Surge in Victorian greyhound deaths sparks calls for independent inquiry

Animal welfare groups have expressed alarm at the racing-related deaths of 12 greyhounds in the last five weeks and called for an urgent independent inquiry into Victorian greyhound racing.

Since 2 September 2025, seven greyhounds have died on Victorian racetracks, with another five dogs dying from their racing injuries away from the tracks (details below). The catastrophic injuries ranged from internal bleeding to broken legs and head/spinal trauma.

A total of 38 greyhounds have been killed on Victorian tracks this year, far more than the second-worst state Queensland with 23 on-track deaths. More than 30 Victorian greyhounds have died off the tracks from their racing injuries. A total of 93 greyhounds have now been killed on Australia’s racetracks in 2025 (detailed here), with more than 8,200 injured.

Credit: Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

“The tragic deaths of greyhounds on Victorian racetracks aren’t isolated incidents. They’re a national disgrace that reflects a devastating welfare crisis,” said Trish Ennis, CEO of Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA), a national charity representing the work of animal welfare organisations across the country.

“We stand with the Animal Justice Party and Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds in demanding a full, independent inquiry. It’s time to end this cruelty once and for all.”

As an organisation dedicated to strengthening the human–animal bond, CANA believes true progress means ending practices that cause harm.

“Greyhounds are gentle, social animals who deserve lives filled with care, not exploitation,” Ms Ennis said. “When animals suffer, it erodes the human–animal bond that enriches our communities and our wellbeing.”

Georgie Purcell MP, Animal Justice Party, said: “Greyhound Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government are prepared to accept that dead or injured greyhounds are just the inevitable cost of keeping this sickening industry alive.

“The continued support of this industry by the Victorian Government sends a clear message that economic interest is more important than animal suffering.  It is shameful that the Victorian government continues to put taxpayer dollars from hardworking Victorians toward this brutal bloodsport.

“Tasmania and New Zealand have moved to shut down greyhound racing for good — it’s time that Victoria stops lagging behind and supports an immediate inquiry into the future of this industry.”

Steve Cook, VIC Director, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), said: “Victoria has by far the deadliest greyhound tracks in Australia. This level of animal abuse in a taxpayer-funded industry cannot continue. Victoria has to follow the lead of other states and establish an independent inquiry into the high levels of death and suffering occurring on the state’s tracks.”

VICTORIAN GREYHOUND RACING FATALITIES  2 Sept - 6 Oct 2025

DEATHS ON TRACKS

Mini Whiskey - 2 Sept - Geelong - collapsed post trial - suspected internal bleed - euthanised

Aston Jill - 4 Sept - Warragul - foreleg fracture - euthanised

Benny Cool - 16 Sept - Warragul - foreleg fracture - euthanised

Navarino - 28 Sept - Sale - collapsed post race - deceased

Chester Deeds - 30 Sept - Horsham - foreleg fracture - euthanised

Lakeview Nola - 4 Oct - Meadows - head/spinal trauma - deceased

Mt. View Raw - 6 Oct - Ballarat- foreleg fracture - euthanised

DEATHS AWAY FROM TRACKS AFTER RACING INJURIES 

Versnellen - 11 Sept - Sandown - hindleg fracture - since euthanased

Miss Georgie Lee - 11 Sept - Warrnambool - hindleg fracture - since euthanised

Fernando Gomez - 21 Sept - Healesville - hindleg fracture - since euthanised

Ninja Cuddle - 26 Sept - Warragul - hindleg fracture - since euthanised

Extreme Havoc - 26 Sept - Warragul - foreleg fracture - since euthanised

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About Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds
Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds is a dedicated group of people across Australia who work together to inform the public about the cruelties of greyhound racing. www.greyhoundcoalition.com
www.facebook.com/CoalitionForTheProtectionOfGreyhounds,

About Companion Animal Network Australia
Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member organisations across the country. Our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we advocate for the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to lobby for the humane treatment of all companion animals, and we rally support for our member programs that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN national campaigns include Pets in Aged Care, Rent with Pets and Pets in Business. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au