Geelong Greyhound Racing Club investigate death of two-year-old dog, Zipping Vienna

An animal rights group has slammed the shocking death of a greyhound in Geelong, with the sport’s governing body launching an investigation into the “tragic” incident.

Two-year-old greyhound Zipping Vienna died at the Geelong track on Saturday. Picture: Supplied.

An animal rights group has slammed the death of a greyhound in Geelong and labelled the much loved racing industry a “blood sport”.

Two-year-old Zipping Vienna was killed during race six at the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club meet on Saturday after she collided with another dog at the turn.

The club’s general manager, Ray Bartolo, said initial observations by the on-track veterinarian appeared to show the animal suffered a spinal fracture.

“Unfortunately by the time our staff and the greyhounds connections reached her she had passed away,” he said.

“GRV will investigate the exact cause of death.”

It is the 17th track fatality in Victoria this year.

Coalition for Protection of Greyhounds director Joanne Lee accused Greyhound Racing Victoria of “choosing secrecy over transparency”, claiming the number of deaths was much higher.

“GRV has bought a display at the Australian Sports Museum at Melbourne’s MCG to supposedly celebrate’ 150 years of greyhound racing,” she said.

The dog fell at the first turn and was pronounced dead on the track. Picture: Supplied.

“They should show the video of Zipping Vienna’s death on a loop so the public can see the brutal reality of this bloodsport.”

More than 20 dogs have died and 800 have been injured at the Geelong track since January 2020.

Ms Lee said the industry was aware curved tracks “are lethal” but would not transition to straight tracks “because they put dollars before greyhound welfare.”

“The greyhound racing industry continues to take a toll on dogs yet the Andrews Government blindly gives it millions of taxpayer dollars,” she said.

“This has to stop.”

A spokesman from GRV said an inquiry into the Geelong incident had been launched.

“The serious injury or loss of any greyhound is both tragic and distressing for our industry and particularly for the owners, breeders and trainers,” he said.

“As with any incidents that lead to a fatality on track, the circumstances will be formally reviewed by the Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit.”

Originally published as Geelong Greyhound Racing Club investigate death of two-year-old dog, Zipping Vienna