The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission can confirm that a greyhound trainer in Marsden Park is currently suspended from the industry following allegations of serious animal welfare breaches that emerged in July 2018.
The participant’s suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of the RSPCA-led investigation.
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission today confirmed that a thorough investigation into allegations of live baiting in NSW is now complete.
The operation revealed no evidence to substantiate the claims and no further regulatory action will be taken.
The Commission takes all allegations of wrongdoing extremely seriously and encourages anyone with any greyhound welfare or racing integrity concerns to contact the Commission by calling the Customer Service Hotline on 1800 951 755 or by completing the online form at www.gwic.nsw.gov.au/whispli
A number of Greyhound Racing Rule amendments have taken effect in New South Wales from today, 12 November 2018.
Changes have been made to six rules listed below.
- GAR 1 – Definition of prohibited substance
- GAR 1 – Definition of exempted substance
- GAR 83A – Race day and Day Prior Treatment
- GAR 79A – List of permanently banned prohibited substances
- GAR 84A – Treatment records to be kept
- GAR 21A – Consecutive days racing
Download the latest Greyhound Racing Rules.
Today the Racing Appeals Tribunal heard an appeal by trainer Jason Magri regarding his greyhound Zipping Manuela.
The Racing Appeals Tribunal dismissed Mr Magri's appeal and as a result, Zipping Manuela will now be scratched from the Sydney Cup Final to be held at Wentworth Park on 20 October 2018.
Greyhounds number 9 Kanzan, and 10 Rockstar Patriot, will now be permitted to start in the race.
An appeal has been lodged by trainer, Jason Magri, with regard to his greyhound, Zipping Manuela following the stewards determining at Wentworth Park on 12 October 2018 that the greyhound had marred (second offence).
The stewards applied Rule 69 and imposed a period of suspension of three months and until the completion of a satisfactory trial on the greyhound.
The appeal will be heard by the Racing Appeals Tribunal on 19 October 2018.
Notification of the outcome of the appeal will be published once known.
A number of Greyhound Racing Rule amendments will take effect in New South Wales from 12 November 2018.
Greyhounds Australasia implemented the rule changes from August 2018 and the Commission has now endorsed these amendments. In particular, participants should note amendments to Rule 83A Raceday Treatment. This rule has been extended to prohibit the use of an injectable substance on the day before a race meeting, as well as on the day of a race meeting. The change will improve consistency in the way the rule is applied in different states and will give participants the best chance of presenting their greyhound free of prohibited substances on race day.
Participants are also advised that GAR 1 has been amended to clarify the definition of Prohibited Substances, and now incorporates more detail and examples of prohibited substances. The amendments will not significantly change the way laboratories conduct testing or report the detection of prohibited substances. Participants need to be aware of these changes, what substances are being given to their greyhounds, and consult a vet if advice is needed.
Please note amendment to rule GAR 21A prohibits a greyhound racing on consecutive days.
Amendments to the following rules will take effect in New South Wales on 12 November 2018.
- GAR 1 – Definition of prohibited substance
- GAR 1 – Definition of exempted substance
- GAR 83A – Race day and Day Prior Treatment
- GAR 79A – List of permanently banned prohibited substances
- GAR 84A – Treatment records to be kept
- GAR 21A – Consecutive days racing
Download the Greyhounds Australasia Passport Policy.
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) recently made changes to their Naming Policy.
Please find below the updated policy and the communication from GA regarding the change.
GA communication regarding the changes
At the most recent meeting of the Greyhounds Australasia (GA) Board, minor changes to the GA Greyhound Naming Policy were approved.
GA sought participant feedback on proposed changes with consideration given to each submission.
The orderly and responsible issuing of greyhound names is a feature of high quality greyhound racing administration. GA takes its role as the delegated service provider of this service to controlling bodies very seriously.
The revised policy acknowledges that our language evolves. Words change meaning and new words enter our vocabularies. GA now regularly rejects names that were approved in the past on grounds that the modern meaning is likely to offend.
The revised policy clarifies the role of GA and controlling bodies in the naming process, the approach taken by GA in approving or refusing naming applications, and the rights of GA and controlling bodies to refuse any name.
The revised policy clarifies the use of names which are difficult to pronounce, have more than four words, use initials, and are renowned in the industry.
In approving a greyhound name, GA takes in to consideration the unique nature of greyhound racing where there is limited opportunity to call all competitors in most races. Easily pronounced names benefit race callers, participants and wagerers.
GA has more than 700,000 approved greyhound names currently in its database.
GA plans to regularly review its naming policy in line with ongoing changes in our language.
Michelle Grima
Naming Registrar
In light of inquiries received regarding race 8 held at Bathurst on 3 September 2018, information about an incident involving greyhound number 3, Winlock Huddy, who fell and did not finish the race is included in the Steward report.
The greyhound was vetted at the track and no incapacitation period was imposed as the Commission’s veterinarian found no apparent injuries.
The Commission’s Chief Veterinarian who was present at the vetting, has contacted the trainer to check on the condition of the greyhound and reported that the greyhound is fine with no apparent injuries and is resting for now.
Greyhounds Australasia - Breeding Unit Scam Alert
It has come to Greyhound Australasia’s attention that participants are being deceived in to purchasing breeding units (frozen semen vials) that do not exist.
This fraud occurs when a party purporting to be the owner of one or more breeding units either answers a “wanted” advertisement or places a “for sale” advertisement on well-known greyhound websites. Greyhound participants have paid for the breeding unit via direct bank transfer or cash in the belief that the unit exists and is owned by the party purporting to be the seller. Purchasers have been unable to recover their money when they find out they have been defrauded.
To avoid finding yourself in this position, you should confirm the existence and ownership of the breeding unit before making any payment by contacting Marsha Zinas at Greyhounds Australasia on 03 9548 3655 or by email at admin@galtd.org.au Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Scott Parker
Chief Executive
Officer Greyhounds Australasia
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has been investigating rumours relating to the use of an animal or part of an animal in training greyhounds on a private property in NSW.
The Commission will not comment further on this investigation at this time as it is ongoing.
It is the responsibility of every member of the community and organisations, who have information or evidence relating to potential wrongdoing or offences to come forward immediately. This is essential to prevent harm and enable the Commission to pursue all possible lines of inquiry to support ongoing investigations.
The Commission reminds anyone who witnesses or records behaviour that constitutes a breach of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 or the rules of racing, that they could be penalised for not reporting that information.
As importantly, individuals who deliberately withhold evidence may be contributing to further harm and wrongdoing in relation to the welfare of animals.
The Commission takes all allegations of wrong doing seriously and will respond with the full force of the law if these (or any other) allegations are substantiated.
Anyone with concerns relating to greyhound racing in NSW should contact the Customer Service Hotline 1800 951 755 or report the concern online via www.gwic.nsw.gov.au/whispli
The Commission has been working with the RSPCA on an investigation at a property in Marsden Park. The Commission acknowledges the RSPCA’s swift response to this matter and will continue to work jointly with them to bring the matter to conclusion.
In the lead up to 1 July 2018, the Commission developed its compliance program that encompasses both random inspections and targeted compliance interventions of industry participants. This program is designed to achieve a contemporaneous assessment of where welfare and integrity risks lie, and to detect and bring to account wrongdoing.
The Commission will ensure anyone found to have committed an offence will be brought to justice. There is no room in this industry for those who fail to meet the welfare standards expected.
Participants should report any concerns they have to the Commission regarding animal welfare, integrity or the conduct of any person involved with the industry. Any concerns can be reported anonymously via the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Hotline 1800 680 174 or via the online form available on our website.
Whilst the Commission is focused on assisting participants to comply with expected standards moving forward, it is likely that previous instances of wrongdoing will be identified in that process.
The Commission urges industry participants who are struggling to meet welfare standards relating to greyhounds in their care, to seek assistance from the Commission as early as possible to safeguard the welfare of the greyhound.
What industry participants can expect on 1 July 2018
- Registrations - on 1 July 2018 all current GRNSW registrations of greyhounds, industry participants and trial tracks, were ‘rolled over’ to the Commission free of charge for a 12 month period. Only new registrations will be charged registration fees (if applicable) during this period.
- Race day meetings will not be affected. Commission staff are at tracks and kennels to assist industry participants, and provide information about complying with any new laws or policies and the rules of racing.
- Our Customer Service Hotline 1800 951 755 is available from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Steward Reports - steward reports continue to be available via The Dogs for an interim period, and will soon be available on the Commission’s website.
- Greyhound Racing Rules - the rules continue from 1 July 2018.
- Current GRNSW policies that will not change on 1 July 2018 - Swabbing Policy, Trial Track Registration Policy, Race Day Hydration & Hot Weather Policy, Code of Practice - Training, Code of Practice - Breeding
- A new Greyhound Rehoming Policy commenced from 2 July 2018 and is available on our website.
- Report a concern online via www.gwic.nsw.gov.au/whispli or by calling the Greyhound Welfare Hotline 1800 680 174.
- Registration of greyhounds - pups are required to be registered by the time they are 12 weeks old. If a breeder requests a pup be registered by 12 weeks, and registration processes cannot be completed by this time, the breeder will not be held responsible for the delay.
What industry participants can expect between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019
- ID cards will be sent to all registered industry participants from July 2018.
- Industry consultation - the Commission will consult with industry participants, animal welfare groups and other stakeholders when developing any new policies.
- A Code of Practice for the Welfare of Greyhounds will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and implemented with full compliance required by 30 June 2019.
- Enhanced registration will gradually be introduced (which may include knowledge and skills training) for all current and new registrants.
- Improved veterinary practices and procedures will be introduced, as well as the standardisation of vet functions at tracks.
Between 9 April and 3 May 2018, the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission travelled to greyhound racing clubs across NSW.
The roadshow was attended by more than 300 industry participants and included meetings in Newcastle, Wauchope, Tamworth, Lismore, Richmond, Dapto, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, and Dubbo.
Chief Commissioner Alan Brown, CEO Judy Lind, and Commissioners Clare Petre and John Keniry outlined the role of the Commission, answered questions and listened to concerns raised by those who attended.
Key concerns raised during the roadshow
- Uncertainty about the future of the industry
- Concern registration fees will increase significantly after 1 July 2018
- The cost of a potential bond and its effect on breeders and owners
- Requests made to update the Race Day Hydration and Water Policy, to align the policy to other states
- Concerns that this industry is, or will be over regulated
- Drug testing threshold levels and testing methods
- Lack of consultation with industry participants
- Low prize money levels in NSW
- Operation of the grading system, with concerns greyhounds are being upgraded too quickly
- Ability of participants to easily meet new enhanced registration requirements
- Administrative processes
- High turnover of vets, and a perception that vets and stewards lack greyhound specific experience
- Restrictions on certain animals being housed with or near greyhounds
The invaluable feedback received during the roadshow was considered by the Commission and used as we established ourselves and developed key processes in preparation for 1 July 2018. The Commission also used the feedback received when reviewing current policies.
These roadshows marked the beginning of regular and ongoing dialogue between the Commission, industry participants and other stakeholders. The Commission is keen to implement communication processes that work for the industry, to ensure information and updates can be provided in a timely manner. To support this approach, soon we'll be asking industry participants to advise how they wish to receive information from the Commission. Initially, information will be provided to industry participants via the GWIC website and Facebook page, and through the greyhound racing clubs and publications.
From 1 July 2018, our Customer Service Hotline will be available to answer industry participant questions and provide information as required.