Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is investigating after seven greyhounds were removed from races in one day last week due to dehydration.
According to steward’s reports, 15 dogs were scratched from 13 races at the Warrnambool race track on Monday, June 9.
GRV prevented seven of those greyhounds from racing after an on-track vet discovered symptoms of dehydration.
“GRV’s Greyhound Racing Integrity and Welfare Unit has opened an investigation into the matter, which remains ongoing,” a GRV spokesperson said.
In addition, a three-year-old greyhound suffered a foreleg fracture and was euthanased after race 13 on the same day.
It is not an offence for greyhounds to be dehydrated before racing, but an animal welfare group has raised concerns about the incident.
The scratched dogs had been due to race at Warrnambool. (ABC South West Victoria: Jean Bell)
‘Systemic failures’
GRV confirmed all seven dogs came from the same kennel.
Steve Cook from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds called the situation a “systemic failure”.
“We are questioning why a trainer would present greyhounds in that state to race,” Mr Cook said.
“I don’t expect to see this, particularly at this time of the year — I’ve definitely never heard of that before.
“It’s very concerning for us that the industry is failing to prioritise animal welfare but yet prioritising putting those dogs forward for a race for this outdated gambling entertainment.”
Mr Cook said the coalition was calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the greyhound racing industry.
The ABC has contacted Victoria’s Racing Minister, Anthony Carbines, for comment.
‘If a dog is thirsty it’s going to drink’
Regional veterinarian Mark Sycamnias said seven dogs presenting with dehydration was unusual.
“If they presented at my practice you’d be asking questions,” Mr Sycamnias said.
“Are their water bowls frozen? Do they have access to water? That’s a welfare issue. It would be unusual for seven dogs to have, say, water diabetes.”
Mr Sycamnias said the consequences could have been dire if the dogs had raced.
“[They could have suffered] muscle damage, severe cramps, some might even have died,” he said.
“If a dog is thirsty it’s going to drink. If it has access to water it’ll drink.
“If you had an issue with a dog that isn’t drinking water it might happen. Seven at once? That’s pretty obscene.“
dan