OBJECTIVE: To ensure that every greyhound is provided with adequate exercise, socialisation and enrichment to provide for its wellbeing.

Training and trialling facilities

8.1 All training facilities, trial tracks and equipment used in the training, trialling and racing of greyhounds must be appropriately constructed, maintained, and fit for purpose, and supervised at all times when being used. Training methods

8.2 Training of greyhounds must be based on positive reinforcement and the use of reward-based methods.

8.3 Teaching, training, and all other interactions with greyhounds, must be kind and humane.

8.4 Aversive devices or substances must not be used in the training of greyhounds. Walking machines

8.5 A walking machine must only be used where:

1. it is used in conjunction with other forms of exercise;
2. it is being supervised during use;
3. the greyhound has been behaviourally conditioned to willingly use a walking machine; and
4. the greyhound shows no signs of ongoing reluctance, fear or distress while using a walking machine.

Greyhound trialling and racing

8.6 Greyhounds shall only participate in trials or races that are conducted at a registered trial tracks or licensed racecourses.

8.7 No greyhound under the age of 16 months shall be nominated for a race.

8.8 No greyhound under the age of 12 months shall participate in a trial.

8.9 A greyhound that is presented for a trial or race must be fit and in proper condition to trial or race.

8.10 Greyhounds must be presented for examination by an On-Track Veterinarian prior to starting in a race.

8.11 A greyhound must not participate in a race or trial on consecutive days.

8.12 A female greyhound must not participate in or attend a race or trial if she is or is suspected of being pregnant or in season.

8.13 A greyhound which has whelped a litter must not participate in a race or trial until at least ten weeks after the date of whelping.

8.14 A greyhound which has mated or had semen drawn must not participate in a trial or race until at least two days after the mating or drawing of semen.

8.15 Any injury suffered by a greyhound during a trial must, as soon as practicable, be reported by the participant to the attending steward, if the trial is conducted at a licensed racetrack, or to the Commission if no steward is present. If the trial is conducted at a registered trial track, the injury must be reported to the trial track proprietor.

8.16 Any injury suffered by a greyhound during a race must be reported by the participant to the attending steward and On-Track Veterinarian.

8.17 Any request made by a steward or On-Track Veterinarian to seek veterinary treatment for a greyhound must be followed.

Note: Participants who keep retired greyhounds are required to comply only with those standards marked “R” in relation to those greyhounds.