It was alleged that two-thirds of greyhound deaths had been excluded from official reports – and thousands of dogs recorded as being rehomed as pets, were instead kept in industrial kennels.

Two-time Million Dollar Chase conditioner Peter Lagogiane said he and his peers treated their animals like their own children.

MISTREAT

“As for somebody saying we mistreat them, nothing could be further from the truth,” he told The Epoch Times.

“If we see someone flying foul of the rules, of course, we’re going to stand up, speak up, and step in.”

Brittan’s report alleged that greyhounds were being forced to race at unsustainable levels which led to high stress, injury and death.

“I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity,” NSW Racing Minister David Harris said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns ruled out shutting down the industry and said the report would be investigated.

“Look, we’re not going to shut down the industry but we do take this report seriously,” he told reporters.

“And I know that it’s the minister who is assessing the criticisms – they’ll be investigated, they’ll be fully investigated.”

Left-wing minor Parties were quick to condemn the industry, with NSW Upper House Greens MP Abigail Boyd calling it “corrupt”.

Meanwhile, NSW Animal Justice Party MPs Emma Hurst and Georgie Purcell (from Victoria), said they’d like to see greyhound racing shut down.

“Just this year, 40 greyhounds have been killed and 4600 have been injured on NSW and Victorian greyhound racing tracks – and those are just the deaths and injuries we know about,” Ms Hurst alleged.

CRUELTY

“Gambling and animals simply don’t mix and the continuous animal welfare issues and high rates of injuries and deaths make it clear that this industry can’t operate without systemic cruelty.”

She also said a 2024 report by the Victorian Parliamentary Budget Office found that banning the industry would save Victorian taxpayers $90m over four years.

Boyd was equally strong in her stance, and said the industry was beyond repair.

“The NSW greyhound racing industry was given a second chance in 2016, but it’s clear that it is incapable of being reformed,” she said.

“Time and time again, we have heard damning and well-documented evidence of cruel and corrupt practices across the industry including live baiting, doping, discarded greyhounds, cruel kennel conditions and fudged rehoming numbers.

“This is an industry fuelled by gambling that will always put profits and prize money above the welfare of greyhounds.”

Greyhound Racing Victoria’s response was that greyhound deaths had decreased by 51 per cent over the past five years, with injury rates also down 19 per cent.

Group 1 Melbourne Cup and Australia Cup-winning trainer Anthony Azzopardi said he put countless hours and dollars into the health and welfare of his dogs.

“I love them. Look at the vehicles they travel in – they’re nearly $100,000 set-ups. They live in air-conditioned homes. When it’s cold they’re warm. When it’s warm they’re cool,” he said.

LOVE

“Of course we love our greyhounds – it’s our life. I’ve built my life around these animals, as many others have.”

Azzopardi added it was disheartening to read comments demanding his entire industry be shut down due to the alleged actions of a small number of rogue trainers.

“Why don’t they just do a little bit more homework? These are the only dogs in the world who get the care that they do.

“It does get under your skin a bit because you work seven days a week. We haven’t got a life where we can’t say ‘let’s just go away for the weekend’.”

Top Victorian trainer Mark Delbridge said his industry peers were now facing a two-pronged threat from inflation, on top of the criticism against the industry.

“Cost of living goes up every year. It’s nearly $2500 a week just for food for the dogs. And it’s about $25,000 a year for fuel,” he told The Epoch Times.