Wilkie probe call into missing greyhounds

ANDREW Wilkie says new figures are proof the greyhound industry is “systemically cruel” and should be banned, but regulators say the figures are inaccurate.

Within a month of fresh canine coronavirus cases spreading among racing greyhounds, the independent MP for Clark has called for a probe into the controversial industry.

Mr Wilkie said new data from Let Greyhounds Run Free has shown some 262 greyhound puppies were unaccounted for between 2016 and 2018, with yearly numbers increasing.

“It just reminds us again why more than 80 per cent of Australians think greyhound racing should be banned,” he said.

Mr Wilkie said a further 381 racing dogs were either killed or died from “accidental” or “natural” causes during the period.

Let Greyhounds Run Free co-ordinator Fran Chambers said she believed the puppies were dead.

She said her rescue dogs Paddy and Janey were traumatised from racing, with Paddy terrified of small doorways and people approaching from behind.

Mr Wilkie said statistics were “proof again that this is a systemically cruel sport where they breed dogs just to race and if they don’t run fast enough, they’re destroyed”.

He said in the absence of a ban, he hoped the industry rules would change to ensure an end to self-regulation.

An Office of Racing Integrity spokeswoman said the statistics provided an “incomplete and inaccurate picture of the industry”.

“There are not hundreds of missing greyhound pups, rather the status and location of all greyhounds are tracked by regulators throughout their racing career,” she said.

“The number of greyhounds identified as missing by Let Greyhounds Run Free is more accurately described as those greyhounds that have not formally raced.”

She said regulators were aware of the locations and retirement statuses of the greyhounds, classed as unraced, currently racing, breeding, retired as pet, deceased or euthanised.

Racing Minister Jane Howlett said the government invested $467,000 into the

Greyhound Adoption Program in Mangalore last financial year and was working towards a zero euthanasia rate.

“The vast majority of industry participants provide great care to their dogs, including when they have retired,” she said.

Ms Howlett said euthanasia figures have steadily fallen from 678 in 2015-16 to 90 in 2019-20.

A TasRacing spokesman said new welfare rules from March 1 meant owners must make every effort to find their greyhound a suitable longterm home.

“Owners must keep evidence of their endeavours and greyhounds can no longer be euthanised without written permission from the Office of Racing Integrity,” he said.