Renewed calls to end Greyhound racing in Tasmania: launch of e-petition following New Zealand’s ban
Greyhound racing continues to decline worldwide, yet Tasmania remains one of the few places still funding this controversial industry.
With New Zealand recently banning Greyhound racing due to its unacceptable injury and fatality rates, pressure is mounting for Tasmania to do the same. Animal welfare advocates, including Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, have renewed their calls for action and launched a Greyhound racing e-petition urging the government to follow New Zealand’s lead.
Greyhounds bred for racing often face harsh conditions, with many suffering serious injuries, neglect, or abandonment once their racing careers end. The launch of a ban Greyhound racing e-petition reflects growing public concern over the treatment of these dogs and the continued use of taxpayer funds to sustain an industry in global decline.
The Push to End Greyhound Racing in Tasmania
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, alongside 11 other animal welfare organisations, gathered on Parliament Lawns to call for immediate action. This event marked the launch of an official petition to stop Greyhound racing, sponsored by Greens Member of the Legislative Council for Hobart, Cassy O’Connor. The petition calls on the Rockliff Government to phase out greyhound racing and redirect funding towards ethical and sustainable animal welfare programs.
Despite Tasmania’s small size, its Greyhound racing industry records higher injury rates than New Zealand, which banned the sport for its “unacceptably high” risks. Statistics from the RSPCA reveal that 15 Greyhounds died on tracks in Tasmania, which accounted for over 8% of total Greyhound track-related deaths throughout the country. Despite these worrying numbers, taxpayer money continues to support an industry that causes significant harm. The Greyhound campaign to end this practice is gaining momentum, with thousands of Tasmanians demanding reform.
Widespread Support for Change
Many respected organisations have backed this initiative, including RSPCA Tasmania, Brightside Farm Sanctuary, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, Let Greyhounds Run Free, and Companion Animal Network of Australia. These groups are united in their mission to ban on Greyhound racing, citing both ethical and financial concerns.
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania CEO Mark Wild addressed the media, stating, “The world is moving away from Greyhound racing. Tasmania should not continue propping up an industry that is losing public support and causing immense animal suffering. The time to act is now.”
An open letter has also been sent to the Premier, Opposition Leader, and crossbench members, reinforcing the urgent need for action. Signed by 12 animal welfare organisations, the letter highlights the failure of current Greyhound reforms to adequately protect these dogs and urges decisive government intervention.
A Future Without Greyhound Racing
Ending Greyhound racing in Tasmania would not only prevent unnecessary suffering but also open the door for stronger Greyhound rehoming initiatives. Many retired racing dogs require rehabilitation before they can transition into homes, and increased support for Greyhound rescue programs would ensure they receive the care they deserve.
A phased shutdown of Greyhound racing would also allow for better funding allocation towards ethical animal welfare programs, rather than sustaining an industry that continues to harm animals and decline in public support. Every step taken towards reform helps secure a more compassionate future for greyhounds.
FAQs
Tasmania’s Greyhound injury rates surpass those of New Zealand, which has already banned the sport. Ethical concerns, declining public support, and the use of taxpayer funds have driven this movement for change.
Signing the end Greyhound racing petition is a powerful way to voice your opposition. Sharing it with friends and family helps raise awareness and strengthens the call for action.
Currently, the racing industry breeds more dogs than it can rehome. Many trainers surrender their dogs to accredited rehoming and unmuzzling providers like Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania. At present, we have had a waitlist since mid 2024 for Greyhounds to come into our care to receive care and rehoming.
In Tasmania, the requirements for Greyhounds retiring from racing are outlined in the Greyhound Retirement Preparation Scheme (GRPS) Policy, which operates under the authority of the Greyhounds Australasia Rules and is enforced by the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI).
The policy outlines a minimum level of health care that trainers must provide for each Greyhound before they are adopted out of their care. If a Greyhound has not received all of this care, we will provide it for them. In addition to this health care, we provide as much rehabilitation and support that we can before they are placed into homes.
Organisations like Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania provide as much rehabilitation and care they can, prior to adoption.
Yes, Greyhound racing is now legal in only four countries. Australia has more tracks than any other nation, but public support is rapidly decreasing, leading to increasing pressure to phase out the industry.
This year, New Zealand and Wales joined the list of countries to ban the inhumane industry.
Ending Greyhound racing in Tasmania is a step towards a more humane future. By supporting the Greyhound petition, you can help create real change for these dogs.
