Renewed calls to end Greyhound racing in Tasmania: launch of e-petition following New Zealand’s ban
Animal welfare organisations unite to call for action as Tasmania faces higher injury rates than New Zealand
Today, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania joined forces with 11 other animal welfare organisations and passionate community advocates on Parliament Lawns to call for an end to taxpayer funding of Greyhound racing in our state.
This important event marked the launch of an e-petition, sponsored by Cassy O’Connor, Greens Member of the Legislative Council for Hobart, urging the Rockliff Government to follow New Zealand’s lead and ban Greyhound racing.
New Zealand’s decision came after recognising the “unacceptably high” rates of injuries and deaths in the industry — but Tasmania’s injury rates are even higher. It’s time for us to confront the overwhelming evidence and take action.
Greyhound racing is now legal in only four countries worldwide — Australia, the UK, Ireland, and the USA — and Australia leads the world with 64 operational tracks.
By comparison, the UK has 23 tracks, Ireland 15, and the USA just two. Tasmania must not continue to prop up an industry that is in clear global decline.
Dogs’ Homes CEO Mark Wild said, “Tasmania risks being left behind as the world moves away from Greyhound racing. Continuing to fund a dying industry, both ethically and financially, makes no sense. The time to act is now.”
“The evidence is overwhelming — Tasmanians are deeply concerned about the cruelty of Greyhound racing and the misuse of public funds to sustain it. Today, we call on the Government to show leadership and take decisive action to end this outdated industry.”
Among the organisations supporting this critical campaign are RSPCA Tasmania, Brightside Farm Sanctuary, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, Let Greyhounds Run Free, and Companion Animal Network of Australia. Together with many others, these groups are united in their call for Tasmania to lead with compassion and responsible governance.
Alongside the e-petition, we’ve also sent an open letter to the Premier, Opposition Leader, and crossbench members. Signed by 12 animal welfare organisations, the letter highlights the ethical and financial failures of Greyhound racing and urges the government to take decisive action to phase out this harmful industry.
As an organisation dedicated to rehoming and rehabilitating Greyhounds, we see the heartbreaking challenges these dogs face after leaving the racing industry.
📢 You can make a difference.
Sign the e-petition today and stand with us in calling for a ban on Greyhound racing:
Together, we can give these dogs a brighter future and ensure Tasmania no longer lags behind.
The petition has been extended from 3 March to 31 March ‘25.
