Latest news with #GreyhoundoftheYear
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Another greyhound racing ban could see dishlickers done
A state leader's bid for political power could spell the death knell for greyhound racing across Australia as animal activists hail an end to the controversial sport in the Apple Isle. The timing would coincide with the end of a government funding agreement and make the island state the second jurisdiction in Australia to stop the sport. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in the state. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. He acknowledged the news would be "extremely disappointing" for many in the greyhound industry, but said it had become increasingly clear the sport didn't align with community expectations. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised in July after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said she was elated by the news, but she emphasised the need for a phased-out approach to ensure ethical rehoming of greyhounds and support for affected workers. "I think this sends a signal to other states and territories that the tide is turning against greyhound racing ... I hope it's just a matter of time," she told AAP. Other states were already questioning the future of greyhound racing, Ms MacMahon added, with South Australia putting the industry on notice after a damning report in 2023. NSW is also awaiting findings of the Drake inquiry, a long-running probe into the sport following the release of a report by the state industry body's former chief vet that highlighted widespread animal welfare issues. One of the state's best-known venues, Dapto Dogs, will cease operations in the coming year after nearly 90 years of hosting races due to its lease expiring. RSPCA Tasmania commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling the sport a "relic of the past" and urging all MPs to support the ban. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, which hold five seats, and independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Ms Johnston reiterated on Sunday she wouldn't do a deal with one of the major parties, but added the end of racing was a "demonstration of what power sharing looks like in parliament". Labor leader Dean Winter plans to move a no-confidence motion in the Rockliff government when the parliament returns for the first time on August 19. He described the greyhound racing announcement as a "political bid to cling onto power". Any decisions of that magnitude, like shutting down a greyhound industry that employed hundreds of people, should be taken carefully and follow due process, he said. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances and found greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. The industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024/25 alone and it was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat, he said. A state leader's bid for political power could spell the death knell for greyhound racing across Australia as animal activists hail an end to the controversial sport in the Apple Isle. The timing would coincide with the end of a government funding agreement and make the island state the second jurisdiction in Australia to stop the sport. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in the state. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. He acknowledged the news would be "extremely disappointing" for many in the greyhound industry, but said it had become increasingly clear the sport didn't align with community expectations. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised in July after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said she was elated by the news, but she emphasised the need for a phased-out approach to ensure ethical rehoming of greyhounds and support for affected workers. "I think this sends a signal to other states and territories that the tide is turning against greyhound racing ... I hope it's just a matter of time," she told AAP. Other states were already questioning the future of greyhound racing, Ms MacMahon added, with South Australia putting the industry on notice after a damning report in 2023. NSW is also awaiting findings of the Drake inquiry, a long-running probe into the sport following the release of a report by the state industry body's former chief vet that highlighted widespread animal welfare issues. One of the state's best-known venues, Dapto Dogs, will cease operations in the coming year after nearly 90 years of hosting races due to its lease expiring. RSPCA Tasmania commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling the sport a "relic of the past" and urging all MPs to support the ban. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, which hold five seats, and independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Ms Johnston reiterated on Sunday she wouldn't do a deal with one of the major parties, but added the end of racing was a "demonstration of what power sharing looks like in parliament". Labor leader Dean Winter plans to move a no-confidence motion in the Rockliff government when the parliament returns for the first time on August 19. He described the greyhound racing announcement as a "political bid to cling onto power". Any decisions of that magnitude, like shutting down a greyhound industry that employed hundreds of people, should be taken carefully and follow due process, he said. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances and found greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. The industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024/25 alone and it was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat, he said. A state leader's bid for political power could spell the death knell for greyhound racing across Australia as animal activists hail an end to the controversial sport in the Apple Isle. The timing would coincide with the end of a government funding agreement and make the island state the second jurisdiction in Australia to stop the sport. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in the state. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. He acknowledged the news would be "extremely disappointing" for many in the greyhound industry, but said it had become increasingly clear the sport didn't align with community expectations. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised in July after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said she was elated by the news, but she emphasised the need for a phased-out approach to ensure ethical rehoming of greyhounds and support for affected workers. "I think this sends a signal to other states and territories that the tide is turning against greyhound racing ... I hope it's just a matter of time," she told AAP. Other states were already questioning the future of greyhound racing, Ms MacMahon added, with South Australia putting the industry on notice after a damning report in 2023. NSW is also awaiting findings of the Drake inquiry, a long-running probe into the sport following the release of a report by the state industry body's former chief vet that highlighted widespread animal welfare issues. One of the state's best-known venues, Dapto Dogs, will cease operations in the coming year after nearly 90 years of hosting races due to its lease expiring. RSPCA Tasmania commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling the sport a "relic of the past" and urging all MPs to support the ban. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, which hold five seats, and independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Ms Johnston reiterated on Sunday she wouldn't do a deal with one of the major parties, but added the end of racing was a "demonstration of what power sharing looks like in parliament". Labor leader Dean Winter plans to move a no-confidence motion in the Rockliff government when the parliament returns for the first time on August 19. He described the greyhound racing announcement as a "political bid to cling onto power". Any decisions of that magnitude, like shutting down a greyhound industry that employed hundreds of people, should be taken carefully and follow due process, he said. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances and found greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. The industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024/25 alone and it was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat, he said. A state leader's bid for political power could spell the death knell for greyhound racing across Australia as animal activists hail an end to the controversial sport in the Apple Isle. The timing would coincide with the end of a government funding agreement and make the island state the second jurisdiction in Australia to stop the sport. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in the state. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. He acknowledged the news would be "extremely disappointing" for many in the greyhound industry, but said it had become increasingly clear the sport didn't align with community expectations. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised in July after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said she was elated by the news, but she emphasised the need for a phased-out approach to ensure ethical rehoming of greyhounds and support for affected workers. "I think this sends a signal to other states and territories that the tide is turning against greyhound racing ... I hope it's just a matter of time," she told AAP. Other states were already questioning the future of greyhound racing, Ms MacMahon added, with South Australia putting the industry on notice after a damning report in 2023. NSW is also awaiting findings of the Drake inquiry, a long-running probe into the sport following the release of a report by the state industry body's former chief vet that highlighted widespread animal welfare issues. One of the state's best-known venues, Dapto Dogs, will cease operations in the coming year after nearly 90 years of hosting races due to its lease expiring. RSPCA Tasmania commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling the sport a "relic of the past" and urging all MPs to support the ban. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, which hold five seats, and independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Ms Johnston reiterated on Sunday she wouldn't do a deal with one of the major parties, but added the end of racing was a "demonstration of what power sharing looks like in parliament". Labor leader Dean Winter plans to move a no-confidence motion in the Rockliff government when the parliament returns for the first time on August 19. He described the greyhound racing announcement as a "political bid to cling onto power". Any decisions of that magnitude, like shutting down a greyhound industry that employed hundreds of people, should be taken carefully and follow due process, he said. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances and found greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. The industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024/25 alone and it was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat, he said.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Greyhound racing to be banned as premier wrangles votes
One state's government funding for greyhound racing will be phased out by 2029, effectively ending the sport's future in the jurisdiction. The end of Tasmanian government support for the greyhound racing industry will coincide with the end of the current funding deed as Premier Jeremy Rockliff works to shore up support from independents as he leads a minority government. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised on July 28 after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named the Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. 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. RSPCA Tasmanian commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling it a "relic of the past", and urged all elected representatives to support the ban. "Let the death of Raider's Guide be the catalyst for lasting change, and may this decision mark a new chapter in our community's progress on animal welfare," its chief executive Andrea Dawkins said in a statement. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, with five seats, and Independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have no formal agreements of support with the 11 minor party MPs and independents. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances, finding greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. At the time his report was published in May, Mr Eslake said the industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024-25 alone. He said the state was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat. One state's government funding for greyhound racing will be phased out by 2029, effectively ending the sport's future in the jurisdiction. The end of Tasmanian government support for the greyhound racing industry will coincide with the end of the current funding deed as Premier Jeremy Rockliff works to shore up support from independents as he leads a minority government. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised on July 28 after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named the Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. 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. RSPCA Tasmanian commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling it a "relic of the past", and urged all elected representatives to support the ban. "Let the death of Raider's Guide be the catalyst for lasting change, and may this decision mark a new chapter in our community's progress on animal welfare," its chief executive Andrea Dawkins said in a statement. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, with five seats, and Independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have no formal agreements of support with the 11 minor party MPs and independents. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances, finding greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. At the time his report was published in May, Mr Eslake said the industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024-25 alone. He said the state was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat. One state's government funding for greyhound racing will be phased out by 2029, effectively ending the sport's future in the jurisdiction. The end of Tasmanian government support for the greyhound racing industry will coincide with the end of the current funding deed as Premier Jeremy Rockliff works to shore up support from independents as he leads a minority government. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised on July 28 after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named the Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. 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. RSPCA Tasmanian commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling it a "relic of the past", and urged all elected representatives to support the ban. "Let the death of Raider's Guide be the catalyst for lasting change, and may this decision mark a new chapter in our community's progress on animal welfare," its chief executive Andrea Dawkins said in a statement. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, with five seats, and Independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have no formal agreements of support with the 11 minor party MPs and independents. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances, finding greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. At the time his report was published in May, Mr Eslake said the industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024-25 alone. He said the state was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat. One state's government funding for greyhound racing will be phased out by 2029, effectively ending the sport's future in the jurisdiction. The end of Tasmanian government support for the greyhound racing industry will coincide with the end of the current funding deed as Premier Jeremy Rockliff works to shore up support from independents as he leads a minority government. The decision comes after a "great" of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised on July 28 after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named the Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Mr Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania. "It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania," he said on Sunday. 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. RSPCA Tasmanian commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling it a "relic of the past", and urged all elected representatives to support the ban. "Let the death of Raider's Guide be the catalyst for lasting change, and may this decision mark a new chapter in our community's progress on animal welfare," its chief executive Andrea Dawkins said in a statement. Mr Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, with five seats, and Independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have no formal agreements of support with the 11 minor party MPs and independents. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances, finding greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. At the time his report was published in May, Mr Eslake said the industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024-25 alone. He said the state was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Tasmania moves to shut down down greyhound racing days after tragedy
One state's government funding for greyhound racing will be phased out by 2029, effectively ending the sport's future in the jurisdiction. The end of Tasmanian government support for the greyhound racing industry will coincide with the end of the current funding deed as Premier Jeremy Rockliff works to shore up support from independents as he leads a minority government. The decision comes after a 'great' of Tasmanian greyhound racing, Raider's Guide, was euthanised on July 28 after falling and breaking its neck at a Launceston track. The four-year-old dog had been named the Greyhound of the Year in January after notching 17 wins in 2024. Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania. 'It's time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania,' he said on Sunday. 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. RSPCA Tasmanian commended the Rockliff government's plan to phase out greyhound racing, labelling it a 'relic of the past', and urged all elected representatives to support the ban. 'Let the death of Raider's Guide be the catalyst for lasting change, and may this decision mark a new chapter in our community's progress on animal welfare,' its chief executive Andrea Dawkins said in a statement. Rockliff was reinstalled as premier on Wednesday after the governor granted his request to form a minority government. Neither his Liberals with 14 seats nor Labor with 10 have secured the required 18 to govern in their own right after a snap election produced another hung parliament. The Greens, with five seats, and Independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for the banning of greyhound racing. Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have no formal agreements of support with the 11 minor party MPs and independents. The ACT banned greyhound racing in 2018. Veteran economist Saul Eslake recently reviewed the state's finances, finding greyhound racing in Tasmania was almost entirely dependent on government funding. At the time his report was published in May, Eslake said the industry would receive $7.5 million in state funding in 2024-25 alone. He said the state was spending more than twice the national average to keep the sport afloat.
ABC News
30-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Death of Tasmanian champion greyhound Raider's Guide prompts renewed calls to shut down the industry
There are fresh calls to shut down Tasmania's greyhound racing industry following the death of one of the state's greatest ever runners earlier this week. WARNING: This story contains images of an animal suffering a serious injury and may cause distress. Raider's Guide, which had claimed a Tasmanian record of $664,975 in prize money from 79 starts, was put down after suffering a fall during Race 6 at Launceston on Monday night. The 4-year-old stayer bumped into another greyhound on the first turn of the race, forcing it to tumble and the race to be abandoned. According to the stewards' report, Raider's Guide was then taken to a veterinary clinic, and a post-race examination revealed it had suffered cervical spinal injuries which eventually proved to be fatal. TasRacing confirmed that Raider's Guide was euthanased as a result of its injuries. It is the second Tasmanian greyhound racing death this year, and the first at Launceston. Animal welfare advocates believe the death of Raider's Guide further justifies their position that government subsidy for the greyhound racing industry in Tasmania should end. "Grotesque track deaths are just the tip of a huge injury iceberg. There are thousands of greyhound track injuries in Australia every year according to the industry's own stewards' reports." Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs is one of 11 community groups campaigning for an end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing in Tasmania by 2029. "The RSPCA and every other significant animal welfare group in Tasmania agree dog racing is unavoidably cruel," Ms Fraser said TasRacing chief executive Andrew Jenkins paid tribute to the greyhound. "He will leave a legacy on Tasmanian and Australian greyhound racing for many years to come." In a statement, TasRacing said there had been a steady downward trend in greyhound "racing-related mortality", and that mortality had reduced by a factor of 7.5 since the 2016-17 financial year. In 2016-17, 15 greyhounds died from 12,724 starters, representing 1.18 greyhounds per 1,000 starters. The number of deaths peaked in 2018-19 when there were 18 deaths from 12,642 starters, but has reduced to 2 deaths from 11,927 starters or 0.17 per 1,000 so far this year. Raider's Guide was trained by Mangalore hall-of-famer Gary Fahey and was crowned Tasmania's Greyhound of the Year last year. In May, it became the first Tasmanian greyhound to win three Group 1 races when it won the Sandown Cup at Sandown Park in Victoria. But the death of Raider's Guide has emboldened calls for Tasmania to follow other jurisdictions in shutting down its greyhound racing industry. Last year, New Zealand's government decided to end greyhound racing, citing an "unacceptably high" rate of death and injury. It set up a committee to help manage a 20-month transition period for the industry, including the rehoming of almost 3,000 racing greyhounds. In February, Wales followed suit, with its government announcing it would end greyhound racing "as soon as practically possible". Greens animal rights spokesperson Cassy O'Connor said the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry was "irredeemably cruel" and should be wound up. "It's because of the 'unacceptably high' rate of injury and death to dogs that the conservative New Zealand government committed to ending greyhound racing by the middle of next year," Ms O'Connor said. A report by independent economist Saul Eslake, commissioned by the 11 community groups campaigning for an end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing, found state-owned Tasracing funds greyhound racing at more than double the rate of other states and territories. "There does not appear to be a compelling reason — beyond inertia ('it has always been thus') — why Tasmanian greyhound racing should continue to receive the generous government funding which it has long enjoyed once the current funding deed expires in mid-2029," Mr Eslake wrote. The Tasmanian government has been contacted for comment.
