‘It is horrendous’: Canning mayor slams local greyhound racing track after four deaths

The mayor of Canning has lashed out about the State’s major greyhound racing facility, saying it hosts an “insidious sport” that he wants gone from his district.

Patrick Hall took to social media last week to blast the Cannington Greyhounds venue after three dogs were either put down or died at the course within 72 hours.

Another greyhound died at the racecourse since his post.

The mayor doubled down when speaking to PerthNow this week, saying it was his wish for the track to close and he would be urging his council put a request for a track review in writing to the State Government.

“Having this track, the largest urban greyhound racing track in WA situated in my patch . . . it’s long been a bone of contention for me personally and I don’t support it,” Mr Hall said.

“I don’t think it can continue in its present form.”

The State Government on Tuesday confirmed there was no current plan to relocate the Cannington track, which this year marks 50 years at the location.

It is managed by the Western Australian Greyhound Racing Association, which also controls greyhound tracks in Northam and Mandurah.

Greyhound racing in WA is controlled by Racing and Wagering WA, which recorded three deaths at the Cannington track on January 27 and 29.

Stewards reported Columbus Monelli died of a broken neck and severe head trauma, while Cash Landing was euthanised following a truncal-spinal fracture and Cameron Keeping was euthanised following a fractured right hock.

Another dog - Shady Town - was injured and euthanised at the Cannington track this past Monday, February 5.

Mr Hall — who was previously the chief executive of the Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home — told PerthNow the sport was from a “bygone era”.

“It is just horrendous,” he said.

“Surely as a civilised society, we’ve long gone past watching a pack of dogs run around a track to gamble money on them as a form of entertainment.”

His comments call an oftentimes controversial - but still lucrative - industry back into the spotlight.

According to Racing and Wagering WA, 50,000 people a year attend the races in WA, which generate $225 million annually and support more than 1700 full-time jobs.

Advocacy group Free the Hounds disputes these statistics and claim declining popularity in the sport and “mounting community outrage” means the industry is not valuable to the State.

President Melissa Harrison told PerthNow she wasn’t surprised by the run of deaths in Cannington.

“We believe it’s because of how dry the track is and the actual makeup of it - the sand and consistency of it,” she said.

“Obviously we’re getting a hotter climate, longer times and if they’re not watering it properly, if they’re not changing the level of it it’s just not going to be suitable for the dogs to run safely.”

RWWA chief racing integrity officer Denis Borovica told PerthNow that people were entitled to their opinions.

“Everyone is entitled to their view, but greyhound racing is popular with many,” he said.

“Racing WA continues to invest in various initiatives to constantly review and improve existing high standards to ensure the safety is always at the highest level possible.”

Mr Borovica said racing stewards did not identify any issues at the Cannington track and that injuries were “distressing to all”.

“A race will not go ahead if there are any concerns with the track,” he said.

“Of the 167 greyhounds that competed on (January 27 and 29), three greyhounds sustained injuries that on veterinary advice were not considered suitable for treatment in accordance with the Greyhound Recovery Initiative, with the greyhounds having to be euthanised.

“There were no factors identified in the three injuries that occurred at Cannington on January 27 and 29 that required remedial actions.”

A Government spokesperson said all licenced participants were beholden to the Animal Welfare Act and racing codes of conduct.

“The State Government understands the importance of animal welfare in greyhound racing and is committed to working with industry stakeholders to achieve better outcomes over the lifetime of all racing animals,” they said.