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Greyhound racing

Serious and unresolved welfare issues mean greyhound racing continues to cause widespread harm. This harm undermines the industry’s social licence to operate.

Greyhound racing

Greyhound racing involves greyhounds chasing an artificial lure around a racetrack. In Australia, greyhound racing is conducted at specialised tracks and betting on the race winner is a popular form of gambling. As with any sport involving animals, there is the potential for the animals involved to experience poor welfare or suffer injury, pain or distress as a result of training or competition.

RSPCA Queensland does not support greyhound racing due to entrenched and unresolved animal welfare concerns within the industry.

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The issues

Over-breeding & wastage

Greyhound racing breeds far more dogs than can be rehomed. Over a thousand are whelped annually and hundreds euthanised, creating an entrenched cycle of oversupply and wastage

Lack of industry transparency

There is limited transparency around injuries, deaths and rehoming and compliance with welfare requirements leaving unanswered questions about the long-term welfare of many greyhounds

Injuries, deaths & welfare

Greyhounds used for racing are at risk of inadequate housing, lack of socialisation and enrichment, performance substance abuse, injury or death

Lack of enforceable welfare standards

The absence of an enforceable Code of Practice for greyhounds in Queensland results in inconsistent care and risks compromising the welfare of the dogs

What needs to change

Whilst the industry remains active in Queensland, urgent action is required to reduce overbreeding and wastage and to improve rehoming outcomes for greyhounds leaving the industry. Every dog deserves the chance to live a safe and happy life beyond the track.

We are also seeking enforceable welfare standards and greater transparency across the industry. Clear rules and open reporting are essential to protect greyhounds from unnecessary suffering and to build public confidence in how they are cared for.

More change needed

How you can help

Greyhounds can make wonderful companions. You can adopt a greyhound from a reputable rescue group who rescue and rehome retired or unwanted racing greyhounds.

Please consider adopting a greyhound by searching RSPCA animals currently available for adoption.

Volunteer with RSPCA Qld

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