Tasmanian vets demand state government cuts greyhound industry funding by 2029

A group of leading Tasmanian vets has issued a united call to end greyhound racing in the state by the end of the decade, saying the industry promotes “unacceptable cruelty” to animals.

Greyhound Racing, Wrest Point Group One Hobart Thousand, winner Octane Show trained by Darren McDonald, finishes in front of Numero Uno Bale

A group of leading Tasmanian vets has issued a united call to end greyhound racing in the state by the end of the decade, saying the industry promotes “unacceptable cruelty” to participating animals.

Ahead of a press conference in Hobart on Monday, Dr Katrina Ward told the Mercury that the group of 38 veterinary professionals were demanding the Tasmanian government cease taxpayer funding of what she called “a scandal-ridden industry”.

Dr Ward claimed the Tasmanian racing industry had “no answer” systemic problems including high rates of traumatic injury caused during races, and a rehoming crisis which was placing overwhelming pressure on charity-run dog shelters.

Greyhound racing. PICTURE: PETER STAPLES

“Recently legislated reforms do nothing meaningful to address the inescapable core fact that gentle, sensitive, and affectionate dogs are used as cannon fodder,” Dr Ward said.

“Greyhounds are the most systematically abused dogs in Australia.

“They’re bred, raised, and kept in often disgraceful conditions. And they’re discarded when too sick, too injured, or too slow.

“Recently a senior NSW industry official described dog racing as ‘barbaric’, so this obviously doesn’t stop at state borders.”

A spokesperson for the veterinary group said an opinion poll conducted in October last year revealed 79 per cent of Tasmanians supported an end to taxpayer funding of the state’s greyhound racing industry, while 13,500 people had signed an e-petition presented to Parliament in 2022.

Describing greyhound racing as unavoidably cruel, the spokesperson said the vets would demand the government cease funding the industry by the end of 2029.

The call comes two weeks after Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, announced the appointment of Tasmania’s inaugural Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sean Carroll.

Racing Minister Jane Howlett with Franky and Angie at the Mangalore Greyhound Adoption Facility. Picture Chris Kidd

Minister Howlett said the government was committed to introducing a racing framework based on best practice, while recent legislative reforms would deliver a contemporary model for regulation and integrity.

“We will always back the racing industry because it supports families and jobs in rural and regional communities, generates close to $208 million in economic activity per year, and involves more than 6,400 people across Tasmania,” Minister Howlett said.

Originally published as Tasmanian vets demand state government cuts greyhound industry funding by 2029