Thursday, 18 February 2021, 5:42 pm | Whanganui Animal Save This Friday from 5-7pm, Whanganui Animal Save and the Greyhound Protection League
(GPLNZ) are holding a protest at the entrance of Hatrick Stadium. Five dogs were
killed in five races at Hatrick Stadium between 18 December and 11 January. Whanganui . More
REGIONAL
Source: Whanganui Animal Save and the Greyhound Protection League (GPLNZ)
This Friday from 5-7pm, Whanganui Animal Save and the Greyhound Protection League (GPLNZ) are holding a protest at the entrance of Hatrick Stadium. Five dogs were killed in five races at Hatrick Stadium between 18 December and 11 January.
Whanganui Animal Save spokesperson Sandra Kyle said Hatrick Stadium is one of New Zealandâs biggest and most dangerous dog racing tracks.
âInjuries and deaths are common at Hatrick Stadium. Racing is inherently dangerous.â said Kyle. âItâs no way to treat a dog that deserves a warm home and a loving family.â
“Where there are breaches of animal welfare rules, MPI investigates,” said a spokesperson. “The suspension of racing at any track is a question for its operators and the New Zealand Racing Integrity Unit, which have oversight. MPI does not have the legal power to close a track.”
Warwick Smith/Stuff
Eight greyhounds have been euthanised in the past month. The five dogs were euthanised between December 18 and January 6 after suffering a variety of sport-induced injuries, which included fractured and dislocated hocks, a fractured hind tarsal bone and a ruptured stomach. One dog was euthanised following gastric dilation and volvulus, which occurs when there is a twisting or knotting of the intestines.
Eight greyhounds have been euthanised since December 18 after sustaining racing injuries. This includes five in Whanganui at what animal rights organisation SAFE is calling a ‘death track’.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe is calling on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to immediately close the Whanganui track for an investigation.
“While Kiwis enjoyed their unstoppable summer, the greyhound death toll has soared over the last three weeks,” said Appelbe
“The five dogs killed at the Whanganui racetrack is appalling and warrants an immediate investigation. The buck stops with MPI and they must intervene.”
This surge in greyhound deaths is the latest blow to the greyhound racing industry, after it was found 47 dog deaths weren’t included in the industry’s last annual report. Minister responsible for animal welfare Meka Whaitiri declined to comment on the discrepancy.