GRNSW challenges greyhound death data

The GRNSW cited official regulator figures to deny animal welfare group claims.

Australia.- The Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has issued a statement in response to recent claims made by the Animal Justice Party (AJP) of NSW about greyhound welfare, calling them misleading.

The AJP claimed that “every 20 hours in NSW a greyhound dies from racing injuries.” However, the GRNSW cited a report by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC).

The statement reads: “GWIC’s figures confirm there is not a death from racing injuries every 20 hours in NSW which would equate to 440 deaths annually. In the past year there were two sudden deaths at a race meeting, 14 greyhounds humanely euthanised at a racetrack, and 44 greyhounds reported as euthanised by private veterinarian or having died off-track as a result of injury at race meeting.”

GRNSW chief executive officer Steve Griffin said: “Our industry and its people are constantly under attack from those who are against it, but in this instance, the industry’s regulator has confirmed the statement produced is clearly wrong.

“Those opposed to our industry have made it clear their end goal is to permanently close greyhound racing. We are the most regulated and monitored sport in the country, and we are more than happy to be completely transparent with GWIC independently reporting data. However, we will not stand by and allow misrepresentations like this to be made about our sport.

“GRNSW is committed to transparency and accountability and welcome scrutiny based on verified facts. Statements from Political Parties should be based on accurate information. It is for this reason that GRNSW intends to lodge a formal complaint with the NSW Electoral Commissioner regarding the dissemination of these misleading claims.

“In recent times we have achieved considerable and significant progress and work throughout the industry in welfare and safety, and regardless of our critics and opponents, we will continue to strive to be the best racing jurisdiction in the world.”

The GRNSW said that, since 2017-18, on-track euthanasia has decreased by more than 87 per cent (from 1.4 per 1000 starts to 0.15 per 1000 starts). It also said that rehoming numbers are at an all-time high..

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The GRNSW cited official regulator figures to deny animal welfare group claims. Australia.- The Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has issued a statement in response to recent claims made by the…