Horror racing weekend sparks further concerns for greyhound racing industry

The death of a greyhound at a weekend race meet – and injuries to four others – has sparked more concerns about conditions in the industry in SA.

Greyhound Cadillac Hadlie died on Sunday after a racing incident. Picture: Supplied

The death of a greyhound after a racing incident over the weekend has sparked more concerns about the dog racing industry in South Australia.

According to a stewards’ report, one greyhound was euthanised and four others were injured after a race meet in Mt Gambier on Sunday.

Ten-year-old dog Cadillac Hadlie died after she collided with another greyhound on the track, falling at almost 70km/h.

She reportedly suffered from a fractured carpal (wrist) and was euthanised by the on-track vet.

Greyhound Cadillac Hadlie (yellow) out on track before the incident. Picture: Supplied

She then collided with another dog, and suffered a broken wrist. Picture: Supplied

According to the stewards’ report, on the same day four other dogs were injured at the same location and ordered to “stand-down” from racing for up to 60 days.

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds SA state director Elle Trahair said the death highlights the “ongoing animal welfare failures of the dog racing industry”.

“This year we’ve seen brutal beatings of greyhounds and evidence of live baiting from leading participants,” she said.

“These are standard training methods in this cruel industry.”

It follows Premier Peter Malinauskas’ announcement of an inquiry into the greyhound racing industry last month, after shocking footage of a man allegedly kicking and punching a greyhound was obtained by the ABC.

The drone vision shows a person repeatedly abusing a greyhound by kicking it, throwing it and dragging it around a property.

Not long after the vision went viral, Premier Malinauskas revealed former Victorian police commissioner Graham Ashton would head an independent inquiry into the industry.

“I, like many South Australians, was sickened by the drone footage we saw last month,” Mr Malinauskas said at the announcement.

“We’ve long been assured that instances like this do not happen in the greyhound racing industry, but in light of the available evidence, we’re not prepared to take those assurances at face value.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the inquiry in August. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

The inquiry will be headed by former Victorian Police Commissioner, Graham Ashton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

When asked about the death and recent injuries, a government spokesperson said the independent inquiry was working to examine “culture and governance within the greyhound racing industry in South Australia.”

“Former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton has been appointed as the independent inquirer,” the spokesperson said.

“Mr Ashton has a proven record as an investigator and in sporting integrity.”

Cadillac Hadlie’s death on Sunday marked the eighth greyhound to die on a South Australia racetrack this year.

In 2023 alone, stewards have reported that racing greyhounds have suffered a total of 619 injuries, with 141 serious injuries.

However, a spokesperson from Greyhound Racing South Australia said instances like this weren’t common.

“Improved safety measures and strict steward oversight mean that on-track injuries resulting in euthanasia are increasingly rare,” the spokesperson said.

“Experienced on-track veterinarians make the decision to euthanise a greyhound only when all other options have been exhausted, and with the welfare of the dog at the heart of that decision.

“GRSA continues to invest in our tracks, technology and leading Track Injury Rebate Scheme to ensure we are upholding the highest standards of welfare and safety.”

Despite the inquiry, Ms Trahair urged the government to stop funding the industry altogether.

“It’s only a matter of time before it’s phased out but the toll on greyhound lives will have been immense,” she said of the industry more broadly. There is no suggestion this occurred in relation to Cadillac Hadlie.