A greyhound race meeting at Cannington TABtouch Park was abandoned after Race 7 on 28 January following multiple serious injuries, including the deaths of two greyhound.
Racing and Wagering Australia (RWWA) confirmed the 12-race program was halted after four on-track incidents.
Two greyhounds were euthanised on the advice of a on-course veterinarian, while two others sustained hock fractures and received immediate treatment.
Racing and trialling at Cannington will remain suspended while a comprehensive review of the incidents is carried out.
“The welfare of all racing animals is Racing WA’s highest priority,” an RWWA spokesperson said. “Racing WA officials are currently conducting a comprehensive review of these incidents and assessing all available data prior to the continuation of any further racing or trialling at Cannington.”
In a release, RWWA said the track was inspected before and throughout the meeting and was assessed as being in good condition and within racing parameters.
The regulator said stewards and the independent veterinarian acted to ensure all injured greyhounds received appropriate care and attention.
RWWA detailed Ariel’s Drive was euthanised after suffering a left foreleg radius and ulna fracture during Race 4, while West On Ariel was euthanised following a right hind displaced calcaneal fracture in Race 7.
In Race 6, Outside The Fire and Sunset Bubbles, both sustained right hock fractures and were medically stabilised before being transferred for further veterinary assessment and treatment, with both stood down from racing for 90 days.
The incident followed another fatal meeting at the same track on December 17, when three greyhounds, (Tresor Drive, Smile Time and Rapido Warrior), were killed during racing.
Animal welfare advocacy group, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, described Cannington as Australia’s deadliest greyhound track and said the January 28 meeting resulted in two deaths and four serious injuries before racing was abandoned.
City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall also raised concerns, describing the abandonment of the meeting as an extraordinary decision and calling on the State Government to set a date to transition away from greyhound racing in Western Australia.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the government understood the level of community concern.
“We understand the community’s strong concern for animal welfare and take these matters very seriously,” he said.
Mr Papalia said Racing WA was reviewing the incidents and assessing all available data before any further racing or trialling continues at Cannington, noting that welfare measures had been strengthened in recent years.
Background information provided by the Minister’s office said greyhound racing delivers economic, social and community benefits to Western Australia, generating more than $225 million annually and supporting more than 1700 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Racing WA said it would continue to prioritise the care, safety and welfare of racing animals while the review into the Cannington incidents is underway.
