Greyhound scandal in Australia: deep claw marks and pools of blood

Garance Limouzy July 12, 2024

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Greyhound scandal in Australia: deep claw marks and pools of blood

In Australia, former chief veterinarian at Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW), Alex Brittan, decided to blow the whistle on recurring animal abuse in the industry. Following his revelations, the GRNSW CEO, Robert Macaulay, resigned.

Animal abuse

Alex Brittan, former chief veterinarian at GRNSW in Australia, stopped working for the regulator six months ago, at the end of 2023. On Tuesday, the 9th of July, the Sydney Morning Herald published extracts of his angry exit letter. Brittan described the industry as a “morass of exploitation and suffering.” He claims that greyhounds face an excessive and cruel workload and a substantial increase in injuries. Shockingly, he also claims that many veterinarians hired to care for the dogs were choosing to euthanise the greyhounds instead of providing medical care.

Brittan reveals that retired dogs, supposedly rehomed and living happily ever after – according to industry officials – were never rehomed at all. He recounts that numerous bodies of dead dogs were stored in veterinary facilities without documentation.

The veterinarian also describes deep claw marks gouged all over the inside of metal cages and recent pools of blood from toenails ripped off from clawing at the cage doors.

“Until the existing backlog of un-rehomed greyhounds is acknowledged and addressed, it is utterly immoral to allow yet more greyhounds to enter this unsustainable morass of exploitation and suffering,” wrote Brittan.

He concludes by saying, “The level of animal distress is appalling and can neither be condoned nor excused. That an industry generating A$3.8bn [$2.6bn] per annum can have cages and facilities so rotten and rusted is utterly appalling.”

GRNSW’s CEO resigns, Investigation launched

Within hours of the publication of Alex Brittan’s letter in the Sydney Morning Herald, GRNSW’s CEO, Rob Macauley, resigned. “Macauley’s decision to resign was amicable, and one he felt was best for the industry at this time,” the regulator said.

On Thursday, 11th of July, Lea Drake was appointed as acting commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC). She has worked in the past with misconduct tribunals, the Fair Work Commission, and a law enforcement conduct commission. Drake will lead the investigation triggered by Brittan’s letter and report to the Gaming and Racing Minister, David Harris, by December 13.

Harris declared that he had also contacted relevant authorities such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption. He also ensured that from now on, the ministry will have more control and oversight of the GRNSW board. “I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible, and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity,” Harris said. “It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards. I take these various concerns about GRNSW very seriously, and this inquiry, using the full investigative powers of GWIC, will conduct a thorough and wide-ranging review of all relevant issues.”

Not the first time

This is not the first time the greyhound industry in New South Wales has faced a scandal regarding dog welfare. In 2016, an extremely graphic video displayed how the industry treated the race dogs. After this video became public, the parliament decided to ban greyhound racing in the state, 49 votes to 30. The law was fast-tracked through parliament, and violators faced a one-year jail sentence and a maximum $11,000 fine for organising a race.

However, Mike Baird, then New South Wales Premier, reversed the decision a few months later after facing serious pressure from the industry and various media, which were counting on the gambling advertising revenue.

“One last chance” to fix it all, said Baird, eight years ago.