2020 GWIC Industry Updates

GWIC is aware of individuals from outside of Australia using Facebook to try and convince Australian greyhound owners and trainers to sell them their racing and retired greyhounds.

Information suggests that these individuals plan to send the greyhounds to China and generate negative media about the industry by advocating that illegal exporting continues.

Participants who receive any suspicious Facebook messages are encouraged to report the activity to intelligence@gwic.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 49 42.

GWIC is urging NSW trainers to be on the lookout for symptoms of Kennel Cough after an outbreak was confirmed in New Zealand this week.

Trainers should be vigilant regarding any greyhound with eye or nasal discharge and/or coughing and seek veterinary advice and testing if any symptoms occur.

Trainers are also encouraged to implement biosecurity protocols and quarantine greyhounds when importing greyhounds into their kennels from other jurisdictions to mitigate the risk of contracting and spreading diseases in NSW.

If your greyhound has these symptoms, please notify GWIC immediately on 13 49 42 (13 GWIC) or email vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission is currently contacting NSW industry participants that are shown on our register as holding a lifetime owner registration.

The Greyhound Racing Act 2017 does not allow for ownership registrations to exist on a ‘life-time’ basis. Greyhound owners will need to confirm their interest in remaining in the NSW greyhound racing industry so the Commission can ensure their registration remains valid and their contact details are up to date.

Greyhound owners will be asked to confirm if they want to remain as a registered owner or not by completing an online notification form. This form will need to be completed by Friday 11 December 2020.

Owners that have confirmed they wish to remain registered with the Commission will then be required to renew their registration by 30 June 2021. There is no fee for this renewal and the process is quick and easy.

Those who wish to cancel their registration should let the Commission know by calling 13 49 42. Every effort is being made to contact registered owners directly in writing, by SMS and email.  Registrations will expire on 11 December 2020 for those who do not respond.  If your registration has expired, you can reapply for a registration at any time.

If you have any questions about your owner registration, please contact the Registration and Welfare team on 13 49 42 or by emailing registration@gwic.nsw.gov.au.

Industry participants can now call 13 49 42 (13 GWIC) to make an appointment to speak with someone one-on-one, over the phone about the Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice.

Book a phone appointment to ask questions, access support and understand how best to prepare for the implementation of the new Code on 1 January 2021.

Participants can also speak with GWIC staff at the track or attend an upcoming online information session.

The Commission has conducted an investigation in relation to an internal email that contained allegations of impropriety and/or ineptitude and was subsequently made public. How the email entered the public domain is presently unknown.

The Commission’s investigation found that the allegations made in the email were not substantiated or supported by any evidence.

All Commission staff are subject to a strict Code of Ethics & Conduct, and the Commission is confident that its employees are serving the industry and community with the highest integrity.

NSW greyhound racing participants are invited to register for an upcoming information session about the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice. Due to COVID-19, these sessions will be held online between Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October at 12pm each day.

The information sessions will give participants an overview of the new Code of Practice, answer some common questions and outline the resources and support available to participants as they prepare for the implementation of the new Code.

The Code will come into effect on 1 January 2021. 

Information on how to join the sessions will be sent in a confirmation email.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission will be attending race meetings during September and October to chat with trainers and provide information about the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice and our online services.

The NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice was announced by the State Government in June 2020 and will commence on 1 January 2021.

The Code sets out standards for the keeping, treatment, handling and care of greyhounds. It also includes standards for the facilities, equipment and conditions at premises where greyhounds are kept, trialled, trained or raced. In addition, the Code sets out standards for the procedures and practices to be adopted for keeping, trialling, training and racing greyhounds. More information on the Code can be found here.

The Commission is working closely with GBOTA, GRNSW and other industry stakeholders on ways to help industry participants to familiarise themselves with the Code and get ready for its commencement.

Commission staff will be attending race meetings over the next few weeks to engage with trainers who may be unsure of the standards or if they currently comply. Staff can provide participants with information and templates to make compliance with the standards simple and easy.

We will also have information on rehoming and our online services and will be able to guide trainers through our online services.

The Commission encourages those who have questions about the Code and are unable to attend a track, to contact us on 13 49 42.

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) has revised the protocols that will be applied to all interstate trained greyhounds that compete in races conducted within New South Wales.

These protocols assist the Commission in regulating the movement of greyhounds.

The protocols require that the trainer of an interstate-based greyhound which has been nominated for a heat, or drawn in a semi-final or final, must complete the ‘Interstate Trainer Declaration form.

This declaration form should be completed within 24 hours of the greyhound being nominated for a heat, or drawn in semi-final or final, should the greyhound be travelling into NSW from interstate.

Registered participants, who ordinarily reside in Victoria, remain unable to attend NSW race meetings unless they hold a border entry permit issued by Service NSW and have been granted permission to attend by the GWIC Stewards.

In December 2019 the Commission made amendments to the Greyhound Rehoming Policy.

Two key changes were introduced:

1. All greyhounds being rehomed outside of the industry (ie. to the general public) must be desexed prior to rehoming
2. Greyhounds with behavioural problems are still required to undergo genuine rehoming attempts

In recent months there have had a number of breaches of the Greyhound Rehoming Policy in relation to the above requirements.

Owners are reminded of their obligation to adhere to the Greyhound Rehoming Policy including the requirement to make genuine attempts to rehome all greyhounds, and to ensure that these greyhounds are desexed before being rehomed to a member of the public.

No greyhound is to be euthanased due to behavioural concerns. An exception to the minimum rehoming requirements includes where a greyhound is legally required to be euthanased under a court order or has been declared a dangerous or menacing dog under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

This information was updated on 2 September 2020.

Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (“GWIC”) has today announced the protocols that will be applied to all interstate greyhounds that are planning to compete in the Million Dollar Chase (“MDC”) series and any other races in New South Wales.

These protocols will be bought in so that the Commission can regulate the movement of greyhounds intending to participate in the upcoming MDC series but also for other interstate greyhounds competing in New South Wales.

The GWIC interstate greyhound protocols are as follows:

Transfer From Interstate To NSW Participant

1. From 1 September 2020, the Commission requires that all interstate trainers and/or owners with any greyhound that they intend to transfer to a New South Wales (“NSW”) registered trainer  in order to nominate that greyhound for any event in the MDC series, including any supporting advertised Feature events, or any other race that is not part of the MDC series complete a “Interstate Trainer Transfer” notification form prior to the transfer occurring.
2. This form is to be provided at least three (3) business days before the transfer, or intended transfer, of the greyhound to a NSW registered trainer; and
3. The notification must be made through filling in the "Interstate Trainer Transfer" notification form, and is to be sent via email to the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission; and
4. A kennel notification must also be submitted within three (3) business days of the greyhound coming into the custody of a NSW registered trainer receiving the greyhound/s. 

Victorian Greyhounds: Additional Requirements

In circumstances where a Victorian trainer is not intending to transfer a greyhound to a NSW participant as above, the following requirements apply, due to the current Victorian government restrictions:

1. If a Victorian participant intends nominating their greyhound for a NSW meeting, the greyhound will be permitted to start only if the following criteria is met:
   • The greyhound only travels to NSW;
   • The greyhound must be on a continuous journey to the race meeting and return as part of that continuous journey (i.e. it does not stay in NSW);
   • The Victorian participant provides express written authority to a NSW registered participant to be in charge of the greyhound for the race meeting (and associated travel to and from that meeting) that the greyhound is nominated and races in;
   • That the express written authority is provided to GWIC at least three (3) business days prior to the intended journey to and from the race meeting (email Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission);
2. Further, any Victorian registered owners/trainers intending to travel or relocate to NSW for racing and who have a Border Entry Permit must, if requested by the Commission, provide evidence that they hold a NSW government issued Border Entry Permit that complies with government legislation and health directives, authorising them to enter and remain in NSW.

Please note that all other government Covid-19 guidelines and legislation must be adhered to in NSW and each interstate jurisdiction.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has released the latest analysis of greyhound injuries for the period of April – June 2020, which shows the lowest catastrophic injury rate since reporting began in 2016 and the lowest overall injury rate since 2018.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Michelle Ledger, said the results were a positive indication that the industry’s increased focus on safety and welfare is paying off.

“The last quarter saw the lowest overall injury rate reported since 2018 and the majority of those injuries were classified as ‘Minor’ which require a stand down period of ten days or less,” Dr Ledger said.

“The rate of greyhounds suffering a catastrophic injury resulting in euthanasia or death was 0.5 per 1000 starts, which is the lowest catastrophic injury rate recorded in NSW since reporting began.”

Data from the last twelve months also shows that the number of euthanasia’s performed at the track have halved when compared to the previous year.

“I would really like to acknowledge the work of the Commission’s On-Track Veterinarians for the important role they play at the track,” Dr Ledger said.

“This incredible result has been a huge team effort in applying our welfare guidelines and in helping to educate the industry and promote the treatment and rehabilitation of injured greyhounds.”

The Commission works closely with the University of Technology Sydney who manage the Greyhound Examination Database using data recorded by the Commission’s On-Track Veterinarians. The data is used to inform track safety measures and analyse the effectiveness of these measures.

“A number of measures that have been implemented are contributing to a decrease in the injury rates of racing greyhounds,” Dr Ledger said.

“These include an increased focus on track preparation by clubs and pre-race safety checks by the Commission’s Stewards, as well as access to immediate veterinary care on-track and GRNSW’s Injury Rebate Scheme to assist with treatment and rehabilitation costs.”

The Commission’s Race Injury Review Panel, a first of its kind in the sport, is also responsible for analysing all serious injuries and making recommendations that focus on the safety and well-being of racing greyhounds.

“The Commission is committed to seeing this downward trend continue by supporting all evidence-based initiatives that will improve welfare outcomes for racing greyhounds,” Dr Ledger said.

The Analysis of Greyhound Injuries April – June 2020 can be viewed in full on the Commission’s website.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission and some leading knackeries in New South Wales have worked through issues surrounding the supply of animal meat for racing greyhounds.

The Commission notes that some knackeries apply strict traceability controls, including the use of National Vendor Declarations that certifies the origin of all livestock and carcasses being processed, including that the processed meat   does not contain drug residues and other harmful substances.

The Commission advises trainers of racing greyhounds that if they are feeding knackery meat to racing greyhounds, they should consider sourcing their meat from those knackeries who use traceable declarations such as National Vendor Declarations and who are prepared to guarantee to buyers they are supplying dog food which is free of substances prohibited for racing greyhounds.

The Commission advises that caution should be exercised by greyhound participants who provide their racing greyhounds with meat from any knackery that cannot certify ‘residue free’ meat supply to their racing industry customers. Prohibited substance offences are absolute liability offences under the rules of racing.

Some trainers also adopt the practice of freezing a small, dated sample of the knackery meat they have been supplied, which can subsequently be analysed for the presence of prohibited substances in the event of a positive swab. This practice, while assisting investigations into the origin of a prohibited substance, will not absolve liability under the racing rules.

As the Commission has previously advised the use of human grade meat, kangaroo-based meat or kibble to racing greyhounds will minimise risks associated with positive swabs.

In September last year the Commission placed the industry on notice that the use of contaminated meat from knackeries could be responsible for positive swabs for prohibited substances banned under the racing rules, particularly ketamine, xylazine and oxazepam. 

These drugs are sometimes used to tranquilise and/or euthanise livestock, which then is provided to abattoirs for processing into animal meat.  Apart from being banned substances under the rules of racing, the ingestion of these substances is harmful to the wellbeing of racing greyhounds.

As indicated in some recent disciplinary decisions, while the Commission has not banned the use of knackery meat within the greyhound racing industry, it is strongly recommended that participants who wish to avoid positive swabs for these substances and subsequent disciplinary action, source meat for their racing greyhounds from suppliers who do not supply knackery meat, therefore reducing the risk of contamination.

In recent disciplinary decisions the Commission has taken a lenient approach to these matters but also communicated an intention to impose stronger penalties into the future in line with the position adopted by other greyhound racing jurisdictions, including Victoria.

The Goulburn and Richmond meetings today [Friday 7 August] were abandoned due to the inclement weather and state of the tracks.

The Commission invoked the Protocol for Track Inspections and Race Abandonments for both of these meetings which includes consultation between stewards, track curators, club officials and GRNSW.

Following an assessment of the forecasted weather and the penetrometer readings which revealed the tracks surface to be in the ‘unsafe for racing’ category the race meetings were abandoned.

The abandonment of any race meeting is a decision which is not taken lightly and is made with the paramount consideration of greyhound welfare.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has today released further financial information to provide clarity and transparency in relation to the cost of greyhound welfare and integrity functions in NSW.

In the 2019/20 financial year the Commission’s cash outlays were $16.42 million and $15.66 million in 2018/19. The increase from the prior year is largely due to employment costs associated with staff that were not in place at the commencement of the Commission on 1 July 2018.

The Commission receives funding from four sources comprising a grant from the State Government; a distribution from Point of Consumption Tax on wagering; a direct contribution from Greyhound Racing NSW and ‘own source revenue’ generated directly from registration fees.

In January 2019, an independent review conducted by the Department of Industry determined that the average costs of integrity and welfare functions conducted by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) in the three years preceding the commencement of the Commission, was $13.89 million.

In 2019/20, GRNSW paid $8.4 million to the Commission for integrity and welfare functions, $5.49 million less than the costs previously incurred by GRNSW for the same functions and almost $0.8 million less than GRNSW paid to the Commission in 2018/19.

Media commentators have also recently claimed that Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) spends only $10 million on integrity and welfare and has more tracks, more dogs and more participants than NSW. To fact check these claims the Commission has produced a comparison of key elements of the industry and integrity and welfare costs reported in NSW and Victoria.

That comparison shows that NSW operates vastly more tracks and has jurisdiction over a much larger number of greyhounds due to the Commission’s integrity and welfare programs covering all greyhounds, including retired greyhounds owned by industry participants.

The Commission notes that GRV reported a cost of $19.3 million for its integrity and welfare functions in the 2018/19 financial year. The Commission has endeavoured to compare the cost of “like for like” functions with GRV’s costs. The figure arrived at of $15.3 million appears reasonable but because of differences in the respective organisations, is difficult to accurately reconcile.

Since inception the Commission has produced regular reports to inform the industry of key measures, including breeding data, injury data, retirement data and the outcomes of disciplinary actions. The Commission’s Annual Report also contains detailed information about its program costs, outcomes and comprehensive financial accounts.

The Commission welcomes informed discussion about its operations and performance and invites all interested stakeholders to engage with it on these issues. The Commission also invites suggestions about the development of further analysis that could be produced to deepen understanding of the industry’s performance. All such requests can be directed to ceofeedback@gwic.nsw.gov.au.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic, the transportation of greyhounds across state lines has become problematic Commission has identified a number of ‘pop up’ animal transporters which have used social media as a marketing platform.

While the transportation of greyhounds is not regulated, it’s important for transporters to know that registered greyhounds remain subject to welfare standards set out by the Commission at all times.

The Commission encourages owners and trainers to make informed choices on the transport of greyhounds (puppies, racing stock or brood bitches) at this time to ensure their greyhounds are in safe, experienced hands.

It’s important to note that a number of the new entities transport all breeds of canines, advertise the capacity to handle poultry, mammals (rabbits, for example), reptiles and many bird classifications. New entities can also have changing schedules and drivers may not have experience transporting livestock. Participants should make enquiries when using a transport company they are not familiar with to ensure the welfare needs of their greyhounds will be met.

Alternatively, there are a number of long-standing road courier services which are greyhound specific and cover many routes into Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) have today announced that as from tomorrow, Monday 13 July 2020, the boxing sequence for the start of all races across NSW will return to the previous boxing sequence of two lines starting with the first line of all odd numbers and the second line of all even numbers.

This decision has been made after a review of the strict biosecurity protocols implemented four months ago. The biosecurity protocols were introduced to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak and to ensure that greyhound racing could continue in a safe environment.

The biosecurity protocols will continue to be implemented at all tracks. This includes taking the temperature of everyone entering all racecourses.

Social distancing will still be enforced at all times including at the starting boxes.

GRNSW and GWIC would like to recognise all clubs and participants who have demonstrated their serious commitment to the necessary biosecurity measures which has allowed racing to safely continue.

The NSW Government is undertaking a mandatory review of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017. Community members and stakeholders are invited to share their views about the effectiveness of the Act and changes they've seen in the industry since 2017.

The Act has resulted in significant changes in the greyhound racing industry since it was introduced, including:

• higher standards for greyhound welfare
• introduction of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission
• enhanced registration of greyhounds, clubs, trial tracks and participants
• strengthened offences, penalties and disciplinary powers.

The review is to ensure the Act is appropriate to uphold high standards of animal welfare and support the economic sustainability of the greyhound racing industry and its governing bodies.

This review is a mandatory requirement of NSW Government under the Act. It does not include consideration of a greyhound racing ban.

How to have your say

Have your say by completing a short or detailed survey by 11:59pm Wednesday 26 August 2020.

You can also attend a virtual information session to learn more about the review and ask questions to help you submit your feedback via the surveys.

For more information visit the NSW Government website.

The Commission is concerned at the number of positive swabs still be returned for cobalt in excess of the threshold. Trainers should be mindful and avoid using products containing Cobalt close to the time of racing.

There have been eight (8) Cobalt positive swabs above the threshold of 100ng/ml in racing Calendar year 2019-2020. All participants received a minimum 12 weeks suspension for these breaches of Rule 83 (2) (a) with greyhounds testing positive, being disqualified from their races and prize-money deducted.

These positive swabs can be easily avoided by:

• Maintaining compliance with the race-day treatment rules (R83 A)
• Speaking to your veterinarian prior to using supplements containing Cobalt
• Only using vitamin supplements registered for use in dogs
• Refer to the Cobalt Fact Sheet for further information on recommended withdrawal times for supplements containing Cobalt

GWIC has instituted an “early warning” notification system where trainers with greyhounds returning Cobalt concentrations in race-day swabs above the internal threshold and approaching the 100ng/ml Rule threshold, will receive a notification letter advising them to address their supplement and husbandry routine and obtain further advice. NSW is the only state to provide this service to trainers.

It is important to understand that the majority of the racing population, a population of supplemented greyhounds, have Cobalt urine levels of <10ng/ml or 1/10th of the threshold concentration set in the Rules of 100ng/ml. Analysis of a year’s NSW greyhound samples at Racing Analytical Services laboratory (RASL) revealed that 95.5% of greyhounds had urinary Cobalt concentrations less than 10ng/ml and 99.7% were less than 100ng/ml.

This is strong evidence that the majority of NSW trainers are getting it right.

Please contact vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au for any further advice.

Download the E. canis alert following confirmed cases in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Confirming the identification of greyhounds prior to commencing racing has always been a critical integrity process of the industry.

Confirmation of a greyhound’s identity prior to racing was historically carried out during pre-racing performance trials (PT’s). As PT’s are no longer being conducted, recently there have been incidences where the Commission’s stewards, acting in accordance with the racing rules, had to scratch greyhounds presented for racing.

In acknowledging the inconvenience and disappointment that this can cause trainers and their owners, the Commission’s Stewards now offer participants an identity confirmation service.

Prior to your greyhound competing in its first race you can simply contact the Commission’s stewards on 0427 403 392 or 13 49 42 and arrange a suitable day to bring your greyhound to a race meeting in your region (not the greyhound’s first race meeting, but before) to have the greyhounds identity confirmed and cleared for racing.

We wish to stress that this is a service and is not mandatory.

However, please remember that, if a greyhound is presented to compete in its first event and Commission stewards are unable to properly identify the greyhound, including confirming the microchip record, then the greyhound will be scratched and unable to race until it can be properly identified. This can include having the greyhound re-microchipped.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has today announced a 12-month registration fee reprieve for NSW greyhound racing participants.

Chief Executive Officer, Judy Lind, said that the unprecedented and challenging times caused by the Covid-19 epidemic has put a financial strain on many households across the state and rolling over greyhound racing registrations is one less cost participants have to worry about.

“These are challenging times and some people are finding themselves in difficult financial positions, this is one way we can help to alleviate financial strain in the racing industry,” Ms Lind said.

“This also means that there is more money in the pockets of trainers to maintain the welfare of racing and retired greyhounds in their care.”

Under the Greyhound Racing Regulation 2019 (Regulation), greyhound racing participants in NSW were due to renew their registrations and pay a renewal fee from 1 June 2020.

An amendment to the Regulation has been made in order to defer the re-registration in 2020.

“A new registration scheme will be rolled out in the 2021/22 financial year which offers participants the opportunity to renew their registrations online for up to three years,” Ms Lind said.

The current Racing Rules were also set to expire on 30 June 2020, the adoption of the current rules has been extended for another 12 months.

“Although a review of the National and Local Racing Rules had commenced, I think under the current circumstances there are other priorities that we need to dedicate our resources to,” Ms Lind said.

“The work on the rule review will continue next year and the reformed rules will be adopted at a more appropriate time.”

“In the meantime, I encourage all participants to look after themselves and their greyhounds and reach out to the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission if they require help and support.”

The Commission is expanding it's representative pool of professional trainers who will be invited to sit on the Race Injury Review Panel on a rotating basis. 

More 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 on 31 May 2020.

Race Injury Review Panel Terms of Reference.

It's important that the Commission correct the public record when misinformation is circulated. 

The Commission respects the views of others and values constructive feedback. However, it is important to ensure that the information disseminated to both the industry and the wider community is factually accurate. Below you will find some allegations made about the Commission and the facts that prove the basis of many of the claims are incorrect.

Is GWIC is trying close the industry by stealth?

The Commission’s principal objectives are to promote and protect the welfare of greyhounds, to safeguard the industry’s integrity and to maintain public confidence in the industry. If we achieve those, then we would have played our part in helping to secure a prosperous industry. We believe we are doing just that.

Over the past 18 months, the Commission has introduced new approaches and technologies to make it simpler and easier for all participants to comply with their regulatory responsibilities. We will continue with this work into the future.

Many participants would have witnessed first-hand, that the Commission’s staff worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 crisis to help keep the industry functioning. That demonstrates the commitment and dedication of the Commission’s personnel to the industry at large.

Earlier this year a customer satisfaction survey was conducted for the Commission of 399 anonymous participants which returned a customer satisfaction score of 86%.

These results indicates to us that the overwhelming majority of the industry understand that the Commission is working for the industry, not against it.

Is the code of practice just a tool for removing small participants from the industry?

The Commission recently facilitated the public consultation process for the draft of a new NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice.

The requirement for a new Code of Practice was one of the principal recommendations of the Iemma Reform Panel accepted by the NSW Government and Parliament as a precondition to allow greyhound racing to continue. That requirement was passed into law as the Greyhound Racing Act 2017.

The Commission is simply facilitating the development of the new code, which it is legally required to do.

The code is not GWIC’s code. It is a document that will ultimately be approved by the NSW Government, not the Commission.

The draft code of practice that was circulated for everyone to comment on was developed with input from the Animal Welfare Committee comprising industry representatives including GRNSW.

It is therefore a total red herring to assert, as some are doing, that the Commission is seeking to use the code to somehow force its will on the industry and to drive people out of the industry. In fact, the Code will be there to do precisely the opposite. A Code of Practice is intended to ensure there will be enforceable standards so the welfare of greyhounds is fully protected and the industry can pass public scrutiny. That is vitally important to ensure the industry not only survives but can thrive.

Why does GWIC cost $15.7m when welfare previously cost GRNSW $9m?

An independent review of GRNSW’s previous expenditure on welfare functions was undertaken in 2019 by a working party chaired by the Deputy Secretary of the then Department of Industry. The review concluded that GRNSW’s annual expenditure on welfare and integrity functions before they were transferred to GWIC, was $13.89m (not $9m as alleged)

The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry conducted by former High Court judge the Hon Michael McHugh AC QC determined that there had been a substantial underspend on welfare by GRNSW.

Accordingly, the Commission’s total annual expenditure of $15.7m in the 2018-19 financial year was found to be reasonable and only a modest, but appropriate increase in the costs of welfare and integrity particularly as the Commission’s responsibilities were considerably greater.

The Commission is continuing to review its budget in addition to introducing new technological capabilities that are all aimed at delivering further efficiencies and savings and enhanced service delivery.

Does the salary of the Commissioners cost over $1m?

The three Commissioners’ total annual salary costs are $325,000, not $1m as alleged.

Is the average regulatory cost per greyhound is $3,745?

The Greyhound Racing Act 2017 (GRA) defines a registered greyhound as being “a greyhound that is owned or kept in connection with greyhound racing”. Legal advice obtained by the Commission indicates that all greyhounds that are maintained by industry participants are captured within the GRA definition.

The Commission has calculated that the actual registered greyhound population is 26,852. This comprises 6,505 greyhounds who are actively racing, 6,970 greyhounds who have been whelped but are yet to race and 13,377 greyhounds who have been retired to industry participants.

On those figures, the approximate average regulatory cost per greyhound is $584, not $3,745 as claimed

Is GWIC an over-zealous regulator, here to bully participants?

As a regulatory body, there will always be participants who object to scrutiny and being held accountable for their actions or inaction. The Commission makes no apology for carrying out its responsibilities to protect the welfare of greyhounds and the integrity of the sport.

The Commission’s disciplinary decisions are externally reviewable by the Racing Appeals Tribunal (RAT) and the conduct of the Commission and its staff is subject to review and/or investigation by the NSW Ombudsman and the Independent Commission against Corruption.

The Commission carries out its compliance & enforcement functions in line with its Compliance & Enforcement explanatory guide, which can be found on its website at https://www.gwic.nsw.gov.au/integrity/rulesandpolicies.

The Commission welcomes transparent review and feedback in relation to everything it does, including adherence to its compliance & enforcement guidelines. The Commission views this feedback as an opportunity to improve its services to the industry and the community.

Since its commencement in July 2018, the Commission has received no formal complaints directly from industry participants requiring referral to the NSW Ombudsman or ICAC.

In keeping with its commitment to being transparent, upon commencement it put in place a requirement for its inspectors to wear body-worn cameras. Most good regulatory agencies now do this.

We appreciate that some participants may view this as being confronting. However, the video footage taken is designed to protect participants and the Commission’s inspectors from false allegations.

The Commission is more than happy to provide participants who are captured on video during inspections with a copy of the video should they wish.

Is GWIC working against GRNSW?

Anyone attending racing meetings lately would know this is not true. The Commission and GRNSW work very closely together everyday to ensure that industry is supported, protected and promoted.

Given GRNSW is responsible for the commercial side of  the industry and GWIC is responsible for providing all the welfare and integrity staff, namely stewards, vets, inspectors and investigators, there will inevitably be occasions when the two organisations may disagree. However, the industry can be assured that such issues are usually quickly resolved, and we move forward together with a shared purpose and resolve to make the industry the best that it can be.

Why do no other states have a separate body in charge of welfare and integrity?

Victoria has a Racing Integrity Commissioner and Queensland has a Racing Industry Integrity Commission responsible for welfare and integrity in all three racing codes.

Why can’t GRNSW be reinstated as the regulatory body?

Both the 2016 inquiry and the 2017 reform panel recommended that the commercial and regulatory functions for the industry should be vested in two separate organisations, to “minimise the potential for conflicts of interest and to help build the community’s confidence in the industry.”

Who does the Commission answer to?

The Commission is a government agency and is answerable to the Minister for Racing, NSW Parliament, ICAC, the Ombudsman, police and the courts, just like any other agency.

Is it true GWIC “is eating up millions of dollars that could be spent on prizemoney, track upgrades and promotion”?

Amalgamation of the Commission with GRNSW will not result in more money for these things. An independent review conducted by the Department of Industry found that the cost of integrity and welfare functions when conducted by GRNSW in 2017-18 amounted to $13.89 million of industry revenue. Additionally, a growing proportion of Commission’s funding comes from the Point of Consumption Tax, which could never be utilised for prize money and promoting the industry.

Are industry costs in NSW the highest in the country?

Care should be used when attempting to make comparison between jurisdictions as there are fewer race tracks in the other jurisdictions and the number of participants vary significantly.

The Commission’s registration fees are commensurate with those in other jurisdictions. Recently the Commission removed registration fee for syndicate managers and from next year will implement 3 year registration renewals whereby participants will receive a 30% discount.

What does GWIC say to those who accuse inspectors of being “way over the top” in dealing with participants?

All inspectors use body-worn cameras and uneditable recordings of inspections are available to participants on request. We appreciate that some may find this confronting. However, the recordings are there to protect participants and our inspectors from false allegations.

We acknowledge the concerns raised publicly in 2019 and we value valid criticism and feed back in relation to everything we do. However, the minimal number of complaints received by the Commission and its customer satisfaction scores do not support the allegation that the Commission’s inspectors are “over the top”.

Is GWIC the reason people are leaving the industry?

Of those participants registered in the industry as at 1 July 2018, 117 did not renew their registration during the re-registration process conducted between June and August 2019.

However, conversely 444 individuals have newly registered over the corresponding period. This means that there has actual been an increase in the number of people participating in the industry of 327.

The Commission does acknowledge that a significant proportion of this increase is due to further individual’s requiring registration following the commencement of the Greyhound Racing Regulation 2019 on 1 September 2019.

Does GWIC have the power to persecute participants for criticising greyhound administration?

This is simply not true. The Commission has never taken action against any industry participants who have expressed critical views about the agency. It is their right to express their views.

However, the Commission has and will continue to take disciplinary action against participants who threaten, harass and abuse Commission staff in person, in writing or over the telephone. This is part of every employer’s duty of care to its staff.

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission has declared that Canine Infectious Diarrhoea (also known as Canine Coronavirus) is now a reportable disease under Rule 105A of the Greyhound Racing Rules.

Rule 105A states:

(1) The Controlling Body may declare an infectious or contagious animal disease or condition to be a reportable disease as from the date on which the declaration is published

(2) A person who owns or is in charge of, or has in his possession or control, a greyhound which the person suspects or should reasonably suspect is infected with a reportable disease shall

(a) as soon as possible after he should have suspected or became aware that the greyhound is infected, report the fact to the Controlling Body by the quickest means of communication available to the person; and

(b) as far as practicable keep the greyhound separate from any other greyhound or animals not so infected.

(3) If the Controlling Body reasonably suspects any premises, place, region, or vehicle to be contaminated with a reportable disease, the Stewards or authorised person may by order in writing declare it to be an infected place or vehicle. The written notice of the order shall be given to the owner or person in charge or in apparent control of the premises, place, region or vehicle to which the order relates.

(4) Other than a person expressly authorised to do so by the Stewards or authorised person, a person shall not bring, move, take or allow any person to bring, move or take any animal, vehicle, fodder, other digestible product, gear or fitting into, within or out of any premises, place, region or vehicle, declared under sub-rule (3).

This means that if the Commission suspects a participant has greyhounds affected by Canine Infectious Diarrhoea, they will not be permitted to move any greyhounds from their premises for a minimum period of 14 days.

Further, any participant who suspects that a greyhound in their care has Canine Infectious Diarrhoea is required to report this to the Commission by the fastest means of communication available. Notifications can be provided via email vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 13 49 42.

Symptoms of Canine Infectious Diarrhoea can include:

• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• lethargy
• high temperature, however, most cases do not present with an elevated temperature.

If a greyhound is showing these symptoms, the Commission is encouraging participants to seek immediate veterinarian advice and to undertake laboratory testing. The Commission will assist with the costs of these tests. More information on Canine Infectious Diarrhoea can be found on the Canine Coronavirus fact sheet.

Please note that under the Greyhound Racing Rules, it is an offence to not notify the Commission if you suspect any greyhound in your care has Canine Infectious Diarrhoea. If a participant’s premises are declared infected with Canine Infectious Diarrhoea there are other requirements which participants must follow, including not removing greyhounds from the property.

The Commission will work with affected participants to ensure proper welfare measures are provided to them.

Greyhound Racing NSW and the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission have announced that effective midnight on March 16, 2020, no members of the public will be permitted to attend greyhound races for the foreseeable future.

Given the current situation regarding COVID-19 and the health advice provided by both the state and federal governments, both organisations have determined that it is in the public’s best interest, and also of staff and participants, to prohibit spectators from attending race meetings until further notice.

Racing at all locations will continue as normal with only trainers, handlers, race officials and GWIC staff permitted to attend race meetings, however anyone in these roles who is feeling unwell or may have been exposed to COVID-19 must avoid the track and isolate themselves according to NSW Health advice.

In order for racing to continue in the current environment, staff and race officials will be provided with as much protection as possible to allow them to perform their duties.

Anyone attending a race meeting must strictly observe all directions and protocols at all times.

If you have any concerns in relation to COVID-19 please visit the NSW Health website.

It's important for industry participants to stay informed about the status of the current COVID-19 outbreak and adhere to safety advice provided by the NSW Government.

Read a message from Greyhound Racing NSW here.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission and Greyhound Racing NSW have made the joint decision to immediately suspend finish-on-lure (FOL) racing at Richmond.

The FOL meeting scheduled for this Sunday 15 March will now be run as a normal race meeting without the use of the FOL.

Trainers who wish to scratch their greyhounds from this Sunday’s race meeting will be permitted to do so without penalty if their reason for nominating was specifically to compete in a FOL race.

FOL racing at Richmond will be replaced by regular racing in attempt to reduce the spread of Canine Infectious Diarrhoea. FOL racing likely increases the risk of spreading Canine Infectious Diarrhoea by potentially facilitating swapping of saliva between greyhounds.

With cases of Canine Infectious Diarrhoea in the Londonderry area currently awaiting testing results, the Commission will be working with the Richmond club to install a disinfection station at the track ahead of tonight’s race meeting.

The Commission continues to encourage trainers to isolate any greyhounds showing symptoms of Canine Infectious Diarrhoea and report cases to Commission vets so that further testing can be arranged.

You can contact the Commission vets on 13 49 42 or vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission has completed an investigation into the running of race 6 at Temora on Sunday 8 March 2020.

The Commission received a complaint alleging irregular actions of racing officials prior to the start of the race.

The investigation has concluded that the race was conducted according to the racing rules and that there was no impropriety by any racing official.

The Commission has received information relating to the Temora Cup on Sunday.

The information received is under investigation and will be finalised by the Commission as a matter of priority.

The Commission has announced the launch of a pilot observational study to assess drinking water consumption by racing greyhounds while kennelled during NSW race meetings.

The Commission is responsible for initiating, implementing and developing policies related to the welfare of greyhounds. One such policy is the Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy which applies throughout the year at all greyhound race meetings conducted in NSW.

This study is designed to enable ongoing assessment and monitoring of the current Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy. Animal ethics approval has been granted to the Commission for the conduct of this study.

The study is a pilot study which will involve observing the drinking water consumption of seventy (70) greyhounds during TAB race meetings held at the Bathurst Greyhound Racing Club. It is anticipated that up to four (4) race meetings at Bathurst will be included in the study.

Greyhounds will be randomly selected for participation in the study from the racing nominations list prior to race day. Enrolment into the study will be voluntary; consent must be granted by each greyhounds’ trainer in order for their dog(s) to be included in the study. Trainers will be contacted by telephone prior to race day to seek their consent.

It is anticipated that this study will have minimal impact on race day operations and will involve the use of trained Commission staff for the purposes of data collection. This will ensure that the integrity of race meeting operations are maintained.

Commission study personnel will not handle any of the greyhounds selected for the study or any water bowls belonging to the greyhounds. The study involves placing water bowls onto a digital scale, before and after racing, to weigh the water and to observe any spillage inside the race kennel. These recordings will be taken by observation only with the assistance of each greyhound’s handler. Up to four (4) Commission study personnel will be in attendance at race meetings during the study in order to collect data. Commission study staff will be located inside the kennels and in the wash-down area during the race meeting.

The study will also include temperature and humidity recordings which will be taken outside the kennels (ambient conditions) and inside the kennels in order to assess any effects of environmental conditions on water consumption. Recordings will be taken using small portable temperature/humidity monitors.

Participating trainers will additionally be surveyed by Commission study personnel in order to obtain data on hydration measures prior to and after racing. The survey is not expected to take more than 2 - 3 minutes.

For further details regarding this research project, please contact Dr Kasia Hunter (GWIC Veterinarian) or Dr Michelle Ledger (GWIC Chief Veterinary Officer) – vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission’s Chief Veterinary Officer has today confirmed two cases of the Canine Coronavirus in two properties in the Northern Rivers area of NSW.

Affected and in-contact greyhounds from these properties are to be quarantined for at least 10 days. Commission Stewards and Vets will be in contact with any trainers who may have been exposed to the ill greyhounds prior to any symptoms developing.

Further testing of other greyhounds showing symptoms of gastro-intestinal disease continues, with results due on Monday.

The Commission is appealing to all greyhound trainers to be vigilant in monitoring the health of their greyhounds, especially following racing in the Northern Rivers and in QLD. Continue to isolate any infected and in-contact greyhounds for 10-14 days and scratch these greyhounds from any trials or races.

Participants should practice good hygiene methods which include disinfection of all trailers and transport, boots, bedding, muzzles, leads and other equipment that may pose a risk of infection to other greyhounds.

The Commission continues to monitor the spread of canine coronavirus on a daily basis and is undertaking continuous risk assessments with further strict controls to be introduced if deemed necessary.

It is important to remember that Canine Coronavirus is in no way related to the current outbreak of Novel Coronavirus causing respiratory illness in humans.

Further information in regards to how to prevent the transmission of the disease, can be found on the Canine Coronavirus fact sheet.

If you have any concerns about the health of your greyhounds, please contact the Commission’s Veterinarians on 13 49 42 or vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au

Following concerns from a number of trainers ahead of tonight’s race meeting at Richmond, the Commission’s Stewards have made contact with all trainers with greyhounds nominated in the Oaks and Derby heats that have come from affected regions.

So far there have been no reports of gastrointestinal disease in any kennels represented. The Commission has extra hygiene measures in place at the meeting including hand sanitation between all greyhound examinations and the immediate removal of faeces from common empty out areas. 

Trainers are urged to monitor their own greyhounds and scratch immediately if they have cases of gastrointestinal disease on their property. Avoid contact with greyhound faeces in communal areas and observe good hygiene of boots, hands, leads, muzzles and other equipment.

In consultation with the Commission’s veterinarians, the Stewards are satisfied that no increased risk of transmission of Canine Coronavirus is anticipated at Richmond tonight. 

Download the Canine Coronavirus fact sheet.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission is encouraging breeders and trainers in NSW to continue to monitor the health of their greyhounds as more cases of Canine Coronavirus are confirmed in Queensland.

It is important to remember that Canine Coronavirus is in no way related to the current outbreak of Novel Coronavirus causing respiratory illness in humans.

Participants should look for symptoms such as:

• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• fever
• vomiting
• lethargy

If a greyhound showing these symptoms, participants should seek immediate veterinarian advice. Veterinary clinics are also encouraged to conduct laboratory testing to confirm the cause of the illness when presented with a greyhound showing signs of the virus. The Commission can assist with costs for laboratory testing.

Seek veterinary treatment for young puppies and affected older greyhounds; those having a high fever and vomiting; and those which only have symptoms of diarrhoea for more than two days.

Strict biosecurity and hygiene practices should be followed. These include:

• Isolate affected greyhounds immediately
• Avoid moving affected greyhounds from the property unless necessary
• Quarantine greyhounds that may have been in contact with affected greyhounds for 10 days
• Limit and quarantine new arrivals for 10 days
• Do not race or trial greyhounds that are affected
• Monitor the health of all greyhounds in your care and seek veterinarian advice for any concerns you have.
• Frequent cleaning of kennels, transport, equipment and feed/water bowls with a bleach-based product or specialist veterinary disinfectant.
• Maintain high levels of hygiene in kennels and remove faeces from the environment as often as possible.
• Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, overalls and boots to reduce the risk of you spreading the virus where possible.
• Do not share bedding and utensils between greyhounds.

Do not move greyhounds that are sick, other than to transport to a veterinary clinic for treatment and observe strict biosecurity practices to prevent transmission. The Commission vets are happy to assist with advice and strategies to limit spread.

The Commission urges all greyhound owners and trainers to make sure that your greyhound's vaccinations are current especially puppies in areas such as the Northern Rivers.

For further information on Canine Coronavirus and on good biosecurity practices, please see the Canine Coronavirus fact sheet.

If an owner or trainer suspects their greyhounds are suffering from any infection they should quarantine that greyhound immediately and notify the Commission on 13 49 42 or via vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au .

The Commission is concerned about reports of an infectious canine diarrhoea that is affecting greyhounds in QLD. 

A similar disease was reported in WA recently. Further testing is being conducted on positive cases in QLD to determine the cause of the disease. Symptoms include:

• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• fever
• vomiting
• lethargy

Some deaths have occurred in younger puppies but not in adult greyhounds.

The Commission urges all greyhound trainers to make sure that your greyhound's vaccinations are current. Please immediately isolate (in a separate kennel area with no contact with other greyhounds) any greyhounds that show symptoms of the disease and immediately notify the Commission at vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au

Seek veterinary care for young puppies and affected older greyhounds; those having a high fever and vomiting; and those which only have symptoms of diarrhoea for more than two days.

Do not move greyhounds that are sick, other than to transport to a veterinary clinic for treatment and observe strict biosecurity practices to prevent transmission; the Commissions vets are happy to assist with advice and strategies to limit spread.

The Commission will be monitoring the condition of all NSW trained greyhounds who have raced recently in Qld. Whilst no quarantine from racing will be imposed at this time the Commission reminds all NSW trainers who race in Qld that it is imperative that they closely examine their greyhounds for any signs of infection. If a trainer suspects their greyhounds are suffering from any infection they should quarantine that greyhound immediately and contact the Commission immediately on 13 49 42.

Additionally, the Commission will be closely monitoring the condition of all QLD trained greyhounds that race at NSW tracks. The Commission's CVO is working closely with QLD authorities to ensure that all precautions are taken to prevent the spread of any infection.

The Commission recently considered an application to vary a restriction linked to of the disqualification imposed on former greyhound trainer Mr Raymond King in 2004. 

Mr King received a life-time disqualification imposed by the then greyhound racing industry regulator. The conduct related to Mr King’s involvement in matters concerning the corrupt conduct of the Chief Steward for the then regulator.

As a disqualified person, Mr King was prohibited from attending any racetrack. Mr King recently sought a variation of this restriction to permit him to attend greyhound tracks as a patron only.

Mr King did not seek to be a registered greyhound racing industry participant.

Given Mr King’s elderly age, the significant period of time that has elapsed since the imposition of the disqualification, Mr King’s repeated apologies and expression of remorse for his conduct at that time, and other relevant considerations, the Commission determined to authorise Mr King to attend greyhound tracks as a spectator only.

All other restrictions imposed on a disqualified person continue to apply to Mr King. In addition, the Commission made clear that there will be serious consequences for Mr King and other persons if such restrictions are flouted.

Comfortis (Spinosad) Chewable Tablets are a commonly used and effective monthly tablet for the prevention and treatment of flea infestation in dogs.

Spinosad, the active ingredient in Comfortis Tablets, belongs to the family of drugs called ‘macrocyclic lactones’.

Elanco Animal Health, the manufacturer of Comfortis Tablets, has advised that dogs receiving “off-label” doses of other macrocyclic lactones (eg Ivermectin) should not be treated with Comfortis (Spinosad) Tablets simultaneously.

“Off-label” usage of any medication (including worming products) must only occur under the direction of a veterinarian. Many of these “off-label” products are manufactured for use in other species (e.g. horses, cattle). Your veterinarian can provide advice and appropriately prescribe and label the product to minimise the risk to your greyhound’s health.

Some examples of “off-label” products which are sometimes used in greyhounds and which contain macrocyclic lactones include:

• Ivermectin (e.g. Equimax LV Oral Paste For Horses)
• Abamectin (e.g. Equimax Liquid All Wormer for Horses)
• Doramectin (e.g. Dectomax Injectable).

Macrocyclic lactone toxicity has been observed in dogs when Ivermectin or high doses of other macrocylic lactones are co-administered with Comfortis (Spinosad) Tablets. There has been an awareness of this drug interaction since 2008 and sporadic cases of death have been reported over this time. Dogs affected by macrocyclic lactone toxicity most frequently present with neurological signs such as trembling, an inability to stand and seizures. Symptoms may progress to coma and death in severe cases.

Never use Comfortis (Spinosad) Tablets together with “off-label” products containing Ivermectin, Abamectin or Doramectin. Monthly use of Ivermectin, Abamectin or Doramectin in greyhounds for internal worm control will not be safe if used in combination with Comfortis (Spinosad) Tablets. If Ivermectin is prescribed “off-label” by your veterinarian for worming or treating demodectic mange, consider at least a six-week delay prior to using Comfortis (Spinosad) Tablets.

There are many registered products available for the worming of greyhounds that offer a safer and more effective alternative to the “off-label” use of cattle or horse products. To reduce the risk of medication side-effects, it is best practice to choose products which are specifically designed for and registered for use in dogs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Commission’s veterinary team on 13 GWIC (13 49 42) or email vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au