Greyhound Racing's Future in WA: Deaths, Welfare, and Transparency

0:00Western Australia's Greyhound Racing Regulator, racing and wagering WA, faced tough questions at a parliamentary inquiry on the sports future. The probe kicked off from a petition with over 26,000 signatures pushing to phase out racing entirely. RWA bosses stressed their focus on animal welfare and the industry's long-term health, not just bedding cash. They highlighted big investments in track safety, vet care, injury prevention, and rehoming programs to build public trust. But deaths are a hot issue. Seven Greyhounds put down on tracks since January for more off-track, totaling 11 this year. Last year saw 21 on-track fatalities, with some tracks labeled the riskiest in the country. Animal welfare groups and a Green's Committee member grilled them on whether a death every three weeks is okay. Activists pointed out removed injury footage from websites and questioned kids at tracks, even with playgrounds nearby. RWA reps said they don't accept the losses but work hard to cut risks through regulation. Officials took some

1:04queries on notice, like non-disclosure agreements in submissions and exact rehoming stats. They promised more transparency, including death figures and annual reports, or via freedom of info requests. As Tasmania eyes of 2029 ban and New Zealand weighs the same, this inquiry could signal real change for Greyhound racing down under balancing sport. Bets and animal lives. Sydney news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.