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A number of big brands have called out the Seven Network after their ads appeared during a greyhound racing show on 7two over the last two months.

Thrill of the Chase — a seven-part TV series produced by Sports Entertainment Network and Greyhound Racing Victoria — aired nationwide on the network between November 21 and December 19 this year.

But considering a heartbreaking 169 greyhounds have been killed on Australian racetracks this year alone (not including those who suffer unfortunate fates off the track), brands have been quick to distance themselves from the programme, noting animal welfare as the primary reason for the move.

“Major brands are rejecting any association with greyhound racing because they realise most Australian consumers oppose this cruel industry. Thrill of the Chase is pure fantasy that sanitises the animal suffering that occurs every day on Australia’s racetracks.  It’s unreality TV,” Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds director Annie Hendley said in a statement provided to Junkee.

Animal Justice Party NSW’s Mark Pearson condemned the program and praised the brands who have since pulled their advertisements, noting that Thrill of the Chase didn’t show the reality of the industry.

“It’s disturbing to see a program on commercial TV attempting to normalise and promote greyhound racing and the gambling industry to Australian families. What ‘Thrill of the Chase’ shows is winning dogs and smiling children,” said Pearson.