Despite severe weather conditions, greyhound racing proceeded at Gosford on July 1, drawing criticism from animal welfare groups on the Central Coast. The race meeting took place amidst a destructive east coast low that brought torrential rain and damaging high winds. Reports indicate that at least five dogs sustained injuries during the event, with two suffering major injuries including torn back muscles and shoulder injuries.
A spokesperson for the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds raised concerns about the safety of both dogs and humans during the race. Despite the storm battering the east coast of NSW and multiple weather warnings issued for the Gosford area, the race went on. Videos from the event captured the powerful winds lashing the racetrack, prompting Fire and Rescue NSW to advise people to stay indoors due to downed powerlines, particularly on the Central Coast.
Notably, racing was canceled at Bulli on the same night due to the severe weather conditions. In a controversial move, the Gosford stewards’ report refrained from describing a fall as such, opting instead to label the incident as the greyhound going ‘amiss.’ This decision added to the scrutiny faced by the greyhound racing industry, following a similar incident at Sydney’s Wentworth Park on May 22.
During the Wentworth Park race, despite a severe weather system that had claimed lives and triggered multiple weather warnings, the industry faced heavy criticism for allowing the event to proceed. The juxtaposition of continuing races in dangerous weather conditions while other events were canceled or postponed raised questions about the prioritization of safety within the sport.
Animal welfare advocates emphasized the need for stricter protocols and considerations for the well-being of greyhounds and all participants in the racing industry. The incidents at Gosford and Wentworth Park underscored the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in ensuring the safety of races amid unpredictable weather patterns and external risks.
As the debate around greyhound racing safety continues, stakeholders are calling for greater accountability and transparency within the industry. The incidents during severe weather serve as a reminder of the ethical and logistical dilemmas that confront the sport, prompting discussions on risk management and emergency protocols to safeguard participants and uphold animal welfare standards.
Efforts to address these concerns are ongoing, with a focus on balancing the thrill of racing with the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of greyhounds and all involved in the sport. The incidents at Gosford and Wentworth Park serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation and improvement in safety standards within the greyhound racing industry.
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