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Greyhound Welfare

The Welfare of Greyhounds is the Industry’s Highest Priority

Misinformation about greyhound racing spreads quickly - and much of it leaves out the full picture.

At On The Straight, we believe that every conversation about greyhounds should start with truth and respect - for the dogs, for the people who care for them, and for the public who love them.

We unpack claims - whether positive or negative - and check them against real evidence: veterinary reports, welfare data, safety research, and the firsthand knowledge of those who work with greyhounds every day.

We're for anyone willing to look past the headlines and see what’s really happening.

Greyhound Welfare

Greyhounds are elite canine athletes and their health, wellbeing and quality of life are fundamental to the sport.

Across Australia, greyhound racing operates under strict welfare regulations that govern how greyhounds are bred, raised, trained, raced and cared for throughout their lives. These regulations are overseen by independent stewards, veterinarians and racing authorities to ensure welfare standards are maintained at every stage.

Over the past decade in particular, the industry has implemented significant reforms and investments in welfare, including stronger oversight, improved veterinary care, stricter penalties for misconduct, and expanded rehoming programs for retired greyhounds.

Today, greyhound welfare is supported by:

  • Independent veterinary supervision at race meetings

  • Whole-of-life tracking of every greyhound

  • Strict rules governing training and racing practices

  • Dedicated retirement and rehoming programs

  • Ongoing welfare reforms and transparency measures

Continuous Improvements to Greyhound Welfare

Greyhound racing in Australia has undergone significant reform to strengthen welfare standards and oversight.

These reforms have focused on improving transparency, strengthening compliance, and ensuring that greyhounds are cared for throughout their entire lives – not just while racing.

Whole-of-life tracking

Every registered greyhound is recorded in a national database, allowing regulators to monitor each dog from birth through to retirement.

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Stronger regulatory oversight

Independent stewards and integrity units monitor racing and training activities, ensuring participants comply with welfare rules.

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Improved injury prevention and track safety

Race tracks are regularly inspected and maintained, and many have introduced improved track design, surface monitoring and veterinary protocols.

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Significant penalties for welfare breaches

Participants who breach welfare rules can face substantial penalties including suspensions, fines and lifetime bans.

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Investment in rehoming programs

The industry has invested heavily in programs that prepare and place retired greyhounds into family homes.

Your Questions, Answered Straight.

From welfare improvements to racing safety, we answer your questions so you can see the real story.

How Does Greyhound Racing Contribute to the Australian Economy?

Greyhound racing isn’t just about the dogs on the track – it’s also part of a wider industry that contributes significantly to local economies.
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What Changes Has the Industry Made to Improve Welfare

The industry has undergone sweeping reforms to make greyhound welfare its top priority. From safer tracks and veterinary checks to whole-of-life accountability and record rehoming numbers, the changes are real, measurable, and ongoing. Today, the sport is built around the principle that every greyhound deserves the best possible life - during and after racing.
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Do Greyhounds Get Injured Often When Racing?

Greyhounds do not get injured often when racing. While no sport is risk-free, racing authorities, vets, and trainers have made welfare the top priority. With modern track design, strict veterinary oversight, and industry-wide reforms, racing today is safer than ever before for greyhounds.
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Is Greyhound Racing Regulated and Safe for the Dogs?

Greyhound racing in Australia today is tightly regulated, heavily monitored, and built around the principle of safety and welfare. From veterinary checks to safer tracks and transparent reporting, every measure is taken to ensure greyhounds are not just protected but valued as athletes and companions.
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Are greyhounds mistreated?

While there may have been historical issues, the industry today is fundamentally different from what it was even a decade ago. The welfare of greyhounds is at the heart of everything - from the way races are conducted to the programs ensuring retired dogs live long, happy lives as family pets.
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What if a greyhound can’t continue racing?

When a greyhound can’t continue racing, they don’t 'disappear' or get discarded. Instead, there is a strong, well-supported system in place to provide them with the care, rehabilitation, and rehoming they need to live out a long, happy life as a much-loved pet.
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