Clock Runs Out for SA Greyhound Industry: Will the Sport Survive Ultimate Reform Test?

The South Australian greyhound racing industry has officially reached its two-year deadline to implement sweeping reforms to counter animal abuse, with a final compliance report expected in the coming months.

The sector has been under intense pressure to reform since 2023, when graphic footage showing the physical abuse of greyhounds on a trainer's property was exposed. The revelations triggered widespread concern over animal welfare and led to an independent inquiry into the industry.

The Ashton Inquiry and Government Warnings

Led by former Victorian police commissioner Graham Ashton, the inquiry delivered its findings in December 2023, giving the industry a strict two-year window to elevate its standards.

At the time, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas issued a clear warning to trainers, raising the possibility of a total ban on the sport if the industry failed to comply.

"This industry has two years. It has two years to clean itself up," Mr Malinauskas said in December 2023. "Otherwise, it faces the prospect of no longer being able to enjoy the social licence and the government support that is required for it to be able to operate."

Progress and Unresolved Industry Standards

The inquiry also recommended creating an independent watchdog to oversee the reform process. Former police officer and sports integrity expert Sal Perna officially assumed the role of reform inspector in July 2024, having previously served as Victoria's racing integrity commissioner for over a decade and leading a 2015 inquiry into live baiting.

Throughout his tenure, Mr Perna has delivered quarterly progress updates, with the most recent released on April 7. In that report, he noted that the industry had completed over two-thirds of the inquiry's 87 recommendations.

"I have verified 60 as being completed," he wrote.

However, some critical elements remained outstanding at that stage, including requirements that greyhound injuries "should be properly recorded and published by the industry", and that governing body Greyhound Racing SA adopt "minimum space requirements for greyhound housing areas".

Stakeholders Clash as Deadline Passes

Greyhound Racing SA has now declared that it has met all of the mandated recommendations, highlighting the introduction of larger kennel spaces and a new tracking system for the dogs.

In a formal statement, chief executive Brenton Scott thanked the owners, breeders, and trainers who collaborated on the reforms.

"Animal welfare is our highest priority," he said. "We will work to ensure our greyhounds are provided with the utmost care from whelping to racing and retirement in a loving home."

Despite these claims, advocacy groups remain highly skeptical of the industry's sudden progress.

"Key measures such as breeding caps, upgrades to kennel sizes, were left to the last, eleventh, hour and that tells us that this is not being taken seriously," said Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds spokesperson Elle Trahair. "This industry is primarily concerned with the continuation of greyhounds to fill races to fuel gambling rather than putting welfare first."

Government Awaits Final Compliance Report

With the two-year deadline officially passing earlier this month, the state government is awaiting the final report from the independent inspector.

Acting Premier Kyam Maher stated that the assessment is yet to be delivered but will be released to the public once received.

"My understanding is that the greyhound industry reform inspector is currently looking at the reforms that have been suggested and in the coming months will have a report," he said. "I understand that the report hasn't handed to government. My understanding is that it'll be made public when it is."