The Tasmanian racing industry's greyhound adoption program (GAP) had driven euthanasia numbers down to zero in recent years — but a draft paper has foreshadowed the practice could be considered more in the future.
On its website, the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) states it was "established with the aim of finding loving permanent homes for these amazing dogs, transitioning them into family pets".
But a leaked Tasracing document has revealed some within the greyhound racing industry have become frustrated with the program due to adoption levels not meeting expectations.
The document, which lists principles that the GAP will need to align with, also states "difficult end-of-life decisions will need to be made" — and that euthanasia will be the appropriate step in some cases.
Other proposed changes include greater involvement of trainers in the greyhound assessment process, and significantly reduced adoption fees.
RSPCA Tasmania chief executive officer Jan Davis said GAP needed to increase its speed in rehoming greyhounds, but she was concerned with the wording used in the memo.
"We haven't euthanised any of the dogs that come into our care," she said.
"We don't want to see increasing turnover pressures at GAP end up with increasing euthanasia rates. We need to make sure there are measures in place to ensure that this doesn't happen.
"It's true that GAP shouldn't be a 'sanctuary'. The number of dogs they have been adopting out has been very low."
The number of greyhounds being euthanised by GAP peaked at 33 in 2014/15, but was down to zero in the last financial year, and one dog the year before that.
The figure for 'failed assessment — returned to owner' was also zero.
The program adopted out 81 greyhounds in 2021/22, also a reduction from 111 five years ago.
Tasracing recently appointed Martin Lenz as chief veterinary and animal welfare officer, who has overseen the development of proposed GAP reforms.
The draft paper was sent to greyhound racing participants on Tuesday, as well as GAP staff.
Tasracing chief executive officer Andrew Jenkins said there had been ongoing consultation over ways to improve the adoption program, and other welfare issues.
"The rare use of euthanasia is not a formal change of policy and is consistent with many other rehoming organisations across Australia," he said.
"Tasracing is concerned that greyhounds that may not be suitable for rehoming because of behavioural and other reasons are held for extended periods in an environment intended to be temporary.
"Euthanising a greyhound is not a driver of what we are trying to achieve. All manner of options will be weighed up as we look for the best welfare outcome for each individual greyhound."
The director of racing must sign off on any euthanasia that occurs within the racing industry.
Minister seeks meeting with Tasracing chief
Tasmanian Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said she "immediately" sought a briefing with Mr Jenkins when she was made aware of the document.
In 2016, a review of Tasmania's greyhound racing industry recommended the government support a commitment of a "towards zero euthanasia" framework.
Ms Ogilvie said she was unsure if the sector had a no-euthanasia policy.
"Tasracing has rules of racing, and that's what does apply," she said.
"In my heart, I would love to see a no-euthanasia situation.
"There's a lot of demand on GAP, and there's a lot of people wanting to rehome greyhounds. There is pressure on the system. We've put the funding in, and now we need to make sure that we do all we can to move those animals through the system."
Tasracing is a government business enterprise, meaning its operations are independent of the minister.
Other organisations also rehome greyhounds in Tasmania, including the RSPCA and Brightside Farm Sanctuary.
Brightside founder Emma Haswell said her organisation had rehomed about 3,000 greyhounds, and euthanasia was "rarely necessary".
"The vast majority of greyhounds are completely retrainable and make wonderful family members but exposure to other animals is extremely important and needs to be repetitive," she said.
"Tasracing claims there is no longer any live-baiting, so rehabilitation should, therefore, be a simpler process and, from our perspective, that is the case.
"There should be no need to kill greyhounds but training techniques are very important.
"It concerns me greatly that Tasracing are suggesting dogs need to be destroyed. They need to look at the training process."
Fran Chambers, of Let Greyhounds Run Free, said greyhounds only had behavioural problems if they had been severely mistreated while in the industry.
Euthanasia still occurring on Tasmanian tracks
Federal independent Andrew Wilkie, state independent Kristie Johnston and Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O'Connor also raised concerns about the document, claiming it foreshadowed the increased use of euthanasia of greyhounds.
Ms Johnston said she feared that trainers and industry representatives were being given more control over the adoption program.
While no greyhounds were euthanised in the adoption program in the last financial year, there were still deaths on the track.
Five greyhounds were euthanased on Tasmanian tracks in 2022 — two with spinal injuries, two with leg fractures, and one with a broken leg.
A sixth greyhound later died after suffering a fractured right hock.
Right hock injuries were the most common serious injuries suffered by greyhounds.
Office of Racing Integrity director of racing Justin Helmich said this was due to the "higher forces" placed on the outside hind leg while running in an anti-clockwise direction.
"Stewards ensure that all tracks are prepared to a consistent standard. Clegg hammer readings and track moisture levels are monitored prior to race meetings being undertaken," he said.
"Improved track design is also crucial in reducing injuries and this is the responsibility of Tasracing."
Financial support is provided to trainers for assessment, repair and rehabilitation of injuries in an attempt to reduce euthanasia at races and trials.
