Victorian Greyhound Racing Under Fire as Deaths Surge

Written by Australian Dog Lover 11:44:00 - 0 Comments

Animal welfare groups are demanding an urgent independent inquiry into Victorian greyhound racing following the deaths of 12 greyhounds in the past five weeks due to racing-related injuries.

The surge in fatalities, which occurred between September 2 and October 6, 2025, has reignited concerns over animal cruelty in the sport. The deaths include seven dogs that died on Victorian racetracks and another five that were later euthanised due to the severity of their racing injuries. Catastrophic injuries reported ranged from internal bleeding to broken legs and head/spinal trauma.

Victoria Leads in On-Track Fatalities

According to the animal welfare groups, a total of 38 greyhounds have been killed on Victorian tracks this year, making it the state with the highest number of on-track deaths in Australia—far exceeding the second-worst state, Queensland, with 23. More than 30 Victorian greyhounds have also died off-track from their injuries this year.

"The tragic deaths of greyhounds on Victorian racetracks aren’t isolated incidents. They’re a national disgrace that reflects a devastating welfare crisis," 

— Trish Ennis, CEO, Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA)

CANA, a national charity dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond, has joined the call for action. "We stand with the Animal Justice Party and Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds in demanding a full, independent inquiry. It’s time to end this cruelty once and for all," Ms Ennis stated. She added that greyhounds "deserve lives filled with care, not exploitation," arguing that animal suffering "erodes the human-animal bond."

Government Support Criticised

The industry’s continued operation, supported by the Victorian Government, was heavily criticised by Georgie Purcell MP of the Animal Justice Party.

"Greyhound Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government are prepared to accept that dead or injured greyhounds are just the inevitable cost of keeping this sickening industry alive," Ms Purcell said.

She argued that the government's continued funding "sends a clear message that economic interest is more important than animal suffering," calling it "shameful that the Victorian government continues to put taxpayer dollars from hardworking Victorians toward this brutal bloodsport." Ms Purcell urged Victoria to follow the lead of Tasmania and New Zealand, which have moved to shut down greyhound racing.

Steve Cook, VIC Director for the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), echoed the sentiment, stating, "Victoria has by far the deadliest greyhound tracks in Australia. This level of animal abuse in a taxpayer-funded industry cannot continue."

The groups are calling on the government to establish an independent inquiry to investigate the high levels of death and suffering and determine the future of the industry.

Recent Fatalities Detail (Sept 2 - Oct 6, 2025)

The 12 recent fatalities include:

Deaths on Tracks:

• Mini Whiskey (Sept 2, Geelong) - collapsed post-trial, suspected internal bleed.

• Aston Jill (Sept 4, Warragul) - foreleg fracture.

• Benny Cool (Sept 16, Warragul) - foreleg fracture.

• Navarino (Sept 28, Sale) - collapsed post-race.

• Chester Deeds (Sept 30, Horsham) - foreleg fracture.

• Lakeview Nola (Oct 4, Meadows) - head/spinal trauma.

• Mt. View Raw (Oct 6, Ballarat) - foreleg fracture.

Deaths Away from Tracks After Racing Injuries:

• Versnellen (Sept 11, Sandown) - hindleg fracture.

• Miss Georgie Lee (Sept 11, Warrnambool) - hindleg fracture.

• Fernando Gomez (Sept 21, Healesville) - hindleg fracture.

• Ninja Cuddle (Sept 26, Warragul) - hindleg fracture.

• Extreme Havoc (Sept 26, Warragul) - foreleg fracture.

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