The Beginning of the End for Greyhound Racing in Australia?

Greyhound Racing Appears to be on the Way Out in Australia

The Tasmanian Government has recently announced it will cut funding to the state’s greyhound racing industry following a tragic incident. This decision has reignited debate across the country about the future of greyhound racing, animal welfare concerns, and the role of government funding in supporting controversial sports.

What Happened in Tasmania?

Tasmania’s move comes in response to a serious welfare incident that placed renewed scrutiny on the industry. By withdrawing government funding, the state has signalled it is no longer prepared to subsidise an activity that many view as outdated and inconsistent with modern standards of animal welfare.

The Legal and Policy Issues

From a legal perspective, the decision raises several questions:

• Government funding: Should taxpayer money continue to support an industry facing repeated welfare controversies?

• Animal welfare laws: How do state animal welfare obligations intersect with an industry whose track record is under constant criticism?

• Economic considerations: Greyhound racing supports jobs and local economies, but at what cost?

  
  

The Broader Context

Animal welfare groups have long pointed to high injury and euthanasia rates. For example, Greyhound Racing NSW’s own recent report recorded hundreds of injuries and dozens of race-related deaths in that year alone. These statistics have fuelled public and political pressure, and Tasmania’s decision may be the first domino in a national shift.

What This Means for Australian Sport and Law

If other states follow Tasmania, greyhound racing in Australia could face a staged phase-out. Legal battles over compensation, employment, and industry transition are likely. For lawyers, policymakers, and sporting bodies, this is a live example of how government decisions, welfare standards, and industry regulation collide.

Conclusion

Tasmania’s decision may not mark the immediate end of greyhound racing, but it is a clear warning. Governments are under growing pressure to prioritise animal welfare over tradition. Whether this becomes the beginning of the end for greyhound racing across Australia remains to be seen.

Matt Krog

Director