The latest death of a racing greyhound on the Central West has prompted fresh calls for industry reform.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Triple Soxy, a two-year-old bitch trained by Orange's Glen Prestwidge, collided with Ramblin' Boots shortly after their start in the seventh race of Saturday's meeting at Dubbo's Dawson park.
The collision spurred a knock-on effect that saw another entrant Swift Dylan collide hard with Triple Soxy and saw her fail to finish the event.
That prompted a veterinary examination for both Ramblin' Boots and Triple Soxy following the race, according to the steward's report, with the latter diagnosed with two compound fractures of her fore leg.
A track-side veterinarian euthanised the Orange runner, while Ramblin' Boots was stood down for a three week period with a dislocated toe.
The death is the second to occur at a Dawson Park-run event this year and has led to a flurry of calls for the industry to undergo reform.
Coalition for the protection of Greyhounds president Dennis Anderson says stricter safety protocols and fewer euthanisations are needed.
They need to give young dogs like Triple Soxy a second chance.
- Coalition for the protection of Greyhounds president Dennis Anderson
"The racing industry has created a dangerous environment for greyhounds," Mr Anderson said.
"The greyhounds are made to run at high speeds on curved tracks in races with too many dogs. Greyhounds run at 60km per hour and deaths and injuries are inevitable.
"Most incidents occur at track turns where the dogs bunch together and collide. Falls are common and often fatal."
Mr Anderson went on to say injuries such as those suffered by Prestwidge's dog could be treated.
"Many of these fatal injuries are broken legs that can be treated but the racing industry isn't prepared to invest in their rehabilitation," Mr Anderson said.
"They need to give young dogs like Triple Soxy a second chance."
Among the organisation's recommendations for improved safety measures were straight tracks, and fewer dogs racing at one time.
Representatives of Dubbo Greyhound Racing were contacted for comment, but did not provide a response in time for publication.
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...