The Tasmanian Government and the state’s racing industry participants take the welfare of animals very seriously.
In partnership with Tasracing, our Government is investing more money than ever before into greyhound welfare to ensure that dogs are treated with dignity and care before, during and after their racing days. This is, of course, accompanied by the great care shown by industry participants towards their dogs.
When it comes to ensuring welfare for greyhounds, fewer litters are being bred, fewer dogs are being euthanised and more dogs are being rehomed than ever before with the Greyhound Adoption Program receiving a record $467,000 in Government funding last financial year.
As Minister for Racing, I was incredibly proud to see the opening of Tasmania’s very first fully dedicated Greyhound Adoption Program at Mangalore earlier this year. This facility is fully funded by the Government and industry and will ensure more greyhounds than ever before find new homes.
The greyhound racing code is working towards a zero euthanasia rate by proactively monitoring breeding rules and supporting adoption programs that socialise greyhounds as pets. The vast majority of industry participants provide great care to their dogs, including when they have retired.
Euthanasia rates have been steadily decreasing over recent years. In 2015/16, 678 greyhounds were euthanised, but with measures put in place by the industry, this decreased to 90 in 2019/20. This shows an improved commitment to animal welfare practised within the code. Changes to racing rules were also made earlier this year to further reduce the rates of euthanasia for dogs
Our Government will continue to work with Tasracing and the industry to ensure the welfare of all racing animals is protected.