Greyhound racing in AustraliaIn Australia, greyhound racing is a billion dollar industry that has been running for more than 80 years. Commercial greyhound racing has been banned in all but 8 countries in the world, Australia being the largest of these.
It has been estimated that around $4 billion is placed on these dogs every year by gamblers. Statistics from Animals Australia, state that the government spends more than $100,000 of tax money per year per state– the numbers reaching $13 million in WA– on new tracks, breeding incentives, marketing and prize money. |
Problems With Greyhound Racing
Injury Rates
Only 300-5000 greyhounds would make it to the track each year. And of the few that do, an estimated 180 dogs would suffer from fatal injuries and another 750 with broken bones, backs and fractured skulls. Export of Greyhounds Although there is no law forbidding the export of greyhounds, the practice was banned in March 2013 by Greyhounds Australasia under the national racing rules. Dogs that are deemed too slow for Australian standards are often exported to Asia, to countries such as China, Vietnam and Macau, where there are no animal welfare laws. Undercover investigation reveals that at least one dog dies every day on the infamous Macau track, Ba Ria. Behind the track, healthy greyhounds are being euthanized with a poison containing the drug Ecotraz, an insecticide meant for external use only. Deaths Over 20, 000 greyhounds are bred every year, however, more than 70% of them are killed by the industry before they turn 5. The main cause of this is over-breeding, but dogs that are deemed 'unworthy' to run are euthanized as well. Most retired or ex-racers aren't able to be placed in a new home. Greyhounds that aren't able to race anymore, but are otherwise healthy are often euthanized, their blood drained before-hand, for use in other surgeries. Live Baiting Live baiting refers to the practice of using live animals, such as native possums (that are endangered and protected species), piglets and rabbits, for the purpose of training greyhounds. It is an illegal practice in all states and territories in Australia. Undercover Investigations, undergone by the NSW government revealed up to 20% of trainers using live baiting, including top trainer, Tom Nobel. Health and Welfare Most greyhounds don't get to socialize enough and most develop antisocial behavior and become fearful around other dogs. This is the result of being trapped in a kennel for more than 23 hrs everyday. Investigations showed that the majority of trainers only let their dogs for 30 minutes a day. Some dogs have been administered with performance enhancing drugs including anabolic steroids, cocaine, caffeine, amphetamines such as ice Viagra. Exports of Australian greyhounds to countries in Asia causes travel-associated trauma and injury. |
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