Following consultation with veterinary professionals and key industry stakeholders, GWIC will be introducing two new Local Racing Rules on 17 December 2021.
LR 37A Greyhound subject to a firing procedure
- A greyhound which has been subjected to a firing procedure is ineligible to compete in a race or trial.
- A person must not nominate a greyhound which has been subjected to a firing procedure in any race or trial.
‘Firing’ or ‘Pin Firing’ refers to the application of a thermal stimulus to the leg of an animal using a heated instrument or electrocautery electrode with the intention of causing one or more burns or other tissue damage that will stimulate a tissue repair response for the purpose of treating or correcting or preventing lameness or injury or weakness of tendon, ligament, joint capsule, periosteum, muscle, bone or cartilage.
In 1997, firing was made an offence in NSW under Section 21A of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTA). The introduction of this new Local Rule supports this legislation and reflects the greyhound industry’s view that there is no place in the sport for this unacceptable practice.
LR127 Restriction on breeding female
- No application for exemption under R127 (10) will be considered where the breeding female that is the subject of the application is ten (10) years of age or older.
- No application for exemption under R127 (11) will be considered where the breeding female that is the subject of the application has already had five (5) or more litters.
- It is an offence for a participant to cause or allow a breeding female:
- aged ten years of age or older, or
- which has had five previous litters, to be serviced.
Participants will be familiar with the existing national Greyhound Racing Rules 127 (10) and (11) which prohibit participants breeding from female greyhounds that have reached the age of 8 years, or have already had 3 litters, unless they have been granted an exemption by the Controlling Body.
The Commission has reviewed its procedures for assessing these applications to ensure the welfare of greyhounds is protected, and the criteria for assessing the applications are clear and fair to applicants.
Based on this expert advice, two new limitations on applications are also coming into force – applications for exemption will no longer be considered where the female greyhound is aged 10 years or older, or has already had 5 litters.
The introduction of a lifetime limit of five litters through this new Local Rule will align with a similar standard in the Victorian Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds.
These new restrictions have been supported by the Commission’s key stakeholder forums in the interests of greyhound welfare.
A new Breeding Exemption form will also be introduced, which includes a new comprehensive veterinary certificate which must be completed by the registered veterinary practitioner who examines the female greyhound.
Breeders should ensure they have allowed enough time for their veterinary practitioner to perform a thorough consultation and any necessary tests as part of their application for exemption prior to breeding.
These changes have been introduced to mitigate the welfare risks involved in breeding older greyhounds.
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) is aware of a recent Facebook Post with claims 20 greyhounds are in need of urgent rescue from a property near Thirlmere.
GWIC have since spoken to the industry participant who owns some of the greyhounds and is caring for a number of other greyhounds on behalf of their owners. The participant has confirmed that they are looking to rehome some of the greyhounds, however the situation is not desperate nor is there any urgency.
GWIC have also made contact with a Rehoming Organisation who have been in discussion with the participant regarding the greyhounds. The Rehoming Organisation did not consent to the circulation of the Facebook Post.
Enquiries so far have found no breach of the Greyhound Rehoming Policy, with the greyhounds set to be de-sexed and vaccinated prior to rehoming and the participant aware of the necessary notifications required to meet the requirements of the Policy.
No findings suggest the owner is to be incarcerated, as claimed in the Facebook post, and there are no immediate concerns for the welfare of the greyhounds. Further enquiries will be made to confirm the situation, including a scheduled kennel inspection.
No further comment will be made at this time.
GWIC has received confirmation that a greyhound property in the Northern Rivers has tested positive for infectious canine diarrhoea (canine coronavirus).
Trainers in the region should monitor their greyhounds for the following symptoms:
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- fever
- vomiting
- lethargy
Please immediately isolate (in a separate kennel area with no contact with other greyhounds) any greyhounds that show symptoms of the disease and notify GWIC on 13 49 42 or 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 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; GWIC vets are happy to assist with advice and strategies to limit spread.
Whilst there will be no interruption to racing at this time, it is extremely important that all NSW trainers who race in the Northern Rivers 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 GWIC on 13 49 42.
Infectious canine diarrhoea is a reportable disease under the Greyhound Racing Rules.
GWIC urges all greyhound trainers to make sure that your greyhound's vaccinations are current.
For more information on infectious canine diarrhoea and biosecurity tips, see our fact sheet.
Note: Canine coronavirus is not linked to the strain of coronavirus COVID-19 currently affecting humans.
NSW greyhound trainers are advised there have been some minor changes made to the process for requesting clearance trials.
All requests for clearance trials submitted between Monday and Thursday must be submitted no later than 4.00pm on the day nominations close. If nominations close on a Friday for a requested meeting, submission requests are to be made no later than 1.00pm on that day.
These changes are now effective.
NSW greyhound racing fees for participants who operate as a small business will now be included in the NSW Government’s small business fees and charges rebate.
Minister for Better Regulation and Minister responsible for racing Kevin Anderson said the $1,500 rebate will put money back in the pockets of eligible greyhound industry participants and give them one less thing to worry about as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“Greyhound racing is a hugely popular industry in NSW which is why the NSW Government is doing everything we can to support participants and encourage growth in the sport by reducing costs,” Mr Anderson said.
“By allowing eligible greyhound racing participants to receive a rebate of up to $1,500 for their fees (registrations and other transactions) we are putting money back in the pockets of those people who make a significant contribution to our state’s economy.
“The greyhound racing industry has gone from strength to strength thanks to the support of the NSW Government, as we work with the industry to keep people in jobs and keep the punters entertained.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the NSW Government is committed to supporting jobs and keeping people in business as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“The NSW Government is pleased to see greyhound racing fees included in the small business fees and charges rebates program providing support for industry participants during what has been, and continues to be a very challenging time,” Mr Tudehope said.
Eligible businesses only need to apply for the rebate once but can submit multiple claims until the full value of the rebate is reached.
To be eligible for this rebate, small businesses (including non-employing sole traders) and not-for-profit organisations must:
- have total Australian wages below the NSW Government 2020-2021 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW and/or have business premises physically located and operating in NSW.
More information regarding the rebate can be found on the NSW Government’s website https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate#eligibility
The Commission has been notified of the marketing of “Tūpākihi” or “Tutu” oils to treat ailments in greyhounds.
This plant is extremely toxic to animals, causing death in livestock and other wild animals eating the leaves. GWIC vets recommend not using this oil topically in any region where a greyhound might be able to lick and be exposed to toxic oil.
Any injury should be assessed by a veterinarian and treated according to advice.
Did you know GWIC have a closed Facebook group for NSW participants?
Our ‘Information for GWIC Participants’ is a closed Facebook group where we share regular industry updates including new policies, greyhound health alerts, registration and race day information directly with NSW participants.
To join the group, search ‘Information for GWIC participants’ on Facebook and simply click ‘Join group’. Those who request to join the group will be required to provide the following information, by answering the mandatory questions:
- Your GWIC ID number
- Your full name
- Date of birth.
GWIC will verify this information and approve the request. If you have requested to join our closed group but have not answered the mandatory questions, you will be unable to access the group.
If you having difficulties accessing the Facebook group, please contact GWIC on 13 49 42.
GWIC has received multiple enquiries this week regarding the use of various medications to control oestrus in female racing greyhounds.
Frequently used, permitted medications include:
- Noriday®
- Primolut®-N
- Orabolin® (currently in short supply)
If you have been prescribed an alternative treatment, please discuss the option carefully with your prescribing veterinarian to avoid an inadvertent positive swab.
Where ethyloestrenol/Orabolin® cannot be sourced, the only alternative for oestrus control in female racing greyhounds are products that ONLY contain norethisterone (e.g. Noriday®, Primolut®-N). Beware of alternative, single pills that combine norethisterone with other medications (such as oestrogen) - these can result in positive swab results. Always check the dosage with your prescribing veterinarian as strengths may vary between different brands of norethisterone.
If you require assistance with any recent prescriptions or wish to discuss suitable replacement treatments further, please contact our Veterinary Team vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au
PrimeSafe and Agriculture Victoria have announced indospicine toxicity as the cause of a recent cluster of 14 dog deaths in Victoria.
Indospicine is found naturally in certain plants (Indigofera spp) and can accumulate in the tissues of grazing animals. Dogs are particularly sensitive to the toxin.
An eastern Victoria pet food supplier (Maffra District Knackery) has issued a voluntary recall of some meat products. A total of 45 dogs, linked to consuming the meat, have been treated for liver toxicity.
Fresh or frozen raw pet meat sourced from Gippsland between 31 May and 3 July 2021 should not be fed to greyhounds. Breeders, owners and trainers are urged to check their stocks and seek prompt advice from their veterinarians if their greyhounds demonstrate any concerning signs such as sudden loss of appetite, lethargy, or jaundice in a previously healthy greyhound.
UPDATED 17 July 2021:
The NSW Government has announced Health Orders effective from 11.59pm tonight, Saturday 17 July 2021, further restricting the movement of people that reside in the Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In addition to the stay at home rules from 11.59pm tonight, residents of these LGA’s cannot leave their LGA for work except for: emergency services and healthcare workers.
Accordingly, participants located in these LGA’s will be required to scratch their greyhounds if engaged to race at Richmond tomorrow (Sunday 18 July 2021) or Gosford on Tuesday 20 July 2021. Residents of these LGA’s will also be unable to nominate greyhounds until further notice.
GRNSW will provide compensation to those affected participants that have greyhounds drawn to race at Richmond and Gosford, and in the coming days will formulate a financial support package to assist all affected participants residing in these LGA’s.
Additionally, all participants should comply with the updated Health Orders located at the below link, which includes no carpooling unless among members of the same household.
Link to additional restrictions in NSW:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/restrictions-to-further-limit-spread-of-covid-19-delta-strain
PREVIOUS: 13 July 2021
In accordance with the recently issued NSW Health Orders, participants who live in the Fairfield Local Government Area (LGA) but need to leave home for essential work must have a Covid-19 test every three days (3 days) regardless of symptoms.
Accordingly, greyhound racing participants who reside in the Fairfield LGA must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test every three days from today (13 July 2021) to louis.saperas@gwic.nsw.gov.au before being permitted to attend a race track.
To assist with compliance and to ensure participants in the Fairfield LGA are aware of the updated orders, GWIC will make contact with the individual participants effected.
GWIC has been advised that there is currently short supply of two medications frequently used by industry participants:
- Eyedrops containing prednisolone (e.g. Prednefrin® Forte). Typically, these medications are used for the topical treatment of pannus. For these medications to be used in racing greyhounds (under LR1B), the individual greyhound MUST be listed on GWIC’s Pannus Register.
- Ethyloestrenol tablets (e.g. Orabolin®) for oestrus control in female racing greyhounds
If you have recently been prescribed an alternative treatment, please discuss the option carefully with your prescribing veterinarian to avoid an inadvertent positive swab.
Where Prednefrin® Forte cannot be sourced, replacement options for the topical treatment of pannus in racing greyhounds include tacrolimus or cyclosporin drops/ointments. Beware of alternatives that contain other corticosteroids that can result in positive swab results (e.g. dexamethasone).
Where ethyloestrenol/Orabolin® cannot be sourced, the only alternative for oestrus control in female racing greyhounds are products that ONLY contain norethisterone (e.g. Noriday®, Primolut®-N). Beware of alternative, single pills that combine norethisterone with other medications (such as oestrogen) - these can result in positive swab results. Always check the dosage with your prescribing veterinarian as strengths may vary between different brands of norethisterone.
If you require assistance with any recent prescriptions or wish to discuss suitable replacement treatments further, please contact our Veterinary Team vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au
Participants are also reminded of R84A, in relation to keeping a record of treatments to greyhounds:
R84A Treatment records to be kept
- The person in charge of a greyhound must keep and retain records detailing all vaccinations, antiparasitics and medical treatments administered to a greyhound from the time the greyhound enters their care until the greyhound leaves their care and for a minimum of two (2) years. Such record of treatment must be produced for inspection when requested by a Steward or a person authorised by the Controlling Body. Any person responsible for a greyhound at the relevant time who fails to comply with any provision of this rule shall be guilty of an offence.
- Each record of treatment kept in accordance with this rule must be made by midnight on the day on which the treatment was given and, as a minimum requirement, include the following information:
- Name of the greyhound;
- Date and time of administration of the treatment;
- Name of the treatment (brand name or active constituent);
- Route of administration.
- Amount given;
- Name and signature of person or persons administering and/or authorising treatment
From 1 July 2021 a new Registration Assessment Program is being introduced as well as changes to the requirements for participants when upgrading from an Owner Trainer to a Public Trainer.
There is also a change in the process for new participants applying for a National Police Check as part of the registration application process. Details of these changes are outlined below.
New Registration Assessment Program
In keeping with the implementation of the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel's recommendations, from 1 July 2021 the Commission is introducing minimum standards for certain participant roles as a requirement for registration.
When applying for registration, applicants must complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.
Initially, the registration types included are Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer and Breeder. Over time, the Commission will be introducing assessment requirements for other roles.
Who needs to complete the Registration Knowledge Test?
From 1 July 2021, the Registration Knowledge Test will be mandatory for any person applying to register as an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder.
Participants who are currently registered as an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder will not have to complete the Registration Knowledge Test.
Once an applicant has completed the Registration Knowledge Test they will be emailed a Certificate of Completion. From 1 July 2021, this certificate must be submitted with the registration application form.
For more information about the program please visit www.gwic.nsw.gov.au/RAP
Upgrading from Owner Trainer to a Public Trainer
From 1 July 2021 there will be two new requirements when upgrading from an Owner Trainer to a Public Trainer. All requirements are listed below.
- Have held their Owner Trainer registration for 12 months (current requirement)
- Be a fit and proper person (current requirement)
- Have had a minimum of 20 starters during the preceding 12 months (new requirement)
- Have completed the mandatory Public Trainer Registration Knowledge Test (new requirement)
If a trainer can demonstrate that it was not possible to attain 20 greyhound starts in the preceding 12 months (due to race cancellations, for example), the Commission may consider an exemption from this requirement.
For more information about these changes please contact our Registration & Welfare team on 13 49 42 (13GWIC) or by email at registration@gwic.nsw.gov.au
National Police Checks – change in application process
This change does not affect current participants who have just renewed their registrations.
From 1 July, the process for new applicants applying for a National Police Check will change following the introduction of a new NSW Police online portal.
Rather than providing the Commission with three ID documents, applicants will receive an email from NSW Police and be asked to provide details of their identification documents (e.g. Drivers Licence number) directly via a link provided.
The new process is outlined below.
- Participant submits registration application to GWIC, with no ID documents
- GWIC staff request a National Police Check on behalf of the participant
- NSW Police email the applicant a link requesting three forms of ID (If ID documents provided cannot be digitally verified, the applicant will need to upload additional ID documents)
- NSW Police advise GWIC of the outcome (participant can request a copy)
- If approved, GWIC complete the registration application and send applicant a letter confirming their registration and new GWIC ID Card.
After consultation with the NSW Government and NSW Health, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced that NSW will be divided into two zones to allow racing to continue throughout the lock down period.
Zone one will be made up of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and the Central Coast regions. Anyone residing within this Zone may nominate to race at Wentworth Park, Richmond, Bulli, Dapto and Gosford.
Essential personnel only are permitted to attend these tracks, no spectators allowed (including Owners), and they must return straight home after race meetings.
All NSW Health restrictions that are currently in place across Greater Sydney will apply at these tracks, including temperature testing.
Zone two consists of all other racetracks in the State. At these venues all COVID-19 precautions must be taken including the wearing of face masks, social distancing and abiding by the 4sqm rule.
For more information on zoning, including changes to the racing calendar and prizemoney, visit www.thedogs.com.au
GWIC Office
Please be aware that extra measures are in place at GWIC to help protect participants and staff during the latest Covid-19 outbreak in NSW.
The office at Level 1, 230 Howick St Bathurst will be open to the public between 8:30am - 12pm only, unless you have an appointment outside of these hours. If you would like to make an appointment to complete your registration renewal or any other transaction at the Bathurst Office, please call 13 49 42.
Participants and staff are required to wear a mask in the Bathurst office at all times.
Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, and do not attend the office or the track if you are unwell.
After consultation between Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) a decision has been made to abandon the race meeting scheduled for Wentworth Park tomorrow night, June 26.
With the current COVID-19 situation in the City of Sydney area, and following the recommendations and restrictions put in place by the NSW Government on Friday morning, both GRSNW and GWIC have agreed that the appropriate measures to protect all participants, track and club staff, was to call off the race meeting.
Both GRNSW and GWIC believe this is the sensible and responsible action to take considering the current circumstances in the Sydney area.
Unfortunately due to the scheduling of the Group 1 Vic Peters and Group 1 Peter Mosman heats on Saturday July 3, the final of the GRNSW Country Challenge is unable to be moved back a week. As such, GRNSW has decided that the total prizemoney for the final will be divided between the finalists.
Wednesday night’s race meeting scheduled for Wentworth Park has been transferred to Bulli, which will carry Wentworth Park provincial prizemoney.
We will continue to update participants of any further news or restrictions to be put in place, through our website and social media platforms.
In addition to recent NSW Health guidelines, anyone who has travelled to Victoria since 27 May 2021 must have received a negative Covid-19 test result before they are permitted to attend a greyhound racetrack in NSW. If you are awaiting test results please do not attend the track.
Anyone who has recently travelled to areas identified as hot spots, must self-isolate in line with NSW Health Orders. See a full list of NSW Health’s areas of concern here.
Please continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene and, as always, if you have any cold or flu symptoms please do not attend the track and get tested as soon as possible.
In 2020, the Commission established a new advisory council, GWIC Industry Participants Advisory Council (GIPAC), to allow industry participants to provide greater input into its work.
The primary objective of the Council is to enhance the Commission’s engagement and collaboration with industry participants, experts and stakeholders in the early stages of developing policies and regulations.
The GIPAC's role is to:
- Provide advice to the Commission in relation to the likely impact on the greyhound industry of regulatory and operational policies it has under consideration;
- Provide advice to the Commission in relation to the likely impact of changes to rules, policies and programs under consideration and the effectiveness of its delivery of services to the industry ; and
- Ensure the industry has early engagement in relation to policy and rule changes.
The GIPAC meet monthly with the minutes of their meetings now published to the GIPAC webpage.
Public Consultation Draft [Monday 24 May – Monday 07 June]
GA commenced stakeholder consultation in February 2021. This included the participant representative bodies in each jurisdiction, ministerial offices, and government departments, integrity bodies, clubs or club peak bodies, and animal welfare groups.
GA has considered the feedback from the initial consultation and made amendments to the draft national rules where appropriate.
The main objectives in updating the National Rules are to:
- promote, enhance, and maintain the welfare of greyhounds.
- regulate greyhound racing so that public confidence in its integrity is upheld.
- provide for a level playing field in greyhound racing.
- record the rules which, together with the Local Rules of Controlling Bodies, regulate greyhound racing in Australia and New Zealand; and
- promote the long-term viability of greyhound racing and the conduct of it in a socially responsible manner in Australia and New Zealand.
These draft rules, as adopted by each jurisdiction, form an integral part of the conduct of the sport and achieving consistency in greyhound racing across the Australian States, Territories, and New Zealand.
The draft national rules (May 2021) are now available for public consultation and submission to GA on any of the proposed changes. It is important to note that all feedback is considered equally and reviewed on its own merits. Multiple submissions on a single rule will not have a greater weighting on a rule outcome.
The following documents and the current GA National Rules can be found here.
- Attachment 1 Draft National Rules - A working draft of the proposed national rules.
- Attachment 2 Summary table of key changes - A summary table describing the key changes and aimed at assisting you to reference between obligations in the current and proposed national rules.
- Attachment 3 – Frequently Asked Questions - These provide some additional information about some key changes.
- Attachment 4 – Feedback Form - A template form to provide your feedback to GA.
If you wish to make a submission or have any questions on any of the proposed changes or the process, please send these direct to rulesrework@galtd.org.au.
Please note that the revised national rules are still in draft. Any changes, including those as a result of the initial consultation, will be presented to the GA Board in late June 2021 for final approval. An updated version of the national rules will be communicated broadly along with a clear date for commencement. Any changes to the national rules will need to be adopted by each local Controlling Body and Jurisdictions will be in communication with their participants in due course about the adoption and commencement of new national rules.
Key Project Dates
| Phase | Key Dates | Activity |
|---|---|---|
|
Second round of public consultation. Updated Rules and FAQs are reviewed by the Public and Participants. |
Monday 24th May 2021 – Monday 07th June 2021 |
Participants will have ten business days to submit feedback directly to rulesrework@galtd.org.au Submissions will not be accepted after 5:00 pm Monday 07 June 2021. |
| Endorsement of National Rules | Wednesday 30th June 2021 | Greyhounds Australasia Board of Directors will endorse the National Rules. |
| Rule Familiarisation | Thursday 01st July 2021 – Thursday 30th September 2021 | A three-month period to allow Participants to become familiar with the updated Rules. |
| Release of National Rules | Friday 01st October 2021 | Updated rules become live. |
The Commission wishes to remind NSW registered greyhound owners of their responsibilities, and what they can, and can't do with their greyhounds on and off the track.
Greyhound owners have an obligation to ensure their greyhound’s welfare throughout their life, whether they are kennelled at home or with a registered trainer. This includes complying with the Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice and relevant Greyhound Racing Rules.
Owners should also familiarise themselves with the policies enforced by the Commission, particularly the Greyhound Rehoming Policy which outlines several important obligations owners have when they are retiring or rehoming their greyhound/s.
What owners can and can't do
Registered greyhound owners can:
- Own and keep greyhounds kept in connection with greyhound racing
- Handle greyhounds, but not at a race or trial
Registered greyhound owners cannot:
- Train or trial a greyhound
- Breed greyhounds
- Handle greyhounds at a race or trial
If you would like to expand your role within the greyhound industry you can apply to upgrade your registration to an Attendant, Breeder or Owner Trainer.
If you have any questions about being an owner or need assistance with your renewal, please contact GWIC on 13 49 42.
Participants attending Bathurst, Nowra, Bulli and Richmond this week, please be advised that masks must be worn during kennelling and when indoors, in line with the latest NSW Health restrictions in Greater Sydney until Sunday 16 May.
Masks will be available at the relevant clubs for those who do not have one.
Anyone who has visited any of the venues of concern is required to self-isolate and get tested. Please do not attend a track if you have been to one of the venues listed on the NSW Health website.
Participants are also asked to continue to social distance, frequently wash and sanitise hands and stay home if you are feeling unwell or have any flu-like symptoms.
Compliance with the latest Health Orders will be monitored.
For more information on the latest NSW Health advice visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/
The Queensland Winter Carnival will this year include 14 listed races as well as $1.3m in total prizemoney. Group racing will commence on June 10, with the Group 3 TAB Flying Amy Classic – Queensland’s richest event for age-restricted greyhounds – offering Group 1 prizemoney of $113,000 – almost double that of 2019 ($60,000).
Events such as the $27,500 Listed TAB Dashing Corsair, the Group 3 Super Stayers Invitational and the Group 1 TAB Queensland Cup is likely to attract participants from all around Australia.
Queensland will see an increase in interstate competitors and QRIC stewards and race-day officials are anticipating a successful carnival.
As many greyhounds will be entering Queensland from other states, the QRIC Stewards remind participants to ensure they are familiar with GA rule 105, throughout the Winter Carnival which essentially ensures that the location of all greyhounds is notified to the QRIC Stewards.
If greyhounds are being domiciled in Queensland at any point during the carnival, the Stewards must be advised of the registered kennel address, which licensed trainer oversees them and how long they will be at that location. Please notify the Stewards of these details at greyhoundstewards@qric.qld.gov.au
Following the recent deaths of multiple puppies from separate litters on two NSW greyhound properties, participants are urged to maintain rigorous worm prevention programs. Hookworms have been identified as the cause of death of the puppies on these 2 properties.
Following recent widespread rain and flooding in NSW, Hookworms are becoming very prevalent in many areas of the state. This internal parasite has demonstrated resistance to several de-worming products currently available. Products which may have worked on your greyhounds previously may no longer be as effective.
Participants should closely monitor their puppies and adult greyhounds for any signs of diarrhoea, blood in the stool, pale gums or ill-thrift. Contact your private veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any abnormalities, as Hookworm infections can be rapidly fatal, particularly in puppies.
Worming programs should be developed in consultation with your private veterinarian. GWIC recommends a multi-faceted approach to parasite control, including environmental control methods and the use of combination products which together target all parasite life stages. Rotation of worming products is also vitally important to ensure that drug-resistance is less likely to occur.
Please contact your local vet first, and then vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au for further advice if necessary.
The Greyhound Transfer Policy came into effect on 7 April 2021 and outlines how the Commission handles transfers of greyhounds that are owned and kept by participants who are under investigation or subject to disciplinary action.
Under the Greyhound Racing Rules, a person who is under investigation or subject to disciplinary action cannot transfer ownership or trainership of a greyhound.
This policy will ensure that the rules relating to transfers of a greyhound from a person that is under investigation or subject to disciplinary action are enforced. It also outlines how participants can apply for an exemption from the rules restricting transfers.
The Greyhound Transfer policy was developed in consultation with Greyhound Racing NSW, the Greyhound Breeders, Trainers and Owners Association and the GWIC Industry Participants Advisory Council.
View the Greyhound Transfer Policy.
The combination of recent higher than usual rainfall and warm, humid conditions has meant that environmental conditions are optimal for parasites to flourish.
Participants are urged to maintain rigorous flea, tick and worm prevention programmes, developed in consultation with their private veterinarians. GWIC recommends a multi-faceted approach to parasite control, including environmental control methods and the use of combination products which together target all parasite life stages.
Greyhounds presenting at the races with fleas may be withdrawn at kennelling in line with Rule 37(4).
The Commission has received reports from QLD of pup deaths due to hookworm and advises participants to discuss effective hookworm control with their veterinarians, especially in the NSW Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers, where hookworm may be more prevalent. Hookworm has demonstrated resistance to many de-wormers and concerned participants should screen for hookworm and discuss specific targeted control with their veterinarians.
Please contact vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au for further advice.
Notice to NSW Greyhound Racing Participants who have travelled from the following areas since 20 March 2021:
- City of Brisbane
- City of Ipswich
- Logan City
- Morton Bay region
- Redland City
All NSW registered greyhound racing industry participants who have been in the above areas since 20 March 2021 identified as a place of concern are under NSW Government Guidelines, required to follow stay at home rules unless they have a reasonable excuse. A reasonable excuse includes travelling for work. For more information, please go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/interstate-hotspots
Please note, if you have been to any of the places identified as Category A or Category B places, you must immediately self-isolate and follow the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2021.
For other important information, please see the COVID-19 Concerns Notice and Exemption.
Additionally, as from 5pm yesterday, Wednesday 31 March, the following rules will apply to the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council:
- Mask wearing will become compulsory on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings
- the one person per 4 square meter rule will apply at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues
This includes the Lismore race meeting on Tuesday 6 April 2021, where it will be a requirement for all participants and staff to wear a mask when indoors, including whilst kennelling. These requirements are in force until further notice.
The 2021 registration renewal period will commence on 9 March 2021 and end on 30 June 2021, giving participants four months to renew their registrations. Any participants who do not renew their registrations by 30 June 2021, will be required to re-apply for any registrations as a new participant.
Current registration cards will be valid until 30 June 2021 and accepted at all NSW greyhound racing clubs and tracks during the renewal period. New registration cards will be sent to all participants once they have renewed their registration.
What’s new?
From this year, participants’ registrations will expire on their birthday each year. For this renewal period only, participants will renew their registrations for one year, plus or minus the number of months until their birthday in 2022.
From 2022, participants will renew their registrations by their birthday each year and have the option to renew for a period of one or three years. Participants will be sent email and SMS reminders in the three months leading up to their birthday to remind them to renew their registrations by this date.
New participant registrations processed after 1 March 2021 will expire on the participants birthday in 2022 and be for one year only. From 2022, all participants will have the option to renew registrations for one or three years.
For more information see Registration Renewals.
Greyhound Trainers please note that three dogs (not greyhounds) that were recently brought into NSW from the Northern Territory have tested positive to Ehrlichia canis, or E. canis. All affected dogs remain under veterinary supervision by private veterinarians.
E. canis is the causative agent of canine ehrlichiosis, was detected in a small number of domesticated dogs in the Halls Creek, Northern Territory and Kununurra, Western Australia area in May 2020. This was the first detection of E. canis in Australia. Further detections have occurred in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. E. canis was subsequently confirmed in domesticated dogs in Katherine and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory in June 2020.
Infection with E. canis is a notifiable disease in Australia. If you suspect ehrlichiosis in any greyhound in NSW, please notify GWIC immediately on 13 49 42 and call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Ehrlichiosis is a disease spread by the brown dog tick. It primarily affects dogs. It can result in death if not properly treated. In very rare cases, infected ticks may infect people. Infections in people are usually easy to treat.
Participants should be vigilant for signs of kennel cough in greyhounds in NSW, particularly kennels that have recently imported greyhounds from Victoria or been in contact with Victorian greyhounds during racing, as there have been an increase in cases in Victorian kennels in recent weeks. GRV has conducted PCR throat swab testing and confirmed infections are caused by Mycoplasma cynos, the same disease that caused a kennel cough outbreak in New Zealand greyhounds recently. If you have recently, or are considering importing greyhounds from Victoria or have been in contact with Victorian kennels, please quarantine newly introduced or traveled greyhounds by keeping them separate from other greyhounds, for at least 10 days, and observe for clinical signs.
Symptoms of this disease are relatively mild with no obvious clinical signs other than a dry, husky cough that generally lasts for 3-4 days. Younger greyhounds appear more susceptible than older dogs, which may have some immunity. The incubation period (period from exposure to development of cough) appears to be about 7-10 days, however signs may develop the day after a race or trial where the greyhound performed below expectations. Most dogs will recover without treatment, but you should seek advice from your veterinarian, particularly if signs of more severe infection or illness develop. There is currently no mycoplasma vaccination. Once coughing starts, infected greyhounds should be isolated from healthy dogs and have around 3 weeks off racing, dependent on degree of clinical signs. Healthy greyhounds can continue racing, but if they are kennelled with other greyhounds with kennel cough it is strongly advised to take a cautious approach and scratch those greyhounds too, as they may be incubating the disease and can transmit it.
While treatment is often not required, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for more severe disease. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) based kennel disinfectants will be more effective than quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g. benzalkonium chloride) and should be used in kennels and on equipment used by infected greyhounds.
Prevention includes isolation of affected greyhounds; scratching all affected greyhounds and minimising spread; prompt testing to identify the cause of disease; disinfection; maintain good ventilation / air flow, as recirculating air-conditioning may increase the rate of spread by droplets, as will direct contact with affected water and feed bowls, muzzles, lures/toys, vehicles/trailers, bedding, etc. Keeping greyhound vaccinated to C5 level will protect them from circulating respiratory viruses and other diseases that may take advantage of lower immunity and spread during outbreaks. Current vaccination status is now a condition of the NSW Code of Practice (Standard 3.12).
GWIC urges participants that if they suspect their greyhound may have Kennel Cough, they must scratch them from any races they are nominated in; do not trial them or take them to other communal training facilities; and withdraw them from GAP intakes. Allowing Kennel Cough cases to spread will impact on all aspects of the industry. We thank you for your cooperation.
For any queries, please contact vets@gwic.nsw.gov.au
The welfare of greyhounds is the highest priority for the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission. Commission stewards ensure that racing only occurs when conditions are within its Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy, which limits racing where temperatures exceed 38 degrees Celsius.
The Commission closely monitored the weather across NSW over the last week due to the hot weather forecast.
As a result, and after consultation with GRNSW, the commencement time for racing at Richmond on 26 January 2021 was moved to start at 9am to avoid racing in the hottest part of the day in line with the Commission’s Policy.
Commission stewards continued to monitor the temperature at the track with the meeting finishing before noon, and temperatures remaining below the maximum temperature allowed for racing under the Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy.
Commission stewards will continue to monitor temperatures at all race meetings and make arrangements in consultation with GRNSW to move or abandon race meetings where required.
A copy of the Commission’s Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy can be found at the Commission’s website.