inquiry.

   • In response to revelations about Tasmanian greyhound participants and animal welfare concerns, the Tasmanian State Premier has announced a review into dog welfare regulations. There will be a period of public consultation, "The draft regulations are expected to be released for public consultation in 2024 with introduction to follow."

4. Send an email to your state MP calling for an end to taxpayer money being used to prop up greyhound racing.

5. Use this email template provided by the Alliance for Gambling Reform to encourage your federal MP to support the recommendations. 

6. Share information about the greyhound racing industry with others.