Renewed call to shut down greyhound racing industry

The Greens are ramping up calls for the closure of the greyhound racing industry after 20 dogs were injured in a single meeting recently.

Greens spokesperson for the Central Coast and NSW Spokesperson for Animal Welfare Abigail Boyd said there had been at least 228 greyhounds injured on the Gosford track so far this year – about five per week.

Gosford was the first track upgraded under the NSW Government’s $30M safe tracks program, at a cost of $762,570, in 2018.

The then Minister for Racing Paul Toole said at the time that the improvements would make Gosford “one of the safest tracks in Australia”.

Boyd said Greyhound Racing NSW had been under scrutiny for years for failing to ensure all tracks were compliant with their own minimum standards for racecourse design and construction, despite the racing body and its clubs being granted tens of millions of dollars by the former NSW Government to carry out capital grants safety upgrades.

“Gosford is supposed to be one of the safest tracks in Australia, and yet we’re still seeing shocking numbers of injuries,” she said.

“If the safest track in Australia can still end up with 20 injuries in a single event, it’s obvious it’s the act of racing itself that is dangerous.

“What more evidence do we need to demonstrate that the greyhound racing industry is incapable of reform?

“Even when hundreds of thousands of dollars of public money are spent on so-called safety upgrades, dogs are still being terribly injured and dying at a horrifying rate.

“The Minister for Racing (Wyong MP David Harris) is allowing this to happen in his own backyard, at the only track near his electorate on the Central Coast.

“Place this story in the context of the steady drumbeat of leaks that have so shocked and appalled the public in recent months, of greyhound abuse and neglect by industry participants, and you have to ask at what point does this government finally say enough is enough?

“How many last chances will the NSW Government give this industry?

“Time and again the greyhound racing industry has proven itself incapable of reform, with zero regard for either greyhound welfare or accountability.

“I’m calling on Minister for Racing David Harris to finally put an end to the suffering of these gentle and affectionate companion animals and shut this industry down for good.”

But the plea is likely to fall on deaf ears.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said he was aware the November 12 meeting had been abandoned after multiple dogs sustained injuries.

“I am advised by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) – who had stewards and a vet present at the meeting – the majority of injuries were abrasions to the dogs’ paws, incurred as they slowed to stop post-race,” Harris said.

“I am also advised the pre-meeting track inspection conducted by GWIC showed up no issues.

“I have been informed GWIC has investigated the matter with track owners, the NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association who have since conducted a full renovation of the track with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) to correct the sand profile.

“I have also been informed GWIC stewards will conduct an inspection of the track to determine its suitability for racing before the next scheduled meeting.

“Any incidents of greyhound injuries are concerning.

“The NSW Government supports a greyhound racing industry with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity.”

Terry Collins