WA racetrack closed pending investigation after greyhound injuries
A racetrack in Western Australia has been closed pending an internal investigation after two greyhounds were euthanized and several more were injured during a meet on Wednesday.
Despite $3 million in improvements to be made in 2024, the condition of the track is blamed for injuries.
Greyhounds WA confirmed the schedule change on its Facebook page, stating that it was due to an ongoing assessment at the Cannington racecourse and the next meet would be moved to the Mandurah circuit on Saturday.
A Racing and Wagering WA spokesman said Wednesday’s schedule was canceled after race 7 of 12 scheduled races following four incidents at the track.
“Two greyhounds were injured during the meeting and were euthanized on the advice of the track veterinarian, while two other greyhounds suffered knee injuries and received emergency treatment,” the spokesman said.
“The independent field veterinarian and Racing WA officers took action to ensure all injured greyhounds received appropriate care and attention.”
They said Racing WA officials carried out a thorough review of these incidents before any races or trials at Cannington.
“Racing WA expresses its sympathy to the contacts involved and will continue to ensure the care, safety and welfare of all racing animals remains a priority,” the spokesman said.
A report compiled by the Greyhound Protection Coalition and published this month found Cannington and Mandurah are the worst places in the country for road deaths in 2025.
In total, 21 greyhounds died (many euthanized due to leg injuries) and 604 greyhounds were injured at tracks across the state.
The report revealed a further three greyhounds were killed in Cannington on December 17.
“A large number of greyhounds are injured in races and then wander off and die a day or two or weeks later from the racecourse,” the report says.
“There is also a critical gap in the reporting of injuries and deaths suffered by greyhounds at trials.”
Deputy Prime Minister Rita Saffioti was asked about the closure at a press conference on Friday morning and hinted that further announcements would be made about the course’s future following an investigation.
“A full investigation is ongoing and further announcements will be made once the results of that investigation are completed,” he said.
“I’ll let the investigation begin.”
with Hamish Hastie
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Holly Thompson is a journalist at WAtoday specializing in education and the environment.Connect with: X or email.
