Greyhound Racing Victoria releases number of dogs killed

Greyhound Racing Victoria’s 2015-2016 annual report shows 3012 dogs were put down for reasons including “end of career decisions by owners” and owners being “unable to find a new home” for the animal.

The number of dogs put down in the past year is only slightly less than the number of dogs raced in Victoria in 2015, which Greyhounds Australiasia statistics show to be 3691.

The number is six times that of greyhounds put down over the same period in South Australia, which its industry claims has the best rehoming program in the country.

This is the first year the Victorian industry has made the number of dogs euthanised available to the public through its annual report. 

The report said the figure was “unacceptable”.

Under pressure from animal rights groups Greyhound Racing SA last month revealed over 500 dogs were put down in the state in 2015-2016.

Racing Minister Martin Pakula flagged the number would be higher in Victoria earlier this month due to the state’s larger industry. 

GRV chief executive Alan Clayton said the industry had “come a long way” in a “challenging year for the sport”. 

“GRV has now fully implemented many key recommendations including appointing an experienced veterinarian as a board member, stronger penalties for unlawful activities, strengthening integrity and compliance capabilities and new case management systems,” Mr Clayton said.

“We are now making strong progress in implementing the reforms and putting new regulations in place.”

GRV’s also noted an increase in the number of greyhounds adopted.

New South Wales Premier Mike Baird backflipped on his commitment to ban greyhound racing in the state earlier this month.

More to come.