Dear Greyhound Racing Participants
You will all no doubt be aware that earlier today (10 December 2024) New Zealand Racing Minister Winston Peters announced his government’s plans to end greyhound racing in that country.
For context, today’s announcement from New Zealand is a response to very specific circumstances related to that jurisdiction – there have been a number of reviews into the greyhound industry in New Zealand over the past 10 years, all recommending significant changes.
It is a very different story here in Tasmania.
As you know, Tasracing already has strict rules, policies and other strategies in place to enhance animal welfare outcomes for greyhounds – litters are being responsibly bred, fewer greyhounds are being euthanised and more dogs are being rehomed.
And of course, the industry has zero tolerance for any type of animal cruelty. Tasracing has drafted a Code of Practice for Greyhound Welfare to set standards of welfare throughout the greyhound lifecycle from breeding to retirement, including nutrition, health and veterinary care, behaviour and socialisation, hygiene, kennels, transport, and medications.
Regardless of these measures, Tasracing remains committed to the further improvement of safety and welfare standards across the code.
There is also an economic reality to the continuation of operating the greyhound industry in Tasmania. As we have said many times, the Tasmanian racing industry is responsible for generating a real gross value added contribution of $207.5 million for the Tasmanian economy. Breaking it down to just the greyhound industry, that total value add amount is $59.7 million.
And finally, in the current Tasmanian Government and Racing Minister we have a strong supporter of our industry. Minister Jane Howlett recently stated at a Parliamentary scrutiny hearing that the Government will not be banning greyhound racing or any other code in our racing industry. Instead, the Tasmanian Government has a focus on improving animal welfare and rebuilding faith and restoring trust in the industry.
Tasracing will continue to work closely with Minister Howlett and the Government.
Of course, we will continue to monitor the issue in New Zealand and report back as appropriate.
Andrew Jenkins
Tasracing CEO