Greyhound racing is set to continue in South Australia following a major two-year reform process, but the industry will face greater independent oversight of animal welfare and integrity.
Independent Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector Sal Perna AM has handed his final report to the State Government, concluding the industry has made sufficient progress to continue operating.
The report makes two central recommendations, that greyhound racing continue in South Australia and that an independent body provide greater oversight of integrity and animal welfare into the future.
The State Government has accepted both recommendations and says work will now begin on establishing a new, fit-for-purpose integrity body, with supporting legislation expected to be introduced to Parliament next year.
The decision follows a two-year reform period that began in July 2024 after a major independent inquiry into the governance, culture, welfare and integrity of South Australia’s greyhound racing industry.
That inquiry was established in 2023 following revelations of greyhound mistreatment and ultimately produced 57 recommendations, alongside a further 29 recommendations submitted by Greyhound Racing SA, the RSPCA and Animal Justice Party.
Mr Perna was appointed as the independent inspector to oversee the implementation process and began the role on July 8th, 2024. His remit included monitoring reforms relating to animal welfare, integrity, governance and administration.
Of the 78 recommendations for which Greyhound Racing SA was responsible, the final report found 73 had been completed during the reform period, representing 93.5 per cent.
Among the changes were the introduction of a new traceability system recording the location, ownership and fate of individual greyhounds, new track safety measures and a ban on surgical artificial insemination.
The industry also introduced double-arm lures, increased straight-track racing and established a race injury review panel.
Progress accelerated considerably during the second year of the process. In April, Mr Perna’s seventh-quarter report had verified 60 of the 87 overall recommendations as complete, with one partially implemented.
Mr Perna said, “I am satisfied that Greyhound Racing SA’s implementations have reformed the industry sufficiently to support its continuation.
“I have recommended to the government that the greyhound industry in South Australia should continue, however, an independent racing oversight body should be established to ensure that these important reforms progress.
“Greyhound racing in SA is in a far better position than it was in 2023, but it cannot rest on its laurels.”
During the two-year process, Mr Perna engaged with more than 550 stakeholders and industry participants, visited industry operations and attended race meetings at all five South Australian greyhound tracks.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce said, “This final report provides the State Government with valuable insight into the progress that has been made into the reform of the greyhound racing industry over the past two years.
‘The Government accepts the recommendation that in order to continue, there must be appropriate and independent oversight body for the industry.
“While the reform period has concluded, it is important that the industry continues to prioritise greyhound welfare, dedicate appropriate resources to compliance and welfare initiatives and enforce increased penalties to help deter cruelty and hold individuals who abuse animals to account.”
The original inquiry found significant changes were required if greyhound racing was to retain its social licence to operate in South Australia, with reforms spanning welfare reporting, traceability, track safety, drug testing, governance and rehoming.
Any recommendations still considered incomplete will now be monitored through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing while the new independent oversight model is developed.
