Two dogs have died and others have been injured at The Q in Ipswich during pre-opening trials, sparking concern from animal welfare groups over the new greyhound racing facility.
Fatal Incidents Overshadow Ipswich Greyhound Track Launch
The Q greyhound racing facility in Ipswich, developed to replace the previous track at the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club, has drawn criticism after multiple greyhound injuries and deaths occurred before its official launch. The $86-million venue, which was promoted as a safer alternative with a focus on animal welfare, has seen two fatalities and one serious injury during pre-launch activity.
Background on The Q’s Development
The Q was built to take over operations from the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club, a facility that recorded 41 greyhound deaths and over 2,500 injuries between 2020 and 2025. Of these, 453 were considered major injuries. The original track closed earlier this month, and The Q is scheduled to open officially in June during the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival.
Pre-Opening Incidents and Response
In late March, two greyhounds sustained hock fractures during trial runs and were euthanised following veterinary consultations. A third greyhound, Fernando Dusty, was injured during the track’s soft launch on 4 April and received a 90-day stand-down order due to a similar injury.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) confirmed the incidents and stated that trial events are not currently subject to the same reporting standards as formal races in other states. No additional measures have been announced in response to the safety concerns.
Community and Welfare Group Concerns in Ipswich
Animal welfare organisations, including AnimalKIND and the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, have raised concerns regarding both the safety of the new facility and the broader greyhound racing industry. These groups criticised the continued public funding of greyhound racing, citing over $44 million in taxpayer money used in the construction of The Q.
Public submissions to the Queensland Racing Review 2025, which closed earlier this month, included calls for the closure of high-risk tracks, mandatory rehabilitation for injured dogs, and increased transparency in regulatory enforcement. The review will inform future decisions about the industry’s structure and animal welfare obligations.
Calls for Industry Reform
Welfare advocates have also pointed to issues such as overbreeding, lack of whole-of-life tracking, and continued euthanasia of dogs for behavioural reasons. Concerns were raised about QRIC’s handling of integrity matters, including inconsistent penalties and insufficient public reporting.
Figures cited in the Queensland Racing Review show that in 2024 alone, 1,865 greyhound injuries were recorded across the state, with Ipswich and Albion Park among the worst-affected tracks. Critics argue that these numbers reflect systemic issues that cannot be resolved through infrastructure upgrades alone.
Future of Greyhound Racing in Ipswich
While The Q prepares for its June opening, community scrutiny is likely to continue. Racing Queensland maintains that the introduction of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme has significantly reduced on-track euthanasia and that ongoing funding supports rehoming and welfare programs.
However, critics maintain that as other countries wind back greyhound racing, Queensland’s continued investment raises ethical and financial questions. The Queensland Racing Review is expected to provide further insight into the industry’s future later this year.
Published 12-Apr-2025