Source: SAFE For Animals
SAFE is calling for immediate action following the deaths of three greyhounds in the space of just three days. With the industry now resorting to legal action to delay the Government’s promised ban, SAFE says the Government must step in and finish what they started.
On 11 June, Homebush Sydney suffered a spiral fracture of her left femur during a race at Ascot Park Raceway in Southland. The injury was so severe that she was euthanised. Just two days later, Homebush Feijoa collapsed and died at the lure at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. The cause of death is unknown. That same day at Hatrick Raceway in Whanganui, Midnight Brockie sustained a catastrophic fracture to his right hock and tibia and was also euthanised.
These deaths bring the number of fatalities this racing season to 16, already surpassing last season’s death toll of 13, with six weeks still to go.
“Three dogs in three days is not just a tragedy – it’s a damning indictment of an industry that treats these animals as expendable,” says SAFE Campaigns Manager Emma Brodie.
“We must remember that behind every number is a dog who felt pain, fear, and suffering in their final moments. That should shake us to our core.”
This surge in deaths comes just weeks after Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) filed proceedings in the High Court seeking a judicial review of the Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing.
“GRNZ is dragging the Government through the courts while greyhounds are dying on their watch,” says Brodie. “But the court of public opinion has already delivered its verdict: this cruelty has to stop.”
SAFE is urging the racing industry to accept the Government’s decision and begin working in good faith to rehome the thousands of dogs who remain trapped in the system. At the same time, urgent direction is now needed from Government to begin winding the industry down and to progress legislation that will bring an end to greyhound racing once and for all.
“Every dog still in this system is a life at risk. We need the Government to step in now to give these dogs a fighting chance at life beyond the track.”
