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Sport
state political reporter Adam Langenberg

TasRacing accused of covering up greyhound injuries as opponents highlight editing of race videos

Footage of a Launceston race meet in March shows greyhound Husky Shiraz bounding down the outside of the track.  

But the replay suddenly switches camera angles and the dog is nowhere to be seen. 

According to a steward's report of the race, Husky Shiraz fell after being hit by another greyhound, fracturing the tibia of one of its hind legs. 

Information provided by the Tasmanian government shows it was treated at a Deloraine veterinary clinic on the same day and euthanased — with the report stating repair was "not deemed feasible". 

Independent Clark MP Kristie Johnston said the incident leading to Husky Shiraz's death is just one of many collisions and injuries not shown on race replays provided by TasRacing. 

Ms Johnston has compiled a list of eight races where incidents were edited out and has accused the government and TasRacing of being "too ashamed and embarrassed" to show what happens during some races. 

"There has been a concerted effort by the racing industry to cover up the horrors that occur on the greyhound racing tracks," she said. 

"It's a horrific industry where dogs are harmed regularly. TasRacing and [Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie] have blood on their hands but they don't want the community to know that's the case."

 A TasRacing spokesman said the body made replays available at its discretion. 

"When a greyhound falls or is injured, TasRacing does not believe the incident should be broadcast. This is not new and is a long-standing approach, " the spokesman said.

He said that approach had not changed since TasRacing began uploading videos in 2011, although footage of racing injuries had been routinely published online in recent years. 

Editing out incidents 'common practice' 

Greens Leader Cassy O'Connor said she suspected the footage had been removed because TasRacing was attempting to hide the "inherently cruel" nature of the greyhound racing industry.

"The question is, was the footage removed because it might upset some people, or was the footage removed because it's evidence of this cruelty of the industry?

"A reasonable response is that it's about the cruelty of the industry."

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said not showing injured animals was common practice amongst Australian racing codes.

"The policies are the policies, and they are nationally consistent policies, is my understanding," he said.

"What is important is that we have open and transparent data when it comes to animal welfare in the racing industry in Tasmania and my understanding is that data is provided monthly across a number of criteria, including injuries." 

TasRacing data shows Husky Shiraz was one of nine dogs euthanased in the last financial year, at a rate of 0.76 per 1,000 starters.

Fifty greyhounds suffered injuries requiring them to spend 22 or more days away from racing in the 12 months to June 30, up from 43 the year before. 

The Greens tabled a petition in the Tasmanian parliament in June calling for the government to end public funding of greyhound racing. 

The petition amassed more than 13,500 signatures, the most of any e-petition tabled to parliament. 

Ms Ogilvie said the government would honour its 20-year funding deal with TasRacing, which ends in 2029.

She said, "more money than ever is being invested into animal welfare". 

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