Thursday, 17 August 2023

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:43): (359) My constituency question is for the Minister for Racing. Graham last raced at Healesville on 14 May this year, where he suffered a horrific fall before rolling onto his neck and back. The on-track vet only recommended 21 days of rest. I confirmed that he did not receive further vet treatment despite visibly limping when he was rescued by my team on 26 July. Graham has since seen an experienced vet, undergone extensive testing and a visit to the emergency vet, which has revealed that he has experienced severe untreated trauma, had sedatives in his blood, has been living in immense pain and needs either extensive surgery or an amputation. Healesville is a straight track, deemed safe, yet dogs continue to die and be severely injured there. Will the minister explain why Graham received such a severe injury on the straight and apparently safe Healesville track?