Greyhound advocates are worried less will be spent on animal welfare across the industry.
They claim three-year-old greyhound Vendetta Reef was euthanised on Tuesday night at Geelong due to injury.
The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds said it was 46th death in racing this year, and the 17th in Victoria.
“GRV needs to explain the sharp rise in racing deaths over last year,” Victorian CPG director Harry Rothenfluh said.
“Many of the racing fatalities could have been treated under the Greyhound Recovery Initiative (GRI), but it seems that the scheme has been overwhelmed with injured dogs and they won’t spend the money.”
He criticised the industry’s response.
“A big downturn in wagering revenue is impacting the greyhound racing industry and racing participants are lobbying for more money to go their way. We’re concerned that animal welfare – which is always seen as a burden – will be further reduced.
“GRV’s normal lack of transparency will hide any cuts. They don’t reveal how many dogs are placed on the GRI, nor will they give any details about the 382 euthanased greyhounds mentioned in the FY22/23 annual report.
“Greyhound racing in Victoria is poorly regulated. That means tracks are unsafe, retired dogs can’t find homes, drugging and doping are rife, and it’s hard to break through the culture of concealment.”
Greyhound Racing Victoria responded in a statement on Thursday morning.
“The serious injury or loss of any greyhound is both tragic and distressing for our industry and particularly for the owners, breeders and trainers,” a spokesperson said.
“As with any incident that leads to a fatality on track, the circumstances will be formally reviewed by the Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit.
“The incidence of greyhound racing fatalities in Victoria have more than halved over the past five years.”
