The Role of Racing and Wagering WA
The governing body for greyhound racing in Western Australia has made it clear that it is committed to the welfare of both the animals and the sport. This commitment was highlighted during the second day of a parliamentary inquiry, where the organisation defended its track record. Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) serves as the state-appointed regulator for thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing. Additionally, it operates the WA TAB, which is the country’s only remaining state-owned betting agency.
The inquiry, conducted by the Environment and Public Affairs Committee, was initiated following a petition with over 26,000 signatures calling for the sport to be phased out. On Tuesday, RWWA representatives spent more than three hours answering questions, many of which were raised by animal welfare groups who had appeared at the inquiry on Monday.
Commitment to Animal Welfare
In his opening remarks, RWWA CEO Ian Edwards emphasized the agency’s role in supporting the long-term viability of racing in Western Australia. He stated, “It is not, as you heard yesterday, to maximise gambling profits.” Edwards explained that while wagering revenues are important for the sustainability of the sport, community confidence and support depend on the industry maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity.
“This is why RWWA continues to invest heavily in track safety, injury prevention, veterinary care, and rehoming initiatives,” he added. The organisation has been working to ensure that greyhounds are treated with the utmost care and that their well-being remains a top priority.
Greyhound Racing Statistics and Concerns
There are approximately 60 greyhound racing tracks operating nationwide, with Australia being recognized as the world’s largest commercial greyhound racing industry. However, with Tasmania planning to phase out greyhound racing by 2029 and New Zealand also considering similar measures, opponents of the industry see a shift in public opinion.
Since January, seven greyhounds have had to be euthanized on WA tracks due to injuries sustained during races. An additional four were put down off-track over the same period, bringing the total number of deaths this year to 11. Animal advocacy groups report that around one greyhound dies on a track every three weeks. In 2025, there were 21 on-track deaths in WA, with the Cannington and Mandurah tracks among the nation’s most dangerous.
Committee member Jess Beckerling of the Greens questioned whether a death every three weeks could be justified. She asked, “How do you justify an ongoing practice where you can expect such a high level of deaths?” RWWA’s head of animal welfare, veterinarian Caroline McMullen, responded that the governing body does everything it can to mitigate against such deaths. “We don’t just accept these deaths as an inevitable outcome,” she said.
Rehoming Program and Transparency
Animal welfare groups have criticized the RWWA for not being forthcoming with statistics about greyhound deaths that occur when the animals are not racing. The RWWA confirmed that these statistics are included in its annual reports and can be accessed through a freedom of information request.
Dr. McMullen also discussed the RWWA’s rehoming program, Greyhounds as Pets WA (GAP), which is responsible for finding homes for about 50% of the 600 odd greyhounds who leave the industry each year. She mentioned that the RWWA is working to rehome more animals, which would reduce the burden on not-for-profit groups that rely on volunteers.
RWWA had to take several questions on notice because they did not have the relevant information in front of them, including how common it is to use non-disclosure agreements after an example was raised in a submission to the inquiry.
Distressing Content and Public Access
Amanda Dorn of the Animal Justice Party raised concerns about why races in which a greyhound was badly injured are not uploaded to the Racing WA website. She asked, “If footage of injuries is removed from public, which generally does happen because it’s too distressing obviously, why are children allowed trackside?” She also pointed out that there is a playground beside the track.
After a pause, Dr. McMullen responded, “Obviously, it’s not something that we want anyone to witness. It’s distressing for everybody. The veterinarians, the stewards, the trainers, nobody goes to the races expecting their dog to be injured. But it’s the way that we manage that, that is important.”
Industry Collaboration and Oversight
The inquiry also heard from the WA Greyhound Racing Association, which is responsible for providing racing and training facilities to the industry. The association is required to follow the direction of Racing and Wagering WA. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of greyhound racing are regulated and managed effectively.
