Tasmania will introduce penalties for unlawfully euthanising greyhounds as the state prepares legislation to protect hundreds of racing dogs ahead of the industry’s closure by mid-2029.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government will model its laws on similar legislation in New Zealand, which makes it illegal to put down registered greyhounds except for veterinary-approved medical reasons.
“Greyhound racing will end in 2029 under a Liberal government. It won’t end under a Dean Winter Labor minority government. There is a clear line in the sand that we have drawn here,” he said.
“This is an industry that has been at the crossroads for some time. It is in decline and no longer meets the expectations of the community. It has lost its social license.”
The New Zealand legislation, passed ahead of their July 2026 industry closure, imposes penalties of up to 12 months imprisonment and fines of $50,000 for unlawfully destroying greyhounds or their offspring.
Tasmania’s legislation will offer similar protections, ensuring the safety of the dogs even after owners exit the industry during the five-year transition period.
“What is important is that we … have the highest possible animal welfare standards in the transition as we phase out greyhound racing,” Rockliff said, speaking alongside greyhound advocates on Wednesday.
A parliamentary committee involving industry participants, advocates, the RSPCA and Dogs’ Home of Tasmania will oversee the transition, with Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll taking the lead role.
Rockliff said the committee would work with the industry to ensure the dogs are protected and to support efforts to rehome greyhounds and assist affected workers.
“The industry are very upset and … I expected them to be extremely disappointed by this decision and I understand that and that’s why, in the transition, we will work with the industry to ensure that they are supported,” he said.
Greyhound advocate Andrea Bonner, who has fostered dogs from the industry for a decade, said the choice from Rockliff was a positive one.
“[We’re] very happy with the decision and extremely grateful to the premier and his government for listening to the Tasmanians and what they want and having the courage to then make the decision,” she said.
