The Tasmanian government will end its funding for greyhound racing in the state by 2029, the ABC understands, effectively winding up the industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The timing coincides with the end of the current funding deal for the code, which concludes in 2029.<\/p>\n
The ABC understands the gradual approach has been taken to allow time for trainers and industry participants to transition.<\/p>\n
It will also allow for the rehoming of dogs.<\/p>\n
The Liberal government’s move comes amid its attempt to secure the support of crossbenchers, after failing to win a majority at the recent snap election.<\/p>\n
Tasracing, which manages the state’s three racing codes, is backed by a 20-year funding deed it signed with the government in 2009.<\/p>\n
At the time it was worth $27 million per year, but it’s indexed for inflation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the 2023-24 financial year, Tasracing received $36 million under that deed.<\/p>\n
The governing body has previously said the “vast majority” of funding provided for the greyhound code came through commercial revenues it directly generated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In March this year, a report commissioned by 12 animal welfare advocacy organisations found the sport had received a total of $74.6 million from Tasracing over the past 15 years, rising from $3.5 million in 2010-11 to a projected $7.5 million in 2024-25.<\/p>\n
The report, written by independent economist Saul Eslake, found funding for the greyhound industry was rising faster than for education.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The death of a champion Tasmanian greyhound last week also brought the sector back into the spotlight, with calls for it to be abolished.<\/p>\n Raider’s Guide, which had claimed a Tasmanian record of $664,975 in prize money from 79 starts, was put down after suffering a fall during Race 6 at Launceston last Monday.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Greyhound racing was banned in the ACT in 2018.<\/a><\/p>\n