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Tasmania Bans Greyhound Racing Following Tragic Deaths

Tasmania Takes Bold Step to End Greyhound Racing Amid Growing Welfare Concerns

In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the Australian racing community, the Tasmanian government has announced plans to phase out greyhound racing in the state, with the shutdown set to be complete by 2027. This move comes just days after a devastating tragedy at a racing track that highlighted the ongoing animal welfare issues plaguing the industry. The announcement, made by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, underscores a shifting public sentiment against the sport, driven by years of scandals, ethical debates, and calls for reform from animal rights advocates.

The catalyst for this swift action was a horrific incident at the Hobart Greyhound Racing Club, where multiple dogs suffered fatal injuries during a routine race meeting. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as several greyhounds collided at high speeds, resulting in the immediate death of at least two animals and severe injuries to others that necessitated euthanasia. Veterinary reports confirmed that the dogs experienced catastrophic fractures and internal trauma, reigniting fierce criticism of the inherent risks in greyhound racing. This tragedy was not isolated; it followed a string of similar events across Australia, including live baiting scandals and high injury rates that have long tarnished the industry's reputation.

Premier Rockliff, addressing the media in Hobart, emphasized that the decision was not made lightly but was essential to prioritize animal welfare. "Greyhound racing has been a part of Tasmania's sporting landscape for decades, but the time has come to acknowledge that the welfare of these animals must come first," he stated. "We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the suffering that occurs on and off the track." The government's plan involves a gradual wind-down, allowing time for trainers, owners, and employees to transition to other livelihoods. Funding will be allocated for retraining programs, rehoming initiatives for the dogs, and support for affected workers. By 2027, all greyhound racing tracks in Tasmania—including those in Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport—will cease operations, marking the end of an era for the sport in the island state.

This announcement aligns Tasmania with other Australian jurisdictions that have grappled with the ethics of greyhound racing. New South Wales famously banned the industry in 2016 following a damning inquiry into systemic cruelty, only to reverse the decision a year later under political pressure. The Australian Capital Territory has already outlawed it, and there are ongoing campaigns in Queensland and Victoria for similar reforms. In Tasmania, the push for change has been building momentum, fueled by reports from organizations like the RSPCA and Animals Australia, which have documented widespread issues such as overbreeding, high euthanasia rates, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Animal welfare groups have hailed the decision as a victory for compassion. Sarah Thompson, a spokesperson for the RSPCA Tasmania, described it as "a watershed moment in the fight against animal exploitation." She pointed to data showing that greyhounds in racing face a 20-30% injury rate per race, with many dogs discarded once they are no longer profitable. "These animals are bred for speed, not longevity, and the industry treats them as disposable commodities," Thompson said. "Phasing out racing will save countless lives and prevent future tragedies like the one we saw this week."

However, the decision has not been without controversy. The greyhound racing industry, represented by TasRacing, has expressed deep disappointment, arguing that the sport contributes significantly to the local economy. According to industry figures, greyhound racing employs hundreds of people in Tasmania, from trainers and breeders to track staff and veterinarians, and generates millions in revenue through betting and tourism. TasRacing CEO Andrew Jenkins warned that the shutdown could lead to job losses and economic hardship in regional areas. "This is a knee-jerk reaction to a single incident," Jenkins claimed. "We've invested heavily in welfare improvements, including better track designs and mandatory retirement programs for dogs. Banning the industry outright ignores these advancements and punishes responsible participants."

Supporters of the sport have also mobilized, launching petitions and social media campaigns to urge the government to reconsider. Long-time trainer Mark Ellis, who has been involved in greyhound racing for over 30 years, shared his personal story: "These dogs are like family to us. We care for them, train them, and give them a purpose. Shutting this down means hundreds of dogs will need new homes, and many of us will lose our way of life." Ellis and others argue that with stricter regulations, the industry could continue sustainably, pointing to international models in places like Ireland where greyhound racing persists under enhanced welfare standards.

The government's timeline for the phase-out includes several key milestones. By the end of 2024, new breeding restrictions will be imposed to reduce the number of greyhounds entering the system. Racing schedules will be scaled back progressively, with the final races expected in mid-2027. A dedicated task force, comprising government officials, animal experts, and industry representatives, will oversee the transition, ensuring that all racing dogs are rehomed humanely. Adoption programs, already in place through partnerships with groups like Greyhound Adoption Tasmania, will be expanded to handle the influx.

Public opinion in Tasmania appears divided but leaning toward support for the ban. A recent poll conducted by a local media outlet showed that 62% of respondents favored ending greyhound racing, citing ethical concerns, while 28% opposed it, primarily due to economic impacts. Environmentalists have also weighed in, noting that racing tracks occupy valuable land that could be repurposed for community use or conservation.

This development places Tasmania at the forefront of animal rights progress in Australia, potentially inspiring other states to follow suit. As the dust settles from the recent tragedy, the focus now shifts to implementing the phase-out effectively, balancing compassion for animals with support for those whose lives are intertwined with the sport. The end of greyhound racing in Tasmania may close one chapter, but it opens another in the broader narrative of evolving attitudes toward animal welfare and entertainment. Whether this signals the beginning of a nationwide decline for the industry remains to be seen, but for now, the message is clear: the days of high-stakes dog racing in Tasmania are numbered.

Read the Full 7NEWS Article at:
[ https://7news.com.au/sport/tasmania-moves-to-shut-down-down-greyhound-racing-days-after-tragedy-c-19635497 ]