Our Mission

end greyhound racing

Since 2015, Greyhound racing in Western Australia has killed more than 1,400 healthy dogs. Every one of us has a part to play in ending greyhound racing in Western Australia.

updated 9 March 2024

Greyhound Racing Stats

**These numbers do not include injuries suffered off track

Greyhound racing on track deaths since 1 January 2024

Greyhound racing fractures & major injuries since 1 January 2024

 

 

Known greyhound off track deaths since 1 January 2024

 

 

Get Involved

You can take action for greyhounds right now

On Monday 12 February, Free the Hounds officially launched the 2024   e-Petition to end greyhound racing in Western Australia.

The Honourable Dr Brad Pettitt Greens MLC has once again agreed to be our Facilitator. These important changes need to occur in order to keep our greyhounds safe.

  • a WA Greyhound Welfare Unit to oversee racing greyhound welfare is set up independently of Racing and Wagering WA,
  • imports of racing greyhounds from any other state or territory of Australia (except for those dogs racing for a specific event that will return to their home state immediately after) is halted immediately,
  • breeding caps are put into place to limit the number of pups whelped each year,
  • the number of racing days each week are cut to alleviate the need for so many greyhounds,
  • a bond is introduced for all racing dogs to aid with rehabilitation, kennelling or rehoming post racing,
  • a three year phase out plan is implemented to end racing by 2028,
  • industry participants are assisted in reskilling, and
  • all greyhounds are rehomed by the end of the phase out.

We need every West Australian who loves dogs to help us free the hounds.

greyhound racing stats

Greyhound racing injuries & deaths

Over 1,400 Greyhounds have died on WA race tracks since 2015

This number is only those that we are able to indentify, there are very likely more that will remain unknown.

120 greyhounds suffered fractured bones or a major injury on race tracks in Western Australia in 2023

Of these injuries, 74 were to the right hock (ankle), due to the curvature of the track. Suffered as the greyhound runs around the bend.

 

%

Approximately 37% of greyhounds are injured every year on WA tracks

In the 2020-2021 financial year, 1,659 individual greyhounds raced with 626 of them suffering any injury (of all severities, not just major as RWWA state) bringing the actual injury rate to 37.73%. 

What Drives Us

Our Mission

Free the Hounds is a greyhound welfare advocacy group based in Western Australia and launched in August 2015. Free the Hounds is a non-profit organisation incorporated in WA under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015.

Our purpose is to prevent the harm and inhumane treatment of greyhounds, including wastage of greyhounds by the racing industry, by informing the public of the facts of greyhound racing and supporting welfare reforms. We support an end to commercial greyhound racing.

Get Involved

If you are passionate about helping greyhounds, we’d love to hear from you! 

We’re always in need of volunteers to help with events, fundraisers, research, social media, our website and more. 

Upcoming Events

Fractures & Deaths

Race Reports

9 March 2024 Meeting at Cannington

Race 6 - Perth Cup (G1) (Heat)/City/520 (4) - Open A post race veterinary examination revealed that ELITE MACHINE had a right fore stopper bone fracture and has been stood down for 90 days. The...

7 March 2024 Meeting at Mandurah

Race 2 - Novice/Country/300 - Novice A post race veterinary examination revealed that SAL ALI had a Fractured RHL Hock and has been stood down for 90 days. The greyhound was medically stabilised and...

6 March 2024 Meeting at Cannington

Race 6 - Mixed 5/6/Country/380 - Mixed 5/6 A post race veterinary examination revealed that BLOOD DIAMANTE had a right hock fracture and has been stood down for 90 days. The greyhound was medically...

FREE THE HOUNDS

Award

Free The Hounds acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

We are committed to building an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity represented in our community. We welcome all people regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, faith, religion, and all other identities represented in our community.