Participants on the Uralla Shire Council water supply are advised that arsenic contamination has been detected in the town’s water. Council is advising locals to drink bottled water until the levels can be lowered.
The Commission recommends trainers in the area also provide their greyhounds with bottled water to avoid breaching the arsenic threshold and withhold from nominating greyhounds to race if they have any concerns.
For more information on the water contamination call 6778 6300 or visit: https://www.uralla.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-News-and-Media/Public-Notices/Uralla-Town-Water-Supply-Do-Not-Drink-Alert-Notice-18-December-2019
Today the Commission released its Annual Report 2018-19 and Strategic Plan 2018-21.
The Annual Report reflects the Commission’s first full year of operational activity following the transition of integrity and welfare functions from Greyhound Racing NSW to the Commission on 1 July 2018.
The Commission’s achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to implementing the recommendations made by the NSW Government’s Greyhound Industry Reform Panel.
The Annual Report also highlights other initiatives that the Commission has developed and put in place to drive significant improvements in welfare and integrity, thereby helping to secure the prosperity of the greyhound racing industry in NSW.
The Commission’s approach to its work is guided by our Strategic Plan 2018-21.
The Commission’s Strategic Plan 2018-21 was developed around three key outcomes: to reduce the number of major injuries that occur during racing year on year, to have the top quartile of industry participants voluntarily complying with regulatory requirements, and to achieve positive public confidence scores.
This is the first in a series of regular messages designed to keep industry participants better informed about what GWIC is doing; its priorities; what we are finding from our compliance work and other relevant information.
It comes at a time when the racing industry, initially thoroughbreds and now greyhounds, has become the centre of media attention and public debate on animal welfare issues. In relation to the greyhound industry I refer in particular to reports of GRV’s investigation into allegations of live baiting by registered greyhound racing participants in Victoria. It is interesting to note that the overwhelming response from stakeholders, politicians and animal welfare groups, is not that the industry should be shut down because of what has allegedly been found, but that the industry is now properly regulated, with effective strategies and capabilities in place to detect and address serious wrongdoing.
I relate this back to my own recent experience. It was only in August 2019 when GWIC came under media attack, with allegations of ‘overzealous’ regulation and calls for GWIC to be shut down. I can tell you that I would rather be accused of being an overzealous regulator (which, by the way, GWIC is not) than one which is either under regulating or inept.
If you are concerned about the potential fallout from the events in Victoria, I can assure you that GWIC has been diligently going about its business of seeking out any breaches of the rules and welfare standards and appropriately penalising those who are caught. Where we see minor breaches of rules and standards GWIC actively reminds participants about their responsibilities, as I recently did in relation to the requirement to use synthetic lure materials only. We also work with any participant who is struggling to meet requirements, by providing additional assistance, with a particular focus on removing any animal welfare risks.
On the specific issue of live baiting, since GWIC opened its doors in July 2018 we have received four anonymous complaints alleging live baiting. We have fully investigated each one of those allegations. These investigations require considerable efforts to corroborate the information; to undertake fact finding and other investigative work until we get to the point of being able to establish the truth or otherwise of the allegations. In each of these four instances, the evidence did not support the allegations. GWIC will continue to pursue to its logical conclusion every allegation of serious wrong doing within the industry. As a participant doing the right thing and wanting the industry to succeed, you should expect no less from my team.
As we go forward GWIC will be introducing some new initiatives so we can work more effectively with you, the participants. Stay tuned for more information about GWIC’s Industry Consultative Group and Participant Advocacy Network – both of which will be implemented early in 2020.
I will also be making contact with breeders, rearers and trainers who are willing to assist with the production of a series of videos, championing best practice in the rearing and training of greyhounds.
Nearly 18 months into the journey I am encouraged by the many participants who are clearly committed to and already embrace the highest standards of ethical conduct within this industry. I encourage you all to continue to work with GWIC to help secure a prosperous industry by improving welfare and integrity.
Judy Lind
Chief Executive Officer
Any participants affected by the bushfires in the areas surrounding Grafton are able to attend the Grafton greyhound track with their greyhounds should they be unable to remain at their property, and if they are able to travel safely to the track.
The Commission has recently reviewed and updated the Greyhound Rehoming Policy. Updates will come into effect on 1 December 2019.
Key features of the updated policy include:
- Greyhounds must be provided with a ‘wind down’ period of at least 30 days after they finish racing or training, before they can be rehomed
- Greyhounds must be desexed before being rehomed to a non-participant (member of the public)
- New minimum standards that participants must meet in attempting to rehome greyhounds
- Greyhounds certified by a vet as unsuitable for rehoming due to behavioural reasons will no longer be exempt from minimum rehoming requirements
- Greyhounds must be rehomed to a competent adult
- Heavy penalties apply when greyhounds are knowingly rehomed to another person and there is a high risk the greyhound will be euthanased soon after
Download the Greyhound Rehoming Policy.
The Commission recommends participants avoid feeding their greyhounds knackery meat, or meat that is not fit for human consumption.
This type of meat may contain residues of prohibited substances used to treat livestock shortly before their death and may lead to a positive sample in or out of competition.
Offal such as liver or kidneys may have increased concentrations of these drugs and feeding this to racing greyhounds should be avoided.
The Commission recommends participants consider feeding ‘cleaner’ meat that is human consumption grade, chicken, roo-meat or alternatively a high quality commercial dry food.
If you have any concerns relating to feed, please contact the Commission on 1800 951 755.
The Commission has completed a review of the Race Day Hydration Hot Weather Policy, with a number of changes made following feedback from industry stakeholders and participants.
The requirement that greyhounds be provided with water remains part of the Policy. This requirement was introduced by GRNSW in January 2017 for the welfare of greyhounds. The Commission’s priority is to protect the welfare of greyhounds, and the Commission has no evidence on which to base a change to this component of the GRNSW policy.
The key changes to the policy are:
- The process for participants seeking race day water exemptions has been streamlined to provide clarity for participants and ensure consistency in applications. Water exemptions will only be granted where there may be another welfare risk in providing water to a greyhound that outweighs the risk of dehydration.
- The Commission will now make it mandatory to cancel any race meeting where the temperature exceeds, or is forecast to exceed 38oC.
The updated Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy came into effect on 1 September 2019.
Available data has not highlighted any adverse impact from the current policy. Recognising that this is a contentious policy for some, the Commission is considering research options to gather quantifiable data in order to guide future policy directions.
In June 2019, the NSW Office of Racing commenced a period of public consultation for a proposed Greyhound Racing Regulation 2019.
After considering submissions made by stakeholders and the public, the NSW Government has introduced new regulations for the greyhound racing industry, effective 1 September 2019.
The new regulations are another step in delivering the Government’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable greyhound racing industry based on high standards of animal welfare and integrity, as recommended in the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel report. The Commission has a major role in delivering this goal.
The Commission welcomes the next chapter of industry reform that will be introduced by the Greyhound Racing Regulation 2019 which comes into effect from 1 September 2019. It replaces the Greyhound Racing Regulation 2018.
The new Regulation:
- enables the Commission to implement the next phase of the enhanced registration framework. This scheme will see five new registration types introduced including Greyhound Health Assistant, Trial Track Proprietor, Race Official, Promoter and Artificial Insemination Technician. Any participants currently performing these activities in the industry will be considered registered on 1 September 2019 although they will be required to apply for the relevant registration type (s) by 31 December 2019 in order to continue performing these roles.
- requires a participant to notify the Commission if they are charged with an animal cruelty offence.
- changes the penalty infringement notice scheme by adjusting the amount of some fines that can be issued for offences under the legislation and introducing new fines for some other offences.
- lists the organisations the Commission can share information from the three registers held by the Commission, being the register of greyhounds, register of greyhound racing industry participants and register of trial tracks. This does not include the sharing of any personal financial information the Commission may hold.
August is Canine Dental Health month, the perfect time to book your greyhound in for its annual dental check.
Regular monitoring of your greyhound’s teeth is essential as the breed can be prone to tooth and gum disease. Regular brushing and the provision of raw meaty bones and dental chews will ensure healthy teeth and gums are maintained.
The Commission is investigating the circumstances which led to the catastrophic injuries of two greyhounds in race 3 at Gunnedah on Sunday, 7 July 2019.
The Commission’s Race Injury Review Panel will analyse the race in question and identify any contributing factors to these injuries, including any concerns in relation to the safety of the track.
The Commission treats any serious or catastrophic injuries and the causes as a high priority hence the implementation of the formal Race Injury Review Panel process in February 2019.
The changes to the Companion Animals Regulation introduced on 1 July do not affect greyhound racing industry participants directly.
This is because any greyhound kept by a participant must be registered under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 (GRA); this includes retired greyhounds and greyhounds kept by participants as pets.
Greyhounds registered under the GRA are exempt from the registration requirements of the Companion Animals Act 1998; a greyhound cannot be registered under both Acts.
The Rules of Racing require participants to ensure that their greyhounds are muzzled in public places. R109 provides that a participant must not permit a greyhound to be in a public place unless the greyhound has (a) a securely fixed muzzle and (b) is under control by means of a leash.
From 1 July 2019, people advertising puppies or dogs (including greyhounds) for sale or to give away in NSW will need to include an identification number, such as the animal’s microchip number, in advertisements.
The rules will apply to all advertisements, including those in newspapers, local posters, community notice boards and all forms of online advertising, including public advertisements on websites such as the Trading Post, Gumtree and social media sites.
These rules also apply to participants of the greyhound racing industry. When advertising greyhounds for sale or to give-away, participants will need to use the greyhound’s microchip number or, if the greyhound is yet to be micro chipped, provide your participant registration number.
If you don’t use an identification number, or you falsify a number, you could be issued with an on-the-spot fine or face court, where a maximum penalty of $5,500 applies.
For more information on why this legislation has changed visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.
Questions and answers
How does the advertising requirement apply to racing greyhounds?
If a registered greyhound racing industry participant wishes to sell or give away a greyhound they own, the advertisements will need to display either the greyhound's microchip number or your participant registration number.
Microchip numbers for racing greyhounds will be used by animal welfare enforcement agencies to help identify and trace racing greyhounds throughout their lifecycle.
I am a racing greyhound participant and I want to sell a greyhound to someone else, either to continue racing or as a pet. What number do I need to use in the advertisement?
You can use either the dog’s microchip number in all cases or, in the case of dogs that are not yet micro chipped, use your participant registration number.
You are reminded that you must also comply with the GWIC Greyhound Re-homing Policy and any other requirements in relation to the transfer of ownership.
I want to buy a greyhound I have seen advertised online, but I can’t find the identification number on the NSW Pet Registry. What do I do?
The greyhound may be owned by a registered greyhound racing industry participants and therefore will not show up on the NSW pet registry. As greyhounds owned by greyhound racing industry participants are not recorded on the NSW Pet Registry, the buyer search function will not operate on the NSW Pet Registry. In such cases potential buyer can contact GWIC to confirm the identity and details associated with the greyhound.
If a greyhound has been retired and is sold as a pet to a person that is not a registered greyhound participant, it must then be registered on the NSW Pet Registry like other dogs. Subsequent buyers will then be able to use the buyer search function for the identification number of this animal.
View the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979) in full here.
Please see below for an update on CopRice Working Dog kibble.
The original product has not changed its ingredients for several years, but recently changed its packaging to specify the ‘natural antioxidants’ as ‘green tea extract’.
As green tea can contain caffeine, both CopRice and Greyhound Racing Victoria have confirmed that they have each tested samples of CopRice kibble for traces of caffeine, with both tests returning a negative result.
The Commission reminds participants to take care when feeding their greyhounds products that have green tea listed as an ingredient.
Should Participants wish to know more about the CopRice Working Dog products or testing they can contact CopRice on 1800 029 901.
The Commission was saddened to hear of the passing of retired racer, Sunny.
Sunny has been a special part of the GWIC team having joined us for our official opening in April 2018 and visiting the office in the months following. He was a great ambassador for retired greyhounds with his gentle nature demonstrating what great pets greyhounds can be.
He certainly lived up to his name, with his bright and happy personality always putting a smile on the faces of GWIC staff and visitors.
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has today released greyhound racing injury statistics relating to the first quarter of 2019.
During the quarter, the Commission supervised 236 greyhound race meetings consisting of 2,353 races and 17,520 greyhound starts.
A total of 1,267 post-race examinations of greyhounds were conducted by the Commission’s On-Track Veterinarians (OTV’s), with 657 injury events recorded from examinations conducted after races.
Of these, the vast majority (505 or 76.9%) of post-race injuries were recorded as minor I, minor II or medium category injuries. Minor I injuries do not require any rest period, minor II injuries could require up to 10 days off the track, and medium injuries could require a period of up to 21 days off the track. No stand down (or rest) period is required for minor I injuries, which include minor cuts, abrasions, pad injuries or Grade 1 muscle injuries not requiring treatment.
In the same quarter there were 32 greyhound fatalities at race meetings in NSW and of these 30 were euthanased as a result of catastrophic injuries sustained during racing. Two greyhounds died suddenly in the post-race period due to ruptured arteries. This is a reduction in the number of fatalities recorded in the commensurate quarter in the prior year (quarter 1 2018). A new industry race injury treatment scheme has been made available to participants with seriously injured greyhounds. The scheme will cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment of these injuries and prevent euthanasia of greyhounds due to the cost of veterinary treatment.
Injuries are reported by the Commission’s OTV’s and entered into an injury database which is managed by the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
The Commission is committed to working to reduce the incidence and severity of greyhound injuries, and to the transparent and accurate reporting of injuries.
The Commission’s Race Injury Review Panel is an initiative undertaken to reduce the incidence of injuries. The panel meets monthly to analyse contributing factors of all catastrophic and serious injuries in racing greyhounds and uses these insights to develop track safety initiatives.
The information provided by the Commission’s quarterly Injury Reports will inform further development of track safety standards and racing regulations in NSW to ensure the welfare greyhounds remains at the forefront of racing.
Following the performance of two greyhounds at Wentworth Park on Saturday 13 April, the Commission wishes to advise that stewards have been in regular contact with the trainers and are satisfied that there are no adverse integrity or welfare issues.
Black Forge – Golden Easter Egg
Stewards inquired into Black Forge appearing to tire over the concluding stages in one of the semi-finals for the Golden Easter Egg.
Stewards sought an explanation from trainer Mr Darren Sultana. Mr Sultana explained that Black Forge’s usual training programme was disrupted due to delays in travelling from Melbourne. Mr Sultana advised that Black Forge’s flight from Melbourne was delayed for up to 7 hours which resulted in the greyhound being dehydrated.
Following a full blood analysis undertaken at the request of stewards, the Commission’s Chief Steward is satisfied that Black Forge is fit to race this Saturday in the Golden Easter Egg final.
Tornado Tears – Association CupRobert Britton, trainer of Tornado Tears, reported Tornado Tears suffered a torn pad following the greyhound’s race on Saturday.
Tornado Tears has been given every opportunity to recover throughout the week.
Stewards are monitoring this closely with the trainer expected to notify the Commission of the dog’s condition today or tomorrow.
The Commission is seeking expressions of interest from trainers who are interested in participating on the Race Injury Review Panel.
A representative pool of professional trainers will be invited to sit on the panel on a rotating basis. Trainers are being sought as they can bring a unique perspective on the preparation and exercise regimen of racing greyhounds, and the history of rearing practices, spelling, treatments and nutritional aspects.
To be considered trainers must meet the criteria below;
- Local NSW trainer for at least 5 years
- Professional greyhound trainer
- No previous welfare rule breaches or convictions
- No recent (2 years) prohibited substance rule breaches
- Regularly races at, at least 3 different tracks in NSW
- Involved in breeding or rearing would be an advantage
- Passionate about improving the welfare outcomes in the greyhound industry and ensuring the sustainability of the industry
- Concerned with improving public confidence in greyhound racing through transparency
- Amenable to working alongside GWIC and GRNSW to achieve a reduction in the incidence of racing injuries
- Able to put aside self-interest and work co-operatively and represent all trainers and the greyhound industry’s best interests
To express interest, please email a one page resume to vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au outlining why you would like to be included, detail on how you meet the criteria and why you think you’d be a good fit to participate on the panel.
Expressions of interest will close 30 April 2019.
Participants, please be aware that products listing green tea as an ingredient may contain caffeine, this includes CopRice Working Dog Formula.
Racing greyhounds should not consume these products for at least 72 hours before their nominated race or risk a positive swab for caffeine.
If you have any questions please call the Commission’s Customer Service Hotline on 1800 951 755.
Download the Troy Vitamin C Injection notice (PDF, 154.59 KB).
The Commission recently granted an application by Mr Peter Lagogiane for registration as a public trainer.
This authorises Mr Lagogiane to train greyhounds owned by other industry participants as well as greyhounds that he owns himself.
In 2002, Greyhound Racing NSW registered Mr Lagogiane as a public trainer. That registration ceased in 2015 when GRNSW disqualified Mr Lagogiane for a 16-week period after he admitted to a breach of the prohibited substance provisions in the rules of racing.
Mr Lagogiane subsequently relocated to the United Arab Emirates where he worked with local authorities to establish and promote greyhound racing.
In 2017, after Mr Lagogiane returned to Australia, GRNSW registered him as an owner/trainer. This registration authorised Mr Lagogiane to train greyhounds owned by himself.
On 22 January 2019 Mr Lagogiane was fined $1000, after he pleaded guilty to an export related matter dealt with by GRNSW.
Mr Lagiogiane applied to the Commission for re-registration as a public trainer. In granting the application, the Commission took into account:
- the information in Mr Lagogiane’s application documents
- conduct relevant to Mr Lagogiane as expressed in various inquiry reports published at http://www.grnsw.com.au including the export related inquiry by GRNSW
- Mr Lagogiane’s compliance with the rules of racing including the nature, frequency and severity of the breaches. The Commission considered instances of non-compliance with previous rules also.
- Mr Lagogiane’s payment of fines imposed by GRNSW as a result of breaches and inquiries
- the fact that GRNSW re-admitted Mr Lagogiane as a participant in the NSW greyhound racing in 2017
- submissions by Mr Lagogiane’s legal representative.
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has completed an investigation into the identification of two greyhounds.
The paperwork obtained by the owner of one of the greyhounds related to the other unnamed greyhound. The Commission’s stewards identified the error when one of the greyhounds presented for a Performance Trial with the incorrect paperwork on 1 December 2018.
The Commission worked to rectify the incorrect documentation between 4 - 10 December 2018, however due to an administrative error, one of the greyhounds was permitted to race at Bulli on 15 December 2018, before the error had been corrected.
That greyhound has since been disqualified from the race in accordance with GAR 64(1) of the Greyhound Racing Rules and no further penalty has been imposed.
The Commission accepts responsibility for the error that allowed the greyhound to race, and has since taken an audit of the process and implemented a new procedure to ensure all greyhounds are correctly identified prior to racing or trialling.
The Commission apologises for the error and will continue to work with stewards and participants to adhere to the appropriate identification protocols prior to racing.
The Commission wishes to advise participants that the Taree race meeting scheduled for Saturday 19 January has also been abandoned due to the extreme heat forecast.
The welfare of racing greyhounds continues to be the priority as the Commission reviews race meetings in accordance with the Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy.
The following race meetings have been abandoned due to the forecast of extreme heat across NSW in the coming days:
Maitland – Thursday 17 January
Goulburn – Thursday 17 January
Richmond – Friday 18 January
Wagga Wagga – Friday 18 January
This decision has been made as early as possible to provide participants with time to make alternative arrangements for their greyhound’s racing programs.
The welfare of racing greyhounds is paramount and, as the hot weather continues, all upcoming races will be reviewed in accordance with the Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy.
The Commission would like to advise participants that Richmond races have been abandoned due to heat.
Given the extreme conditions forecast across NSW this week the Commission is currently reviewing planned meetings and will advise of any further abandonments.