Greyhound racing: Aussie state bans controversial sport, Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirms Tasmania's ban

Daily Telegraph

a day ago

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A firm end date for greyhound racing has been set for one Australian state, and the reaction has been deeply divided.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed on Sunday that the Tasmanian liberal government funding for the industry would be completely phased out by June 30, 2029, pulling the pin on a sport that's been under scrutiny for years.
'It's time to draw a line in the sand,' Rockliff wrote in the press release.
He acknowledged the news would be 'extremely disappointing' for many in the greyhound industry, but said it had become increasingly clear it didn't align with 'community expectations.'
The press release announced the planned phase out date for 2029. Picture: X
Greyhound racing will be phased out in Tasmania. (Photo by)
The decision follows the recent death of Raider's Guide, one of Tasmania's most successful greyhounds, who was euthanised after falling during a race in Launceston on July 28.
The four-year-old, who suffered a broken spine, was named the state's Greyhound of the Year in January after 17 wins across 2024.
For many, his death marked a turning point.
RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins said the news was a long time coming, describing the decision as 'a new chapter in our community's progress on animal welfare.'
'Let the death of Raider's Guide be the catalyst for lasting change,' she said.
The reaction online from animal advocates has been passionate.
'The best news!' one member of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds wrote on Facebook.
'The tide is turning here in Australia,' added another.
Others praised the years of campaigning that led to the decision.
'We've always said Tassie would get this done first,' wrote one commenter.
But not everyone is convinced the move goes far enough.
'It would be much better if the entire vile industry was being banned.'
Another added: 'Now if we can prevent Tassie trainers from packing up and going to another state, that would be amazing.'
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This wasn't the first time Raider's Guide sustained cervical spinal injuries on track. Picture: X
Carol Martin, daughter of Raider's owner Gary Fahey, said he was "a great dog with a massive heart." Picture: Melbourne Greyhounds
Outside of advocacy circles, the call has drawn criticism from parts of the racing community - particularly those who feel the ban unfairly targets smaller, family-run kennels and trainers with little financial or political power.
Former senior sports journalist Ray Gatt tweeted, 'Ah yes. Pick on the battlers, the mums and dads who can't fight back.
'Meanwhile, everything is fine in thoroughbred racing. There's nothing to see there.
'All squeaky clean. Just upright citizens with power and money. But that's too big a battle hey.'
It's a sentiment being echoed by many - that greyhound racing, smaller and less resourced, is being pushed out, while horse racing remains largely untouched despite a history of doping and high-profile scandals.
So what does this ban mean for the industry?
The Tasmanian Government says the four-year transition will allow time for proper planning and support for those affected, including trainers, breeders and clubs.
Still, rescue services like Hounds in Homes are warning of growing pressure on rehoming efforts - especially if small-scale trainers are pushed out and dogs are left without housing.
'Closing down all country tracks and shutting down smaller kennels (means) misplacing lots of greyhounds.
'We predict they will close down the smaller tracks but keep the big ones in NSW. The big kennels, breeders and trainers will carry on as normal.'
"Punishing the many good because of a few bad eggs," tweeted former sports writer Ray Gatt. Picture: X
The ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to ban greyhound racing in 2018.
In New Zealand, the government also recently confirmed plans to shut down the industry.
Advocates in other Australian states are now hoping Tasmania's move adds momentum to the cause.
'Great news! Thank you Tasmania for ending cruel greyhound racing,' wrote one Facebook user, tagging New South Wales MPs.
'Please listen to the people of NSW and end greyhound racing in our state next!'
'Bring it on. Pets not bets,' backed another.
While greyhound racing does contribute to the gambling industry's profits, it's a relatively small slice compared to horse racing, sports betting, and pokies, especially in Australia.
Greyhound racing is estimated to turnover A$3 billion annually nationwide, and revenue from betting sits at approximately A$500-700 million.
Compare that to an estimated $A15 billion revenue from slot machines. $A20 billion from horse racing and $A50 billion from other sports betting.
'Of the 97,783 greyhounds bred in NSW over 12 years, 68,448 dogs were killed.
'I'm not a smart man, but I know solid and horrifying percentages when I see them.
'All of this for... gambling,' wrote a horrified Redditor in response to the NSW Special Comission Inquiry into the industry.
It's also no secret that Premier Rockliff is currently leading a minority government, and some speculate that this announcement could be no more than a political move to gain support from key independents with strong animal welfare policies.
Either way, Tasmania has made its position clear, and it's only a matter of time before the pressure shifts to other states.
Originally published as 'Turning point': Punters divided as Aussie state bans greyhound racing following tragedy