Greyhounds
623. Hon Amanda Dornto theminister representing the Minister for Racing and Gaming:
I refer the minister to the approximately 220 greyhound pups whelped in Western Australia between 1 January and 31 May this year.
(1) How many dogs were rehomed by Greyhounds as Pets Western Australia, the industry-run rehoming program, in the same period?
(2) Does the minister support continuing public funding for a breeding scheme that appears to incentivise overbreeding, in the midst of a companion animal welfare crisis?
(3) Will the minister commit to reviewing the WESTCHASE incentive scheme, including eligibility requirements and its impact on greyhound overproduction and rehoming pressures, please?
Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Racing and Gaming, who has provided the following answer.
(1) From 1 January to 31 May 2025, Greyhounds as Pets Western Australia (GAPWA) facilitated the adoption of 126 individual greyhounds. It is important to note that GAPWA is not the sole avenue for rehoming, as other adoption programs also operate in Western Australia.
(2) Public funding is not provided for breeding schemes.
(3) There are no current plans to review the scheme. The WESTCHASE incentive scheme is delivered through Racing and Wagering Western Australia, which is funded by wagering turnover and is specifically designed to support a strong and sustainable greyhound racing industry in Western Australia.
