Greyhound Racing NSW’s shameful fail

Animal Liberation team
Last updated August 27, 2024

The damning allegations that just keep coming…

Disturbing allegations followed GRNSW’s closure of the Greyhounds As Pets (GAP NSW) “adoption centre” at Wyee, raising serious concerns about the GRNSW  'Aussie Mates in the States' rehoming program, and the welfare of NSW greyhounds under the care and custody of GRNSW, GAP NSW, and the lack of ‘greyhound welfare’ oversight by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC).

The issues that continue to fester…

Recent revelations have cast a dark shadow over the greyhound racing industry, uncovering a series of alarming issues. These include:

  • Abuse and cruelty: reports of mistreatment and neglect paint a grim picture of GRNSW’s oversight of greyhound welfare;

  • Deaths in transit: greyhounds exported to the US are suffering and dying during transit, while others are being stockpiled in overcrowded kennels upon arrival;

  • Staff bullying: allegations of workplace harassment and bullying among staff have emerged;

  • Criminal links: disturbing connections to the outlawed ‘Finks’ bikie gang have surfaced, raising serious concerns about integrity;

  • Corruption and cover-ups: accusations of corruption and cover-ups are continuing to undermine trust in the program’s administration and accountability;

  • Wyee ‘Adoption Centre’ scandal: the closure of GRNSW’s Wyee ‘Adoption Centre’ has brought to light the non-compliance of the facility, with numerous greyhounds sustaining injuries under highly alarming conditions.

These issues highlight a critical need for immediate action and comprehensive reform to ensure the safety and well-being of all industry greyhounds involved in these programs.

What we’ve done to date (and we’re just warming up)

Below is a brief snapshot of the work that we have done to date:

  • Issued a joint media release with the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds;

  • Corresponded with GWIC, including a list of more than 25 related questions;

  • Corresponded with Qantas calling for an end to greyhound exports;

  • Corresponded with Lake Macquarie City Council about the GRNSW Wyee facility and planning approval history;

  • Compiled and lodged our formal concerns about GRNSW, GAP NSW, the Wyee facility and the 'Aussie Mates in the States' rehoming program with the relevant animal welfare authorities;

  • Published images of the Wyee facility conditions and injuries sustained by greyhounds at the facility;

  • Compiled and circulated tools so you can express your concerns about NSW greyhounds to the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Racing, and NSW Minister for Agriculture.

What we’ve said

Quotes attributed to Lisa Ryan, Regional Campaigns Manager, Animal Liberation

"We have called on Qantas to put greyhound welfare before company profits. Qantas has a clear and ethical responsibility to announce an end to their complicit role in this US scheme, or they risk the wrath of their own Australian and international customers, who care deeply about the welfare and wellbeing of greyhounds”

In spite of the establishment of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) by the NSW Government, the ‘welfare’ of greyhounds is still being dictated by the commercial arm under Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and their rehoming arm, Greyhounds As Pets (GAP NSW). These bodies, combined with the broken promises by successive NSW Governments’ all continue to fail vulnerable greyhounds and the NSW animal loving public. We still have an animal exploiting industry who are a law unto themselves which is largely self regulated and driven by greed, cruelty and a lack of independent oversight; and the kicker is, the NSW taxpayers are now funding GWIC. How many more greyhounds need to suffer and die before we take animal welfare seriously along with the mismanagement of public money?” 

Click here to read Animal Liberation’s joint media release with the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.

Injuries and non-compliance at GRNSW’s Wyee Adoption Centre

How much funding has GAP NSW been allocated in recent years?

Fiscal year Funds
2020 $3.4 million
2021 $4.9 million
2022 $7.2 million
2023 $11.2 million
2024 Unavailable

GAP NSW’s ‘rehome’ rates in recent years

Year GAP NSW Voluntary orgs.
FY 2020 246 373
FY 2021 339 447
FY 2022 301 365
FY 2023 404 314
FY 2024 Unavailable* Unavailable*

* published information by GRNSW and GWIC is often conflicting and we are therefore reviewing with caution.

Allocation of public money to Greyhound Racing NSW and the Regulator, the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission

The NSW greyhound racing industry and all by association continue to sucker feed from the misery and suffering of NSW greyhounds. The public money wasted on this cruel and unsustainable industry has been a bottomless pit, and still, NSW greyhounds are being maimed, abused, neglected, and killed by an industry that remains entrenched and incapable of reform.

GWIC was established in 2018 and was initially funded by GRNSW. However, since the introduction of the NSW taxpayer funded model in 2020/21, GWIC has been funded by the NSW State Government with public money. It should be noted that GWIC has continued to receive some funding from GRNSW via betting tax.

The table below represents some of the public money allocated to the broad greyhound racing industry in NSW, but does not include public money towards the industry’s ‘Safer Tracks’ program.

Year Funding Description
FY 2023 $20.6 million GWIC (Regulator) funding
FY 2022 $3.6 million Partial e-tracking system
FY 2022 $19.7 million GWIC (Regulator) funding

The last three years of industry funding

Year Funding Description
FY 2023 $20.6 million GWIC (Regulator) funding
FY 2023 $19.1 million Remaining funds for 'safe' tracks program
FY 2023 $8.6 million GRNSW funding
FY 2022 $19.7 million GWIC (Regulator) funding
FY 2022 $8.6 million GRNSW funding
FY 2022 $3.6 million Partial e-tracking system
FY 2021 $5.3 million GWIC (Regulator) funding
FY 2021 $16.4 million GRNSW funding
FY 2021-23 $52 million Land Tax exemption for NSW dog and horse racing industry

Dubious claims by the NSW Minister for Racing, Greyhound Racing NSW and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission

On February 22, 2024, Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, commented on the industry’s upgraded tracking system:

“This public search capability not only makes the NSW greyhound racing industry the most transparent in the world but elevates the community’s confidence in the industry”.

Similarly, on February 22, 2024, Steve Griffin, CEO of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, stated:

“We are striving to be a world-leader in racing welfare and governance and pioneering technology such as this reflects that ambition”.

In a February 2024 article “celebrating” the 500th greyhound exported to the US, Rob Macaulay, CEO of GRNSW, stated:

“Such is the demand for greyhounds as pets in the United States, we are on target for 1,000 adoptions for 2024. To see our retired greyhounds undergoing a career change and playing such a vital role in these people’s lives is something all within our industry should be proud of.

And while the US program is significant in GRNSW’s rehoming strategy, it is there to support the strong foundations we have in place on the domestic front. GRNSW’s investment in Greyhounds As Pets reached record levels last year and remains at the forefront of everything we do, and as we always say, the welfare of our greyhounds is, and will always be, our number one priority.

“When we first launched the Aussie Mates in the States program back in January last year, with the first eight greyhounds touching down in Los Angeles on Australia Day 2023, there was a great deal of scepticism about whether the program could be a success. But we all knew exactly what this program could be, we all knew what loving pets greyhounds are, and we knew the demand was there in the US for pet greyhounds.”

Click here to read the full media release and here to read the article.

Response from Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, Lisa Ryan

“Ongoing assurances, commitments and promises from the NSW State Government and the industry continue to disappoint and fail the greyhounds. They also ignore growing public opposition to an industry that relies on overbreeding and forcing dogs to race for gambling profits. None of these initiatives, promises, or the culture of participants in this commercial venture will prevent the maiming and deaths of racing greyhounds. The industry is incapable of reform and no assurances will stop the killing of greyhounds by blunt force trauma or the unacceptable injury and death rates on greyhound deathtracks”

The latest claims by GRNSW CEO, Rob Macaulay:

On 7 June 2024, GRNSW’s CEO, Rob Macaulay, sent the following communication to GRNSW participants. Mr. Macaulay’s claims - and our considered and informed responses - are outlined below. Tap the image to enlarge.

Responses from Lisa Ryan, Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, to Rob Macaulay

Below are responses from our Regional Campaign Manager, Lisa Ryan, to claims made by Mr. Macaulay in the 7 June communication to GRNSW participants. Simply tap a quote to read our response.

GRNSW required to “show cause” in reply to the NSW Minister for Racing by 12 July 2024

On 3 July we were alerted to a full-page ad GRNSW had placed in the Daily Telegraph, and as we understand it, in multiple other NSW media outlets, likely to be Australian Community Media (ACM) outlets, with whom GRNSW has a relationship. This is what GRNSW have claimed in their ad and media release issued on 2 July 2024. Animal Liberation’s analysis of these GRNSW claims and our responses are provided below:

The above GRNSW ad is testimony to the desperate measures its former embattled CEO, Rob Macaulay, and a weak and apathetic GRNSW board of directors went to in a last-ditch effort and a desperate attempt by an industry on its knees, to try and shift the focus from fact to fantasy to save what is an unacceptable and unsustainable dog killing industry for gambling profits. In short GRNSW is attempting to circulate a smokescreen of misinformation and propaganda, and it won’t wash. 

Animal Liberation and CPG’s response to this blatant advertising can be viewed in the slides below and was published both online and in multiple regional media outlets.

Responses from Lisa Ryan, Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, to GRNSW

Below are responses from our Regional Campaign Manager, Lisa Ryan, to the advertisements published on 3 July by GRNSW in Australian Community Media publications. Simply tap a quote to read our response.

The damning ‘Brittan’ report (updated)…

We have updated our published Brittan Report to include the full report by former GRNSW vet, Dr Alex Brittan, and previously unavailable attachments. You can view and download all this information below.

Former GRNSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Alex Brittan, compiled and submitted a deeply disturbing and distressing report about GRNSW, GAPS NSW, the ‘facilities’, exports and the very culture of the NSW greyhound racing industry. 

The associated parties, GWIC, Hanrob ‘pet hotels’ and ‘safe and stress free transport’, IATA (International Air Transport Association), and the Animal Welfare Committee (GRNSW, President Welfare and Ethics Group-Australian Veterinary Association, Team Leader-Animal Welfare Policy and Programs, NSW Department of Primary Industries, General Counsel-RSPCA NSW, and a Greyhound industry representative) have all failed the greyhounds and the animal loving public. 

The ’Brittan’ report and all attachments in their entirety can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the images below. For uploading purposes due to the large file, we have split the report into six sections, titled:

  • Parts 1 to 5 (240815 SO52 Non privileged Legal Arbiter 1 of 2)

  • Part 6  (240815 SO52 Non privileged Legal Arbiter 2 of 2).

Animal Liberation wishes to acknowledge and applaud Dr Brittan for his compassion, bravery, ethics and genuine efforts to try and make a difference to the welfare, wellbeing and protection of the discarded GRNSW and GAP NSW greys.

Statement from Lisa Ryan, Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, in response to the Brittan report

“We damn this cruel, exploitative gambling fuelled greyhound racing industry, It’s brutal, violent, lacking in any semblance of compassion, welfare or integrity, with no moral compass. Whatever inept social licence this disgraceful industry once claimed to exist, it’s been killed and buried along with thousands of innocent and discarded greyhounds, over decades. 

We condemn GRNSW, GAP NSW and every MP or body tasked with the responsibility for greyhound welfare, wellbeing and protection – they have all failed in a blatant and spectacular fashion. In reply to the reported response provided to the government about greyhound deaths in transit, ‘this “shit happens” and our deep distress over the abhorrent deaths of ‘Jazzie’ and ‘Carey’, we say “this shit needs to end, shut it down!

Background information and sources

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) inquiry

Details of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) Inquiry being conducted by Acting Commissioner the Hon. Lea Drake have now been announced and can be viewed at the Office of Racing’s website here.

Acting Commissioner Drake is required to report to the Minister for Gaming and Racing by 13 December 2024. 

The Inquiry will look into matters relating to various complaints concerning Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry can be accessed here. The official hearing dates will be published once finalised. 

Public Submissions

Animal Liberation will be providing a comprehensive submission guide for this consultation process.

NSW Auditor General Review

Following the NSW Labor government’s attempts to sweep the greyhound racing industry’s scandals under the carpet with the announcement of a politically-constrained inquiry through GWIC, a written request was made to the Auditor-General requesting a performance review be conducted into GWIC, and the effectiveness of the regulatory framework set up in 2018. 

The Auditor-General has agreed to include a performance audit of the regulation of the greyhound racing industry in the Audit Office’s Annual Work Program, with the audit commencing in early 2025. 

The NSW Audit Office’s performance audits examine whether programs and services are delivered efficiently, effectively, economically and in accordance with the law. The scope of the performance audit of GWIC is yet to be published. Under the Government Sector Audit Act 1983, the Auditor-General has broad powers to carry out audits, including to compel the production of documents and require attendance.

Animal Liberation will provide updates about the Auditor-General’s review when available. You can stay engaged by signing up to our e-news.

Animal Liberation will always support ethical, meaningful and professional rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming programs for all animals, including greyhounds.

We also acknowledge the vital importance of ‘Ambassadors’ to promote and support such causes, much of which is undertaken in a voluntary unpaid capacity and with the very best interests of the animals at the forefront. We have no reason to doubt the genuine intentions of the GRNSW GAP NSW Ambassadors, however, given the recent shocking revelations and allegations involving GRNSW, GAP NSW, the Wyee facility, and the Ambassador’s positions of influence, we would ask them to reconsider their ongoing support of the greyhound racing industry in NSW and GRNSW, in particular.

Ambassadors for GAP NSW

  • Tim Cahill

    Soccer Player

    “Animal welfare is something which has always been close to my heart, and the amazing work that GAP NSW do with retired greyhounds in transitioning them into the next phase of their lives, is something I’m proud to be a part of.”

  • Ryan Papenhuyzen

    Rugby League Player

    “While I got a lot of enjoyment racing my greyhound Gary’s Gift, and celebrating each of his wins, what truly made me happy was seeing him find a loving home when his racing days were over.”

  • Todd McKenney

    TV Personality

    “People’s perception of a greyhound and the reality of what a greyhound is actually like as a pet are often two different things. They are such a beautiful breed and often misunderstood.”

  • Jess Fox

    Olympic Gold Medallist

    “I jumped online and within a week I got Pink as a foster dog. She had a calming presence and has brought so much joy to our home in a period of uncertainty. It's amazing to see the progress she has made and continues to make. It shows how important it is to foster and give these dogs love and patience.”

  • Rheed McCracken

    Paralympic Athlete

    “To see her settle in and show all her quirks, and her smile has been the best thing we did, and I'm so thankful for GAP NSW for helping match us with Zyla and showing us the importance of giving these beautiful dogs a new home and life after racing.”

  • Becchara Palmer

    Beach Volleyball Player

    “The biggest thing is I find him so grounding. When I am home, and when I am around him, he’s my best mate, so I find that I can recharge GAP NSWand recover and he’s the perfect recovery buddy.”

    Images and information sourced from GAP NSW website.