Racing Queensland responds to criticism of ‘deadliest' greyhound track
The Q, to which the former Labor state government committed more than $44 million in taxpayers' money to build, officially opened last month, but races were suspended on the weekend over concerns about track safety.
Greyhound advocates have roundly criticised the three-track Purga facility, with claims at least 11 dogs have died of injuries sustained on the tracks since March, before its official opening – a figure Racing Queensland has not disputed.
Responding to criticism over the weekend, a Racing Queensland spokesman said the organisation was committed to the dogs' safety.
'Racing Queensland places the welfare of its animals at the heart of its decision-making, with close to $1 million in funding delivered in FY24 to support its greyhound welfare schemes,' he said.
'In collaboration with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, we continue to explore – and adopt – new strategies to reduce the incidence of injury in greyhounds at race meetings in Queensland.
'This includes analysis of injury data and research into risk factors for injury, and strategies to optimise track curation processes.
'The management of on-course injuries, and the adoption of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme, supports industry participants to treat and rehabilitate greyhounds that have sustained serious injuries at race meetings.'
Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said that along with the 11 dead greyhounds, their analysis showed more than 160 injuries at The Q.
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