Lend Your Voice to the Ban on Greyhound Racing in Tasmania
Everything you need to know about Greyhound welfare and the urgent need for policy change to ban Greyhound racing.
Every dog deserves a loving home. At Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, our work is driven by the deep bond between humans and dogs, a bond that enriches our lives and defines our community. We believe that every canine, regardless of their background, deserves compassion, care, and the opportunity to live free from suffering.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguard the welfare of all dogs, including the gentle Greyhounds who have been deeply affected by the racing industry.
Welfare Challenges Facing Racing Greyhounds
Racing Greyhounds often endure harsh conditions that compromise their well-being. Many of these animals are confined to barren kennels that offer little environmental enrichment. Without opportunities to explore, play, or experience the natural world, Greyhounds develop both physical and behavioural issues. Signs of distress can include worn teeth from biting pen bars and a general inability to perform everyday activities, such as climbing steps or comfortably entering a vehicle.
Overbreeding is another major concern. The relentless drive for speed means that only the fastest dogs are deemed fit for racing, leaving many others labelled as ‘wastage.’ Shockingly, between 2016–17 and 2020–21 in Tasmania, 774 Greyhounds – representing 34% of those retiring from the sport – were euthanised. Such statistics highlight the tragic consequences of a system that values performance over the well-being of the animal, and further drives our advocacy for banning Greyhound racing in Australia.
The dangers on the track are equally concerning. In 2021, the racing industry saw 181 Greyhounds lose their lives while 10,195 sustained injuries during races. The physical toll on these noble animals is significant, and it raises serious ethical questions about the cost of sport.
When dogs are treated as mere tools for entertainment, their intrinsic value as living, feeling beings is overlooked.
Did You Know? Tasmania has the highest per capita funding for racing of any state in Australia: $58.68 per person, compared to $5.46 in Victoria. Learn more about how the Greyhound racing industry is funded here.
The Urgent Need for Policy Change to Ban Greyhound Racing
The conditions described above call for immediate reform. There is a growing chorus demanding change. Many advocates now support a ban on Greyhound racing to protect these sensitive creatures. Others are calling for more comprehensive measures such as banning Greyhound racing outright, arguing that the sport’s inherent dangers cannot be justified.
Calls for a ban on racing are becoming more frequent, especially when people ask, “is Greyhound racing banned in Australia?” The clear answer is no, and this inaction underscores the urgency for reform. It is imperative that we stand together in order to safeguard the lives and dignity of these dogs.
International examples of practices where Greyhound racing was banned have shown that more humane alternatives are not only possible but also effective.
Our Commitment to Dog Welfare
At Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, our core values are built on compassion and respect for all dogs. We work tirelessly to ensure that every canine has access to a safe, caring home and is afforded the chance to live a life free from unnecessary suffering. We believe that change is possible when communities unite behind a common goal.
We encourage every reader to consider the ethical implications of Greyhound racing. By raising awareness and advocating for humane treatment, you play a crucial role in the movement to create lasting change. Every action counts – whether it’s joining our campaign to ban Greyhound racing, sharing this message, or simply contacting Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania to learn how you can help.
Contact Dogs Homes of Tasmania
The challenges facing racing Greyhounds are not isolated incidents but a reflection of a systemic issue that demands our attention. Dogs are not mere commodities; they are sentient beings whose lives deserve dignity and respect. We must act now to ensure that Greyhounds receive the care and love they so richly deserve.
If you share our commitment to a more compassionate future for Greyhounds and all dogs, we urge you to take action. Contact Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania to find out how you can support our efforts. Whether it’s through advocacy, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your contribution makes a significant difference. Stand with us in our quest to improve animal welfare – together, we can transform the lives of countless Greyhounds for the better.
Learn more about Greyhound welfare issues:
Frequently Asked Questions
Racing Greyhounds endure extreme conditions, including prolonged confinement in kennels lacking proper environmental enrichment. This results in physical problems, such as dental wear and mobility issues, along with behavioural challenges. Overbreeding further compounds the issue, leading to high wastage rates. The dangerous nature of racing also exposes these animals to serious injuries and fatalities, underscoring the need for immediate reform.
The current Greyhound racing system neglects animal welfare by subjecting dogs to inhumane conditions and dangerous practices. The severe physical and behavioural repercussions, coupled with the overbreeding crisis and high euthanasia rates, make the system unsustainable. Reform is necessary to ensure that dogs are treated with dignity, shifting focus from performance to humane care and ultimately protecting their well-being through better policies and practices.
Advocates call for comprehensive reforms that include ending public funding for racing, implementing lifelong tracing of every Greyhound, and establishing independent welfare checks. These measures are designed to ensure full accountability from birth to retirement. By creating a transparent, humane system, the industry can be held accountable, ultimately prioritising the welfare and dignity of the animals over commercial interests.
You can help by lending your voice to our call for reform and advocating for better treatment of racing Greyhounds. Contact your local representatives and express support for policies that end public funding for the sport. You should also consider volunteering, fostering, or spreading awareness about the challenges faced by these dogs. Your involvement is essential to drive the change needed for a more compassionate future.
For further insights into the issues affecting racing Greyhounds and potential solutions, explore our detailed articles on the Greyhound Bottleneck, Accredited, Muzzle-Free Greyhounds, and Renewed Calls to End Greyhound Racing. These resources offer a comprehensive view of the challenges and advocate for changes that prioritise the welfare of these animals.
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania is dedicated to ensuring every dog finds a safe, loving home. Our approach combines compassionate rehoming practices with a strong advocacy for policy change. We work closely with the community to highlight the challenges facing racing Greyhounds and support initiatives that improve their lives. Your support helps us continue our mission of protecting and caring for these deserving animals.
