Tasmania government to end funding for greyhound racing

The Tasmanian government will end its funding for greyhound racing in the state by 2029, the ABC understands, effectively winding up the industry. 

The timing coincides with the end of the current funding deal for the code, which concludes in 2029.

The ABC understands the gradual approach has been taken to allow time for trainers and industry participants to transition.

It will also allow for the re-homing of dogs.

The Liberal government's move comes amid its attempt to secure the support of crossbenchers, after failing to win a majority at the recent snap election.

Tasracing, which manages the state's three racing codes, is backed by a 20-year funding deed it signed with the government in 2009.

At the time it was worth $27 million per year, but it's indexed for inflation. 

In the 2023-24 financial year, Tasracing received $36 million under that deed.

The governing body has previously said the "vast majority" of funding provided for the greyhound code came through commercial revenues it directly generated. 

In March this year, a report commissioned by 12 animal welfare advocacy organisations found the sport had received a total of $74.6 million from Tasracing over the past 15 years, rising from $3.5 million in 2010-11 to a projected $7.5 million in 2024-25.

The report, written by independent economist Saul Eslake, found funding for the greyhound industry was rising faster than for education. 

The death of a champion Tasmanian greyhound last week also brought the sector back into the spotlight, with calls for it to be abolished.

Raider's Guide, which had claimed a Tasmanian record of $664,975 in prize money from 79 starts, was put down after suffering a fall during Race 6 at Launceston last Monday. 

Greyhound racing was banned in the ACT in 2018.

Last year, it was also banned in New Zealand.

Tasracing and the state government have been contacted for comment.