General view of race meeting at The Meadows Greyhound track in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 18, 2015. Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images
Tasmania will ban greyhound racing by mid-2029, making it the second state after the ACT to end the sport.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the move would coincide with the expiry of the government’s current funding agreement with the industry.
“It’s time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania,” Rockliff told reporters on Aug. 10.
While conceding the decision would be “extremely disappointing” for many, he said it was clear the sport no longer matched community expectations.
The announcement follows the death of Raider’s Guide, Tasmania’s 2024 Greyhound of the Year, who was euthanised in July after breaking his neck during a Launceston race.
Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds President Amy MacMahon welcomed the decision but urged a phased approach to ensure dogs are ethically rehomed and workers supported.
“I think this sends a signal to other states and territories that the tide is turning against greyhound racing,” she said.
Rockliff Moves to Secure Minority Rule
The move comes as Rockliff’s minority Liberal government seeks to shore up parliamentary support before Parliament returns on Aug. 19. After the July 19 elections, the Liberal Party ended four seats short of a majority.
The Greens and Independent Kristie Johnston have long called for a ban, with Johnston saying the decision was an example of “what power sharing looks like in parliament.”
Labor leader Dean Winter criticised the announcement as a “political bid to cling onto power” and said decisions of such magnitude should follow due process.
