Tasmania takes historic step to end greyhound racing.

In a powerful signal of change, the Tasmanian Government has tabled legislation to phase out greyhound racing in the state, only months after announcing that it would withdraw public funding for the industry by 2029.

The Greyhound Racing Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 lays the groundwork for a managed transition away from the cruel industry — a move that reflects growing public awareness about animal suffering, industry governance failures and the use of taxpayer funds to prop up an industry that ruthlessly exploits gentle dogs for gambling money.

Greyhound racing across Australia has a long history cruelty — with ongoing injuries, deaths, over-breeding, brutal live baiting, and poor accountability and oversight. In Tasmania, investigations and independent reviews have revealed persistent welfare breaches and “black holes” in tracking greyhounds from birth to death.

The government’s decision to legislate a phase-out follows years of community pressure and campaigning by caring individuals and animal welfare groups. It recognises what Australians increasingly understand: an industry that profits from gambling and suffering has no place in a compassionate society.

Tasmania’s announcement joins a wave of progress gathering pace across Australia and abroad;

• The Australian Capital Territory remains the only jurisdiction to have legislated a full ban (in 2018), proving that transition is possible and effective.
• Western Australia is currently holding a parliamentary inquiry into the future of its greyhound racing industry, amid rising welfare and integrity concerns.
• In New South Wales, the independent Drake Inquiry into greyhound racing has concluded, with the report yet to be released publicly. In recent years, several NSW tracks have closed, reflecting increasing scrutiny and declining community support.
• South Australia is also conducting a review of its racing industry following widespread public pressure.
• Internationally, Aotearoa New Zealand has committed to a national phase-out, while governments in Wales and Scotland have declared support for ending the industry.

Across all these regions, the message is the same: greyhound racing is incompatible with good animal welfare, and public expectations.

Tasmania’s shift reflects overwhelming community sentiment. Surveys show the majority of Australians oppose the use of taxpayer money to prop up greyhound racing, and petitions calling for inquiries and bans have attracted tens of thousands of signatures across multiple states.

Every step forward — from the ACT to Tasmania — is the result of sustained advocacy by caring people who refuse to accept animal cruelty as “entertainment”.

As Western Australia’s parliamentary inquiry gathers evidence, it faces a clear choice: follow the growing national and global movement, or remain an outlier in funding an industry built on suffering.

The momentum is undeniable. Tasmania has shown that governments can — and should — choose a kinder path.

Speak out for greyhounds today by making a brief submission to the WA Inquiry.