Image: A greyhound at Wentworth Park. Danny Casey, AAP Image
by AARYAN KAPOOR
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) is facing criticism for their lack of transparency regarding the injuries and harm suffered by racing dogs at Wentworth Park.
Despite saying they strive to be a “gold standard industry”, GRNSW has come under scrutiny by organisations like the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), which seek to shed light on mismanagement within the racing body.
There have been 99 injuries this year already, up from 65 for the same period last year, but stewards’ reports have failed to advise whether dogs will be treated under the NSW injury scheme.
“NSW racing authorities fail to be transparent about which greyhounds with serious injuries get treated under GRNSW’s scheme,” said Fiona Chishold, state manager of the CPG.
“Despite recent hype about NSW racing bodies aiming for a ‘gold standard industry’, they’re behind on transparency as usual.”
“Worse still, they’re spending $30M of taxpayers’ money on track improvements, but no outcome data has been released,” she continued.
“Has the rate of injury per track improved after our tax dollars were spent? Which NSW tracks meet the minimum standards? No-one knows.”
A notoriously dangerous racetrack
Wentworth Park is a notoriously dangerous racetrack. Most greyhounds who fall and get injured do so at the first turn, incurring serious fractures.
In an effort to boost safety, the track has been trialling a double-arm lure, designed to prevent dogs bunching together, but injuries are still regularly occurring.
Injuries suffered by racing dogs, primarily the fractures caused by tight turns and collisions, have led to increased euthanizations and suffering.
Ms Chisholm has emphasised the need for greater accountability and disclosure from GRNSW, suggesting that the racing body is more focused on protecting its reputation than addressing animal welfare concerns.
Speaking to City Hub, Ms Chisholm said, “It’s been a gradual and serious increase in injuries, which is resulted in a greater number of dogs being euthanised or suffering. Lots of pain and discomfort.”
GRNSW not being public with their statistics is to protect the future of their reputation, she continued.
“They know the public hates hearing about animals being injured. That’s why CPG started 4 years ago, collating the death and injury data from steward reports not available to the public.”
“They’re living in an echo chamber”
The presence of greyhound racing in Sydney has stirred controversy, particularly with speculation that the state Labor government may extend the leased land beyond 2027.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is supporting residents’ calls for the closure of Wentworth Park, also advocating for more green space.
Greyhound racing has no future in Sydney, Ms Chisholm asserted to City Hub.
And if GRNSW was really a “gold standard industry”, they would release the data about greyhound injuries and outcomes of money spent for track improvements, she said in a previous statement.
They would also consult with stakeholders who aren’t industry participants, like taxpayers, she added.
”Right now, the NSW dog racing industry is merely consulting with itself. They’re living in an echo chamber, yet they have the gall to spend our money.”
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