RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Jan Davis is calling for a ban on racing after greyhound Card Talk was euthanised in Launceston after track collision

According to the onsite Steward's Report, the greyhound Card Talk was one of three dogs involved in a collision on the first turn in the race at Mowbray.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed that Card Talk had a fractured right front leg and elbow, with the dog subsequently euthanised.

RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Jan Davis said she was saddened to hear of the death, which highlighted the "inherent animal welfare issues involved with greyhound racing."

"The frequency of catastrophic injury in greyhound races is of grave concern to the RSPCA - and to all Tasmanians who care for animals," Ms Davis said.

"Last year, 12 Tasmanian greyhounds died in track related deaths, with seven of these deaths occurring at Launceston.

"It's been a shocking start to the year for greyhounds on Australian tracks. There have already been 18 deaths and more than 1000 injuries.

"On average, at least 20 greyhounds are injured every week on Australian racecourses, so the sad fact is that this death was a tragic but hardly unforeseeable outcome."

The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, a greyhound welfare group, described the track at Mowbray as the "fifth deadliest track in Australia" with those seven deaths occurring in 43 race meets.

On concerns with the Mowbray track, a Tasracing spokesperson said the organisation had recently undertaken a review with Professor David Eager, a "nationally recognised expert".

"His advice will assist to make our tracks safer," they said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ms Davis said she wanted to see practices changed to minimise the risks of more greyhound deaths occurring.

"The death of Card Talk highlights the problems inherent in greyhound racing: curved tracks, races with too many dogs, and greyhounds with broken legs being euthanised at the track," she said.

"This very unfortunate incident highlights the need for the industry to work together with the RSPCA and other stakeholders to achieve better welfare outcomes for animals used in sport."

The Tasracing spokesperson said animal welfare was a key component of responsible racing.

"This financial year to date, four greyhounds have been euthanised on track," they said.

"Last financial year, taking into account of the 10 week break from racing, 13 greyhounds were euthanised on track.

"The actions Tasracing has taken in relation to welfare appear to be yielding positive results."

Tasracing also increased the injury rebate scheme payment to cover vet expenses from $1500 to $300 per greyhound per injury, in an attempt to promote greyhound owners to get their dogs checked professionally.

Ms Davis called for an end to greyhound racing.

"The Tasmanian community expects the racing industry to take every step to make dog racing safer for the participants," she said.

"These processes must be public, transparent and timely.

"However, the only sure way to end greyhound suffering is to ban greyhound racing."

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: