Nine years after a special inquiry recommended 34 greyhound racing tracks in NSW be consolidated to 10, more than 20 tracks remain.
None have ever met minimum animal welfare standards.
A new inquiry into the embattled NSW greyhound racing industry has begun, led by former NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commissioner Lea Drake.
Greyhound racing remains a regular fixture in the Penrith Local Government Area at the Richmond club in Londonderry.
Drake will probe complaints about the governance of Greyhound Racing NSW, and track safety and animal welfare issues.
Counsel assisting, Leo Saunders, began his opening remarks by noting the complex history of the sport in NSW.
“One of its more unfortunate features is a close to regular cycle of outcry, review and attempted reform,” he said on Monday
“With the persistence of that cycle suggesting that true or complete success may have been evasive.”
The industry’s last probe, the 2015 McHugh Inquiry, made recommendations after hearing evidence of live baiting, blooding of dogs and avoidable animal deaths.
Almost 10 years on, some elements of the industry remain unchanged.
The racing industry body’s chief executive, Robert Macaulay, resigned in August after a report by its former chief veterinary officer Alex Brittan became public.
The document included claims greyhound deaths were being hidden, adoption rates exaggerated and dogs pushed to race at levels causing injuries.
“Genuine concerns have been brought to the surface about adverse animal welfare effects flowing from Greyhound Racing NSW decisions or matters that are otherwise being tolerated in its processes,” Saunders said.
“They have been at the very least not inherently incredible … (Dr Brittan’s) report is detailed and supported by documentation.”
One recommendation of the McHugh inquiry was that NSW’s 34 greyhound tracks be consolidated into 10, for animal welfare concerns.
Approximately 25 tracks remain in operation in 2024.
“Not a single one meets, or has ever met, all the minimum track standards set by Greyhound Racing NSW concerning animal welfare,” Saunders said.
“How and why has this occurred?”
Senior operational staff at Greyhound Racing NSW will give evidence, as will former and current CEO’s and some board members.
Brittan will also take the stand and speak to his report and independent expert witnesses will follow.
The media and the public will not be allowed to attend the majority of the hearings.
Saunders said the industry was important to many Australians.
“It is not a contention that the greyhound racing industry is inherently or socially irredeemable,” he said.
“It provides paying and fulfilling work to some 2000 people and a beloved pastime to many more.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns in July ruled out shutting down greyhound racing, but the government said there was still scope for an inquiry.
