Dr WOODRUFF question to MINISTER for RACING, Ms HOWLETT
Information compiled by animal rights and greyhound welfare groups confirmed 27 greyhounds who raced on a Tasmanian track in the 2023-24 season have died so far, including one sent through the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP). Three other GAP dogs in the rehoming facility for some time have also been killed, and one Gumtree giveaway, Zipping Princess, died as well. Many of these dogs died from race or trial accidents. One gut‑wrenching example is of Don’t Tell Margie, who ran into a pole, suffered a brain injury and died of cardiac arrest in the night, with no mention of a vet on her records. This is the brutal everyday reality of the greyhound racing industry – dozens of young dogs dying every year, often in traumatic circumstances.
Can you still pretend this is an industry of animal lovers who care for their dogs, when it is clearly anything but. Are 31 dead greyhounds what you mean when you say this government takes animal welfare extremely seriously?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, my priority is racing across all three codes to rebuild and restore trust and faith in the industry, and that is why we have been debating the biggest legislative reform in decades. This government has invested the biggest amount of money ever into animal welfare, and we will continue to do that. Racing participants love their animals, and any fatality, be it on-track or off-track, is heartbreaking for owners and trainers. I am absolutely committed to ensuring contemporary animal welfare outcomes are met by all three codes to ensure full transparency regarding animal welfare.
Tasracing is providing information in the annual reports on equine and greyhound track injuries, euthanasia, retirement and rehoming stats. During the 2023-24 financial year to the 31st of May, 38 greyhounds were euthanised for a range of reasons including injury, age and being unsuitable for homing. Of these euthanised greyhounds, only four were euthanised at a racetrack or within 14 days following track injuries. These fatalities are actively disclosed, as you are aware –
Dr Woodruff – They were compiled by accident. It was very hard to get the information –
The SPEAKER – Thank you, you can ask a supplementary question, Leader of the Greens.
Ms HOWLETT – My priority with the new legislation will be to increase transparency and reporting under the new integrity model.
Dr Woodruff – A supplementary, honourable Speaker.
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – You have said that the greyhound training industry loves their dogs. Do you accept that the evidence of 31 dead greyhounds as described shows it is not just a few bad apples; it is a cultural, industry-wide problem with how greyhounds are being treated?
The SPEAKER – I will call the minister. And to explain to newer members why this is within the order: we are debating the Racing Bill later today, but these questions are broadly around the industry itself.
Ms HOWLETT – Honourable Speaker, I absolutely disagree with Dr Woodruff. The majority of people in the racing industry across all three codes love their animals, and I will back the racing industry –
Dr Woodruff – Almost every single one of these is a different person.
Ms HOWLETT – Dr Woodruff, my responsibility and my priority is to restore faith and trust in the racing industry across all three codes. This new legislation will do that.
