A demonstration outside of Australia’s largest Greyhound racing event is drawing attention to the ethical problems plaguing the sport. This year, Greyhound racing’s biggest annual event faced a crowd of activists and protestors at the gates. According to Independent Australia, the crowd condemned the industry’s unsafe racetracks, use of live baiting, and failures in rehoming racing dogs.
The Million Dollar Chase (MDC), in Sydney, Australia, is called the richest Greyhound race in the world. With a grand prize of $1 million, it’s not hard to imagine the high stakes going into the race. However, it seems the real cost of this “sport” is too high for dog lovers. Before the race, reports of dogs dying on racetracks drew attention to the brutal reality of these competitions.
A Scandalous History
Apparently, Greyhound Racing NSW has been struggling with controversy for some time now. In 2018, the Australian government founded the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission to regulate the sport. Currently, Greyhound Racing NSW chief executive Robert Macaulay says the commission has made Australian Greyhound racing the most highly regulated racing sport in the world.
However, even with strict regulations, the amount of dogs harmed is astounding. IA’s report states that 37 dogs died in 2022 on the qualifying tracks for the MDC. In total, 124 dogs have died over the past three years, and there’s been a reported 3,700 dog injuries.
Fatal Consequences of Greyhound Racing
Even more alarming are the outcomes for dogs who retire, either from age or injuries. Alarmingly, 92 dogs with leg injuries were euthanized this year. Recently, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) reported nine Greyhounds collapsing right after their races. Another concerning aspect is the exploitative breeding of racing Greyhounds. Right now, the industry overbreeds the dogs, not only harming the pregnant dogs but also leaving tons of puppies without homes. As a result, nonprofit rescues take on the burden instead.
Unfortunately, the government itself is alleged to be a large contributor to the races. A lack of transparency and undisclosed donations are creating mistrust and many animal welfare groups are calling for a total ban. Hopefully, politicians will see the unethical nature of Greyhound racing and follow through with the ban.
