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It's Time: A Call for an Inquiry into Greyhound Racing in WAGreyhound racing, a longstanding industry in Western Australia (WA), has increasingly come under scrutiny due to growing concerns about animal welfare, the lack of independent regulatory oversight, and unethical practices. The evidence of systemic issues within the industry necessitates a closer look.
In 2024, the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations (Committee) undertook an inquiry into the financial operations and distribution of Government funding to the sport of greyhound racing by Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA). The Committee considered that there is a clear public interest in the animal welfare issues being fully investigated by a parliamentary committee. The Committee’s acknowledged that, unlike some other Australian jurisdictions, there has never been a detailed inquiry into the industry in Western Australia, despite there having been seven petitions tabled in the Western Australian Parliament since 2016
Animal Welfare Concerns
The welfare of greyhounds has been a contentious issue in the racing industry for many years. Allegations of mistreatment, overbreeding, and the euthanasia of healthy dogs are troubling and certainly warrant independent investigation. Reports from other states and countries have revealed cases of live baiting, neglect, and injuries sustained during racing, raising questions about whether similar issues are present in WA.
The lack of publicly accessible, comprehensive data on the fate of racing dogs adds to these concerns. How many greyhounds are successfully rehomed? How many are euthanised due to poor performance or injuries that could easily be treated? Without transparent answers, it is impossible to gauge whether the industry’s practices align with modern animal welfare standards. An independent inquiry would provide an opportunity to shed light on these issues and recommend actionable solutions.
Transparency and Accountability
The greyhound racing industry currently operates within a framework of regulation, but questions remain about the effectiveness and enforcement of these rules. The regulation of racing in WA is undertaken by the industry itself, with no independent oversight and no opportunity for independent investigators to have any oversight. That is, the rules of racing are written and enforced solely by staff who are employed and paid by the industry. Free The Hounds believes that this is insufficient to ensure that unethical practices and breaches are appropriately penalised. An inquiry would assess the current regulatory framework, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to ensure the industry operates ethically and transparently.
Similarly, there is no transparency about the decisions made by the industry. For example, Free The Hounds reported in 2024 that Racing and Wagering Western Australia had decided to scrap their Greyhound Injury Full Recovery Scheme (GIFRS) without providing comment as to why. GIFRS was introduced in 2019 to try to curb the number of greyhound deaths associated with greyhound racing in Western Australia. The data clearly demonstrated that the scheme resulted in a significant reduction in the number of dogs immediately euthanised at the track. For the two years prior to the introduction of the scheme, the average number of greyhounds immediately euthanised at WA tracks was 42.5 per annum. In the year that the scheme was introduced, this number reduced to 31. During the four years that the scheme was in operation, the average number of greyhounds immediately euthanised reduced almost four-fold to 9.5 per annum. In 2024, with the scheme withdrawn, the number of greyhounds immediately euthanised jumped again to 23. The complete lack of transparency means that the rationale used to make these types of decisions is never disclosed, despite the significant negative impact on animal welfare, acknowledge by Dr Smet, veterinarian for RWWA, at the Committee hearings. The Committee asserted that, “RWWA knows exactly what the issue is but are unable to manage the never-ending number of injured dogs and as a result we can clearly see euthanasia rates rising again”.
Recent controversies in other jurisdictions highlight the potential for misconduct in the absence of rigorous oversight. In Queensland, for example, a 2015 inquiry into greyhound racing uncovered shocking instances of live baiting and a culture of impunity. It is crucial to proactively investigate and address any potential issues in WA, rather than waiting for scandals to surface.
Public Trust
Public confidence in greyhound racing has waned due to repeated revelations of cruelty and misconduct elsewhere. This loss of trust poses a significant challenge for the industry, which relies on community support and government funding for its continued operation. An independent inquiry in WA, involving independent experts and stakeholders to provide a balanced and impartial assessment of the industry, would demonstrate a commitment to addressing concerns raised and rebuilding trust with the public.
Learning from Other Jurisdictions
WA has the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other regions that have conducted similar inquiries. In New South Wales, the 2016 Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry exposed widespread animal cruelty and led to significant reforms. Although the initial decision to ban greyhound racing in NSW was later reversed, the inquiry’s findings spurred lasting changes to improve animal welfare and industry oversight.
On 14 August 2023, the Government of South Australia established an independent inquiry into the regulatory regime, operations, culture, governance and practices of the greyhound racing industry in South Australia. The review found animal welfare issues that needed to be urgently improved before the government could be better assured that the industry should continue in its current form. It was concluded that there is an urgent need for the greyhound racing industry in South Australia to reform if it is to meet contemporary community expectations. It was recommended that a reform period of two years be allocated, and that this reform be oversighted by an Independent Inspector, with reporting functions to Government.
An inquiry in WA could draw on these experiences to ensure that the state’s greyhound racing industry operates at the highest standards.
The Path Forward
Opponents of an inquiry may argue that existing regulations are sufficient or that the cost of an inquiry is unjustified. However, the potential consequences of inaction – including ongoing animal suffering, public backlash, and reputational damage to the state – far outweigh the investment required for an independent investigation. By conducting an independent inquiry, the state can ensure that its greyhound racing industry aligns with community expectations, prioritises animal welfare, and operates transparently. This is not just an opportunity for reform; it is a moral imperative.
The WA Committee recommended that, “The Legislative Council in the 42nd Parliament establish a select committee to inquire into and report on animal welfare issues in the Western Australian greyhound racing industry”. It is time for the State Government to commit to undertaking an inquiry in WA. An independent inquiry into greyhound racing in WA is not only justified but essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with community values.
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