Horror day of greyhound racing ends with nine dogs injured

Dogs that were injured when they hit the lure or rails during race number 9 on Sunday.
Dogs that were injured when they hit the lure or rails during race number 9 on Sunday. Photo credit: Supplied

The industry overseeing the greyhound industry is investigating after a shocking day of racing in Auckland ended with nine dogs being injured.

The dogs were injured during races at the Manukau Raceway on Sunday.

Four dogs broke their legs, and other dogs had injuries ranging from sprains to lacerations.

In one race, three dogs were injured after the lure malfunctioned resulting in multiple dogs colliding with the lure and metal railings of the track.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand CEO Edward Rennell said the number of injuries is a "serious concern" and an investigation is underway.

"Accordingly our racing safety and infrastructure manager Bill Wilson (leading Australasian track expert) is flying out from Australia to spend time at Manukau tomorrow undertaking a full investigation of this," he said.

"Bill is also currently reviewing all diagnostic track readings at the venue over the week. Bill will provide a full report by the end of the week, including recommendations on potential remedial action required."

Rennel said next Sunday's races will be transferred to Cambridge while safety experts inspect the Manukau track.

The greyhound industry has been placed on notice by the Government after a review identified poor progress around safety and the practice of "obfuscating information".

The review was preceded by other reports identifying similar concerns about animal welfare.

SAFE campaign manager Anna de Roo called the Manukau Raceway injuries a "disastrous weekend".

"No one wants to watch this kind of pain inflicted on animals. It's a horror show," said de Roo.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that the social licence for greyhound racing has expired."