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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Greyhound races with injuries, deaths hidden by Tasmanian authorities: Greens

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Tasmanian authorities are accused of hiding race videos showing injuries and deaths of greyhounds.
  • A three-year-old greyhound, Sherry Cask, was injured and subsequently retired, with concerns she may have been euthanized.
  • Greens MLC Cassy O'Connor obtained hidden videos revealing frequent and severe injuries to dogs during races.

Tasmanian authorities are under fire for allegedly concealing race videos that document injuries and potential deaths of greyhounds, according to Greens MLC Cassy O'Connor. The controversy centers on the practice of not uploading replays when incidents occur, effectively hiding the harsh realities of the sport from the public.

We know that when dogs are listed as retired, very often when you ask questions or dig a bit deeper and find out what you can, they're dead.

— Cassy O'ConnorExpressing concern about the fate of retired greyhounds.

One case highlighted involves Sherry Cask, a three-year-old greyhound who suffered a suspected fractured shoulder blade during a race on June 9, 2025. She was stood down for six months and is now listed as retired. O'Connor expressed grave concern, stating, "We know that when dogs are listed as retired, very often when you ask questions or dig a bit deeper and find out what you can, they're dead."

it does not believe it should broadcast incidents when racing animals fall or are injured

— Tasracing spokespersonExplaining the policy of not uploading injury videos.

Tasracing, the body responsible for greyhound racing in Tasmania, confirmed its policy since 2011 has been not to broadcast incidents involving animal falls or injuries, citing respect for participants and their animals. This practice applies to all racing codes, not just greyhounds.

This has been its practice since 2011

— Tasracing spokespersonStating the duration of the policy regarding injury videos.

However, the Greens obtained approximately forty hidden race videos through right-to-information laws. O'Connor described the footage as "horrifying" and "very hard to watch," detailing how dogs tumble, break bones, and are trampled in a "week-on-week occurrence." These videos, previously only accessible for a short period on some betting websites, reveal the frequent and severe injuries sustained by the animals.

The position is based on respect for racing industry participants and their animals

— Tasracing spokespersonJustifying the policy of withholding injury footage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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