Racing at Queensland’s new greyhound racing hub has been suspended due to unsafe conditions, following a series of dog fatalities at the $85 million facility. The Brisbane Cup was called off after two races, with subsequent meets canceled at what was touted as the “world’s best” greyhound racing venue.
Since track trials in March, at least 11 greyhounds have died at The Q Parklands in Purga, west of Brisbane, with many euthanized due to race-related injuries. The most recent casualty, Beau Ripple, was put down on the track after sustaining a foreleg injury. This string of deaths has raised concerns about the safety standards at the new racing facility.
The Queensland government had allocated $44 million from the racing infrastructure fund to develop The Q Parklands, which officially opened last month. However, the track’s safety measures have come under scrutiny following the recent spate of greyhound fatalities. The facility was designed with input from track experts to prioritize injury prevention, but these efforts seem to have fallen short.
President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, Amy MacMahon, criticized the track for being responsible for a significant portion of greyhound deaths nationwide this year, branding it as the “deadliest track in the country.” MacMahon called for an immediate halt to greyhound racing at The Q until safety concerns are adequately addressed.
Former South Brisbane Greens MP, Amy MacMahon, highlighted the wasteful nature of greyhound racing, citing public funds being channeled into a sport that has lost favor among the majority of the population. She emphasized the need for stringent safety protocols and a reevaluation of the sport’s future in Queensland and beyond.
Premier David Crisafulli assured that Sports Minister Tim Mander would investigate the issues plaguing The Q Parklands, underscoring the importance of racing in the state’s cultural fabric. Crisafulli emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the safety lapses at the racing venue and ensuring the well-being of animals involved in the sport.
The suspension of racing activities at The Q Parklands reflects a broader concern about animal welfare in greyhound racing and the need for stringent safety standards to protect the dogs. The incidents at this facility have sparked debates about the future of greyhound racing in Queensland and the ethical considerations surrounding the sport.
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