RSPCA Tasmania Raises Concerns Over Animal Welfare in Tasracing’s 2024 Annual Report

RSPCA Tasmania is concerned by the findings in the 2024 Tasracing Annual Report, which, despite claiming progress, reveals significant shortcomings in the protection of animal welfare within Tasmania’s racing industry.

 As the leading advocate for animal welfare in the state, RSPCA Tasmania finds that Tasracing’s measures fall far short of community expectations and what is necessary to safeguard the welfare of racing animals.

While the report highlights initiatives such as increased veterinary oversight and injury prevention, it fails to address critical issues like the ongoing rates of animal injury and the lack of transparency around post-racing outcomes for greyhounds and horses.

RSPCA Tasmania CEO, Andrea Dawkins, said:

“While Tasracing’s efforts may seem like steps in the right direction, the reality is that the industry is still not doing enough to protect these animals. The rates of injury, particularly in greyhound racing, remain unacceptably high, and the report offers little concrete data on the long-term welfare of animals after they leave the track. Forty-three retired greyhounds were killed last financial year, triple the rate of the previous year, with 70 fewer dogs rehomed than in previous years Two greyhounds died or were euthanised due to injuries and the rate of retirement declined by 10%.

While injuries aren’t recorded, the Annual Report confirms 48 horses who, cast aside from harness and thoroughbred racing, were killed before their time. The racing industry continues to put profits before the welfare of the animals that drive its business, and this is simply not good enough.”

RSPCA Tasmania also questions Tasracing’s commitment to transparency, noting the lack of comprehensive injury reporting.

“The report is full of vague commitments to improving welfare, but without full transparency and independently verified data, it’s difficult to believe that these efforts are anything more than token gestures, “Dawkins added. “The public expects better, and so do we.”

“It’s time for Tasracing to stop hiding behind annual reports and start delivering real, measurable change,” Dawkins concluded. “We will continue to hold them accountable for the welfare of these animals and advocate for reforms that put animal care at the forefront, not the bottom line.”

RSPCA Tasmania remains committed to advocating for stronger animal welfare protections within Tasmania’s racing industry and will continue to push for reforms that prioritise the wellbeing of racing animals.

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