Ten years after the reversal of the state ban, MPs and leading welfare groups unite to demand an end to public funding and a planned phase-out in NSW
Sydney, NSW — Ten years after the NSW Government reversed its landmark decision to ban greyhound racing, a powerful coalition of MPs, city leaders, and major animal welfare organisations have issued an open letter calling on Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Parliament to commit to a planned phase-out of the industry and an immediate end to public funding.
The open letter coincides with two key milestones this week: a peaceful protest outside NSW Parliament House this morning and the final race meeting at Sydney's historic Wentworth Park racetrack in Glebe on Friday, 16 October.
A Decade of Industry Data
Data from the Federal Parliamentary Library and the regulator, the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), reveals that since July 2017—when the original state ban was scheduled to take effect:
Over 600 greyhounds have died from racetrack injuries in NSW.
More than 25,000 dogs have suffered injuries on state tracks.
Over $200 million in taxpayer funds has been directed to prop up the greyhound racing industry.
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst highlighted that while the closure of Wentworth Park marks a significant shift, dog welfare remains severely compromised across the rest of the state.
"The closure of Wentworth Park brings to an end nearly a century of misery and death for countless dogs," said Ms. Hurst. "Unfortunately, there are still 16 other tracks where greyhounds are being forced into injury and death... we need to continue to shut down all of these tracks so that greyhounds can live out their lives safely."
Key Advocacy Voices Demand Action
The joint initiative brings together political representatives—including Emma Hurst (Animal Justice Party), Abigail Boyd and Kobi Shetty (Greens NSW), Mehreen Faruqi (Australian Greens), independent MPs Alex Greenwich and Jacqui Scruby, and City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore—alongside premier animal protection groups such as Animals Australia, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), Companion Animal Network Australia, Alliance for Animals, PETA, Four Paws, Animal Liberation, and Voiceless.
Kylie Field, NSW Director for the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), emphasised the growing divide between public expectations and government spending:
"The industry has failed to reform, and hundreds of dogs have died racing since the reversal of the Baird Government ban. Dogs are still being doped, cannot find homes, and are suffering untold cruelty... It's an industry that doesn't deserve a cent of public money and the Minns Government must stop taxpayer funding of this cruel business."
Animals Australia Director Jo Webb noted that despite major regulatory attempts over the past decade, systemic issues remain entrenched across the sport:
"Animals Australia’s 2015 investigation into live baiting was a catalyst for attempted reforms. Yet today, little has changed for the dogs. Greyhound racing has had its chance... no amount of regulation can mitigate the systemic cruelty it causes."
Upcoming Public Action
A second public rally supporting the call for a state-wide phase-out will take place later this week:
When: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
Where: Millard Reserve, Wentworth Park Road, Glebe NSW (coinciding with the final race meeting at the track)
With public sentiment continuing to turn against commercial animal racing and sports betting, welfare advocates stress that taxpayer funds would be far better directed toward rehoming initiatives and genuine companion animal care across New South Wales.
Hero Image Credit: Akiko Campbell via Pixabay
