Ruqayyah Snyder
Greyhound racing is currently banned in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) following a territory ban in 2018. However, it is still legal in other Australian states despite evidence of slipping public support and widespread animal cruelty. In 2015, an investigation exposed the preventable deaths of as many as 17,000 young dogs a year, and in 2024, a whistleblower revealed further abuse allegations. Despite this, the state's premier has refused to shut down the industry, prompting a standoff with those calling for a ban.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states that have banned greyhound racing | 1 (Australian Capital Territory) |
| Year of ban | 2018 |
| Number of states with active racetracks | 6 (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania) |
| Number of states with greyhound racing bodies | 7 (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory) |
| Number of racetracks governed by Greyhound Racing New South Wales and Greyhound Racing Victoria | Over 40 |
| Year live hare coursing was banned in NSW | 1979 |
| Year NSW declared a statewide greyhound racing ban | 2016 |
| Year NSW's ban was repealed | 2016 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Australian Capital Territory banned greyhound racing in 2018
- New South Wales (NSW) banned racing in 2016, but the ban was short-lived
- Queensland commissioned the MacSporran report into the industry
- Victoria is home to the world's richest greyhound race
- Greyhound racing is legal in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and Ireland
The Australian Capital Territory banned greyhound racing in 2018
Greyhound racing has long been a controversial topic in Australia, with the industry facing scrutiny for its inhumane practices. In 2015, investigations by Animals Australia and Animal Liberation Queensland revealed the widespread use of "live baiting" in the sport. This involved tying terrified piglets, rabbits, and possums as lures on racetracks, leading to public outrage and calls for reform.
Despite these incidents, Australia remains one of the few countries with a legalised commercial greyhound racing industry. However, there have been efforts to ban the sport at the state level. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) took a stand against greyhound racing by implementing a territory-wide ban in 2018. This decision was a significant milestone and a victory for animal welfare advocates, as it was the first jurisdiction in Australia to outlaw the sport.
The ACT's ban on greyhound racing sent a clear message that this form of entertainment is unacceptable when it inflicts unnecessary cruelty on animals. The decision was influenced by increasing public scrutiny, welfare advocacy, and a lack of public support for the industry. It is worth noting that the ACT was not alone in its initial efforts to ban greyhound racing. In 2016, New South Wales (NSW) also imposed a ban following the live baiting scandal. However, this ban was short-lived and was repealed later that year.
The ACT's ban has had a lasting impact on the sport in the region. While the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club (CGRC) still operates, they use their Symonston track solely as a training facility. For competitive races, the club travels to Goulburn in New South Wales. This arrangement ensures that greyhound racing no longer takes place within the ACT, adhering to the territory's commitment to ending this form of animal cruelty.
Despite the ACT's bold move, there are currently no formal calls for similar bans in other Australian states. However, animal welfare organisations continue to urge local representatives to follow the ACT's lead and end greyhound racing cruelty across the nation. With increased public awareness and advocacy, there is hope that this industry will decline and eventually come to an end.
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New South Wales (NSW) banned racing in 2016, but the ban was short-lived
Greyhound racing has been banned in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) since 2018. However, New South Wales (NSW) has had a more tumultuous relationship with the sport.
In 2016, NSW banned greyhound racing following a series of media reports and a government-backed inquiry that exposed the use of live bait animals in the training of racing greyhounds and the preventable deaths of as many as 17,000 young dogs a year. This ban was short-lived, as it was repealed by Mike Baird just a few months later.
Despite the repeal, the NSW government did implement some changes. It created the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), a taxpayer-funded, non-industry regulator of the greyhound racing industry. Additionally, the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice came into effect on 1 January 2021, with 58 code practice standards relating to retired greyhounds.
However, in 2024, the industry in NSW was once again plagued by allegations of animal abuse and welfare issues. The organisation's former chief veterinarian described the industry as a "hotbed of exploitation and suffering," with dogs being raced at "barbaric" rates, euthanised without cause, or left to rot in metal cages. Despite these damning allegations, the NSW premier, Chris Minns, ruled out a blanket ban on greyhound racing in the state, stating that the industry would continue while the claims were investigated.
The decision not to implement a ban has been met with criticism, with Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst stating that the "greyhound racing industry cannot exist without systemic animal cruelty." The industry in NSW is now facing a government inquiry, but critics are skeptical that this will lead to meaningful change.
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Queensland commissioned the MacSporran report into the industry
Greyhound racing is currently banned in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) following a territory ban in 2018. The ban was initially enforced in 2017, but was repealed shortly after. There are no formal calls to ban greyhound racing in any other Australian state.
In 2015, the Queensland government commissioned the MacSporran report into the greyhound racing industry. The report was produced by the Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry Commission of Inquiry (COI) and was named after Commissioner Alan MacSporran QC. It was published on June 1, 2015, and recommended a number of changes to the industry.
The report found that the practice of live baiting was likely to be widespread. Live baiting involves tying terrified piglets, rabbits, and possums to lures, flinging them around racetracks, and mauling them to death. The commission of inquiry also found that Racing Queensland had "routinely ignored" requests by Animal Liberation Queensland to act on evidence of live baiting and the inhumane killing of thousands of unwanted dogs.
In response to the report, the Queensland government announced the sacking of all administrators responsible for overseeing the sport, including the chief executive of Racing Queensland. The government also accepted all 15 recommendations from the report and set out a plan to implement the necessary reforms. As a result, Queensland became the first state in Australia to implement a strict integrity regime for the racing industry.
One of the key recommendations was the separation of the commercial and integrity aspects of the industry. This would allow Racing Queensland to act as a control body focused on the business of racing, while a newly formed Queensland Racing Integrity Commission would ensure integrity within the industry. The government identified a total of 75 actions to implement the recommendations from the report.
The MacSporran report was the first of three inquiries across Australia into greyhound racing following revelations of live baiting in February 2015 on the ABC's Four Corners program. The inquiry's findings of widespread animal cruelty led to public outrage and calls for reform in the industry.
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Victoria is home to the world's richest greyhound race
Greyhound racing is currently banned in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), following a territory ban in 2018. Prior to this, in 2015, there were reports of widespread live baiting in Australia's greyhound racing industry, with animals being tied to lures and flung around racetracks. This led to the banning of greyhound racing in New South Wales (NSW) and the ACT from 1 July 2017, although this ban was later repealed.
Despite these bans, Victoria, a state in Australia, is home to the world's richest greyhound race, The Phoenix. The race, first held in 2021, offers a prize pool of $1.65 million, with $1 million going to the winner. It is held annually at The Meadows in December and has become a highly anticipated event in the greyhound racing world. The Phoenix has not only attracted participants from around the world but has also opened doors for those who don't own a greyhound to experience the thrill of racing.
The Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association, the organizer of The Phoenix, has successfully created a race that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of greyhound ownership. With a total prize pool of $1.65 million, it surpasses other prestigious races like the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase. The Phoenix has quickly become a coveted title, with winners like Wow She's Fast, Schillaci, and Explicit, leaving their mark in greyhound racing folklore.
The Phoenix is not just about the money; it's about the passion, excitement, and inclusion that it brings to the world of greyhound racing. It has become a platform for trainers, owners, and slot holders to showcase their skills and the fascinating backstories of their champion greyhounds. The race has added a new layer of colour and excitement to the sport, attracting a worldwide audience and solidifying Victoria's position as a leader in greyhound racing.
Victoria's The Phoenix is a testament to the sport's evolution, offering a unique blend of entertainment, competition, and the chance to make one's fortune. While greyhound racing has faced scrutiny and bans in other parts of Australia, Victoria has stepped up to showcase the sport's potential and create a lasting legacy in the world of greyhound racing.
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Greyhound racing is legal in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and Ireland
Greyhound racing is currently legal in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and Ireland. However, the practice is facing increasing scrutiny and declining popularity worldwide due to concerns over animal welfare and exploitation.
In Australia, greyhound racing is regulated by state and territory bodies, with Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) and Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) being the two largest authorities. Despite multiple investigations and inquiries revealing animal welfare issues, including live baiting and mass graves, the industry has not been banned in most states. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) banned greyhound racing in 2018, and there have been calls for other states to follow suit.
New South Wales (NSW) has been at the centre of controversy, with the industry facing allegations of abuse and exploitation. In 2016, NSW proposed a ban on greyhound racing, but it was later repealed. The state's premier has since ruled out a ban, stating that the industry will continue while claims are investigated. Victoria, which contributes significantly to the industry's profits, holds the world's richest greyhound race, The Phoenix, with a total prize pool of $1.65 million.
In the US, betting on greyhounds has been outlawed in all but a few states, and only two active tracks remain in West Virginia. The UK, Ireland, and New Zealand also have greyhound racing markets, but none operate at the same scale as Australia. With increased public scrutiny and declining support, there is pressure for the industry to improve its standards and address the issues of animal cruelty and exploitation.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) banned greyhound racing in 2018. New South Wales (NSW) also banned greyhound racing in 2016, but the ban was short-lived and was repealed in 2016.
Greyhound racing in Australia has been the subject of multiple investigations and animal welfare concerns. The industry has been accused of live baiting, mass dumping of unwanted greyhounds in graves, and preventable deaths of young dogs.
The NSW Greyhound Reform Panel made 122 recommendations to the NSW government, of which 121 were adopted. The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) was also created to regulate the industry.
Greyhound racing is still legal in Australia, with the exception of the ACT. However, there is increased public scrutiny and welfare advocacy, and a lack of public support for the industry.
