RSPCA Tasmania Welcomes Voluntary Compensation Plan

RSPCA Tasmania welcomes the announcement of a new support scheme for greyhound racing participants wishing to leave the industry.

RSPCA Tasmania today welcomed Minister Jane Howlett’s announcement of a new support scheme to provide financial assistance and practical support for greyhound racing participants who want to leave the industry now, describing it as a proportionate, fiscally responsible, and animal welfare-focused approach to the phase-out.

“Without a clear legislative pathway, this is the right framework,” said Andrea Dawkins, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania. “Minister Howlett has made a considered decision to support industry participants through this new support scheme while keeping animal welfare — and the Tasmanian taxpayer — front of mind.”

The government’s allocation of resources reflects a measured assessment of genuine need for transition rather than an entitlement to be insulated from a policy decision that 74% of Tasmanians support.

RSPCA Tasmania notes the voluntary nature of the new support scheme. Participation in greyhound racing is a commercial choice, not a public utility, and support schemes in comparable transitions internationally have been structured as a fair and dignified exit pathway — not as a reward for resistance to reform.

“We also welcome the Minister’s commitment that animal welfare continues to be a priority in the transition plan,” Ms Dawkins said. “RSPCA Tasmania continues to work with government to ensure greyhound rehoming receives adequate resourcing, that foster care pathways are expanded, and that every dog in the system has a clear pathway to a safe and permanent home.”

The new support scheme gives Tasmania a clear, humane, and fiscally sound pathway to ending an industry that has caused immeasurable and avoidable harm to thousands of dogs.