In a landmark decision, the Tasmanian Government has announced its plan to phase out greyhound racing by 30 June 2029, citing animal welfare concerns and declining community support.
This move, which coincides with the expiration of a current funding deed, has been met with praise from animal welfare groups and crossbench MPs who have long campaigned for the industry’s end.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier; Jane Howlett MP, Minister for Racing, 10 August 2025
Phasing out greyhound racing
The Tasmanian Government will phase out greyhound racing by June 30, 2029.
This will coincide with the expiration of the current funding deed, providing an opportunity to deliver a measured transition that focuses on the welfare of participants and greyhounds.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania.
“I’m concerned about the future of the industry and continue to be concerned about animal welfare,” Premier Rockliff said.
“It’s time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania.
“A parliamentary committee will be established to oversee the transition and responsibly map out the pathway forward.
“As we deliver a measured and sensible phaseout of greyhound racing, I want to be crystal clear on my support for the broader racing industry, its participants, and our regional communities.
“I know there are many participants in the industry who care deeply for their animals who will be extremely disappointed by this policy decision, but the reality is the greyhound industry is at the crossroads, is in decline and it is increasingly clear it does not align with community expectations.”
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said the Government would work through the transition in a careful and considered way.
“We remain absolutely committed to supporting our wider racing industry and its participants,” Minister Howlett said.
“The Racing Integrity Commissioner will provide advice and support to help guide this transition.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring those in the greyhound industry, their families and their communities are supported through this transition.”
Premier Rockliff recognised the strong advocacy from across the community for change in the greyhound industry.
“In particular, I want to acknowledge the RSPCA, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, community advocates such as Rosie Saville and a number of members across the parliament, including Kristie Johnston, and many others.”
Media release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Animal Rights Spokesperson; Rosalie Woodruff MP, Tasmanian Greens Leader, 10 August 2025
Greens Welcome Greyhound Racing Ban Move
Cassy O’Connor MLC:
A massive, more than decade-long campaign by Tasmanian animal lovers is paying off at last. We are now at the beginning of the end for greyhound racing and all the cruelty that goes with it.
The Greens in Parliament have been proud to stand alongside dog lovers fighting for greyhounds to be free.
For a long time, we were the only ones in the House demanding an end to this industry, leading the establishment of the first Parliamentary inquiry and reforms – ironically, with Liberal support – in 2015. We also tabled massive, community-led petitions calling for the industry to end.
Change was always coming as more and more Tasmanians woke up to the cruelty, but it wasn’t happening fast enough. It’s been heartening and a game changer to be joined along the journey by others on the crossbench, particularly, Kristie Johnston MP.
To end greyhound racing by 2029, the work starts now. We must stop subsidised breeding and importing dogs from interstate immediately, start properly funding rehoming organisations, and invest in industry transition.
The real celebrations will start the day these beautiful, gentle animals are finally just free to be happy dogs.
Rosalie Woodruff MP:
We welcome the news the Liberals plan to end greyhound racing by 2029. This announcement makes absolute sense in this day and age, where support for greyhound racing is plummeting because of its terrible cruelty.
The Liberals’ announcement comes after years of pressure from animal welfare groups, declining race numbers and dozens of dead and injured dogs on tracks. It’s way past time.
The Greens have been fighting for an end to greyhound racing for over 15 years. It was Cassy O’Connor who established the first inquiry into greyhound racing, and tabled the largest ever petition to end taxpayer funding of this brutal industry.
This is another example of the influence a progressive crossbench in Parliament can have on the major parties. The Greens and progressive independents are already influencing changes to policy for the better.
Yesterday we saw the Liberals walk away from their plan to log and burn 356,000 hectares of high conservation value carbon-rich forests, and today it’s greyhound racing. We hope Labor are watching.
Statement from Amy MacMahon President, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, 10 August 2025
“We’re elated that the Tasmanian government is finally getting on board with what we know the majority of people want – an end to greyhound racing.”
“This is the result of many years of campaigning from local greyhound groups, animal welfare organisations, community groups, and crossbench MPs, the Greens and independents.”
“People in Tasmania are appalled by greyhound racing, and appalled by the huge amounts of public money being wasted on greyhound racing”.
“We’re now calling on the Tasmanian government to rehome all greyhounds to safe homes, support workers to new careers, and turn greyhound tracks into community sports venues, parks or public housing.”
“We’re now calling on the government to properly fund a re-homing program, so that all racing greyhounds in Tasmania get to go to a safe home.”
“Greyhound racing has lost its social licence. The industry has shown it can’t reform. It’s under pressure in all states in Australia and it’s only a matter of time before it is phased out across the whole country.”
Media alert – Kristie Johnson MP, independent Member for Clark, 10 August 2025
Community wins, greyhound cruelty ends
This is a win for the community, for every Tasmanian who cares about animals and animal welfare. Morally, it’s the right thing to do.
Importantly this is a win for the legions of tireless advocates, for the people who signed petitions and for those who quietly aligned quite some time ago to withdraw the social licence for this cruelty to continue.
I applaud the RSPCA, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, Brightside Farm Sanctuary, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, Let Greyhounds Run Free, Friends of Freddie, Animal Liberation Tasmania, Rosie, Deb, Fran, Heather, Dr Katrina Ward, my parliamentary colleagues and many more not listed here – including more than 13,500 Tasmanians who signed our parliament’s biggest ever e-petition.
Also, financially this is a good decision. It’s the sort of choice Treasury is urging us to make about expenditure, about what does and does not deserve taxpayers’ support.
Treasury wants us to apply that thinking on expenditure across the board.
Treasury urged crossbenchers last week to advocate for “a structured effectiveness review” of our spending.
We need a way to know and constantly review if our financial support for industry and others is actually working in the best interests of Tasmanians.
Media release – Andrea Dawkins CEO, RSPCA Tasmania, 10 August 2025
RSPCA commends the decision to phase out greyhound racing in Tasmania
RSPCA Tasmania commends the Rockliff Government on its announcement that greyhound racing will be phased out in Tasmania by 2029.
The dedication of our state’s greyhound advocates has been extraordinary. From the early days — when few realised that greyhounds make loyal, affectionate companions — to the tireless work of rehoming these gentle dogs; from those who spoke in Parliament year after year to voice the community’s deep concerns about treating noble animals as gambling products, to the many who walked their neighbourhoods with petitions in hand, urging an end to government funding of a pastime that, in most of the world, is a relic of the past.
RSPCA Tasmania calls on all elected representatives to treat this moment as a turning point — to let conscience guide their voices, and to speak in favour of ending greyhound racing once and for all.
Let the death of Raiders Guide be the catalyst for lasting change, and may this decision mark a new chapter in our community’s progress on animal welfare.
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