Greyhound badly injured in race supporting Tasmanian industry

A greyhound named Manila Shelby suffered an injury during a race in New South Wales on Sunday that was organized in support of Tasmania's greyhound racing industry. The event, called "We Stand With Tasmania Pathways," featured a 330-meter race for seven greyhounds. During the race, Manila Shelby, a five-year-old dog, bolted from the starting gate and collided with another canine at the first turn.

She then crashed into a metal side barrier, struggled to regain her footing, and finished the race hobbling. A report from the stewards suggested that she may have broken her shoulder blade and injured her tricep. However, Greyhound Racing NSW confirmed that an examination and X-rays conducted the following day revealed no fractures.

The injured dog was given oral medication and will be unable to race for several weeks. This incident is part of a series of races across the country, named "We Stand With Tasmania," that have resulted in falls and injuries. Similar incidents occurred in December 2025 at Maitland, NSW, and October 2024 in Nowra, NSW, and Warragul, Victoria.

In Tasmania, where greyhound racing faces a potential statewide ban, videos of races involving injured dogs are not uploaded to the racing website, as per the Tasmanian industry's peak body, Tasracing. Critics argue that these races, which bear the "We Stand With Tasmania" banner, are "horrible viewing" and "characteristic of the dangerous conditions greyhounds are forced to race in."

The Tasmanian Greens' animal rights spokesperson, Cassy O' Connor, emphasized that this incident is not an isolated case, and there will be more such incidents as long as the industry continues. The state government has committed to reducing funding to the industry from 2029, coinciding with the end of the current funding deal. Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed his concern for animal welfare and the need to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania.

Legislation to phase out the industry passed the lower house of Tasmania's parliament in December 2025 but was withdrawn from the upper house after the state government lacked the necessary votes. Greyhound racing in Tasmania is seen as out of step with community expectations and lacking in animal welfare focus, according to Tasmanian Liberal MP Marcus Vermey.