The moment McCallister fractured both front legs at the Bulli Showground racetrack on Tuesday (9 September). Photo: GRNSW footage.
Warning: The following story contains images which may distress some readers.
A greyhound was put down at Bulli on Tuesday night (9 September) after the second fatal accident on the showground track this year.
The steward’s report of the event said McCallister fell in the first turn after a collision and was found to have fractures to both forelegs.
The two-year-old dog was euthanased on the track by a veterinarian.
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has a surgical and rehabilitation program available for injured dogs, however, a spokesperson said McCallister was deemed unsuitable.
“Our condolences go out to the trainer, owner and connections of McCallister,” the GRNSW spokesperson said.
The Greyhound Care Scheme (GCS) offers financial support for greyhounds that have been injured during an official timed GRNSW race.
The scheme does not cover the cost of bone fractures of the tail and single metatarsal or metacarpal fractures and greyhounds that use the GCS for surgical repair are banned from racing or breeding post recovery.
The spokesperson confirmed the death of McCallister and the August euthanasia of Apple Pie were the only two fatalities at the Bulli track in 2025; however, there have been five other serious injuries that required a stand-down period of 60 days.
Four other dogs sustained injuries at the event, however the steward’s report said the track quality was good.
Kylie Field, NSW director of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, disputed that claim.
“The second death in a month at Bulli is a sign of things to come if racing is increased at Bulli and Nowra after the closure of Dapto,” she said.
“No NSW racetrack meets minimum standards.
“Greyhound racing is cruel, abusive, and deadly. NSW must follow Tasmania, New Zealand, Wales and Scotland and start phasing it out.”
The greyhound racing industry has come under attack due to animal welfare concerns in recent years, with the Tasmanian Government announcing it will phase out funding by 2029.
The industry, however, says the number of deaths has reduced by almost 90 per cent since 2017.
The GRNSW spokesperson highlighted the strategies implemented to reduce injuries and deaths on track, including education for trainers, a race injury review panel and ongoing research.
“The success of the industry’s race injury reduction efforts will be monitored and reported to the community by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission,” the GRNSW spokesperson said.
