On this page we look at the racing history of individual dogs in Western Australia. Injuries to greyhounds on racetracks are commonplace. Over the course of a greyhound’s racing career, they will incur injuries of various types, ranging from minor muscle strain to catastrophic injury leading to or causing the death of the dog. Injuries to greyhounds at racetracks is one of the most contentious issues in greyhound racing and a continued source of conflict between the industry and those wishing to see it end. Racing and Wagering WA know that they must be transparent and active in this area if they wish to retain their social licence and be seen to be doing all things possible to reduce greyhound injuries.
In Western Australia, If a greyhound is injured during an event the officiating veterinarian or in their absence, a Steward or other authorised person may impose a stand-down period commencing on the day the greyhound is injured at an event or where they are suffering from a condition such as cramp or heart issue. Stand-down means the period of time a greyhound is ordered not to compete in an event or trial. As a result, RWWA report the injuries sustained on the track and the stand down given by the vet.
It should be noted that there is a complete lack of diagnostic facilities at the track, such as x-ray equipment, therefore the report may misrepresent the actual injury as it is not updated to show what was found once the injury was fully investigated. This also means that the stand down period imposed is based on either the vet’s initial assessment, or that of an unqualified steward, and therefore likely does not reflect an appropriate period for the dog to recover.
Free the Hounds has been tracking the injuries of individual dogs throughout their careers. These case studies will demonstrate, even to untrained eyes, that racing greyhounds sustain multiple injuries during their short career and require much more recovery time than the imposed stand down periods. The combination of having no diagnostic equipment, dogs being in a heightened state, an on-track vet under time pressure and pressure from participants and having no outside welfare accountability results in these dogs being abused. Free The Hounds have been informed that, despite this, the track vets are consistently under pressure to impose a shorter stand down period. After all, a dog that can’t race can’t fulfil its only purpose in the eyes of the trainer and owner, making money.
Free The Hounds acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
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