What We Do
At the track
As vets, we check all dogs pre-race to assess their fitness to race. We observe their performance during races looking for signs of fatigue, stress or injuries, and we conduct post-race examinations and treat injuries and advise on appropriate rest and rehabilitation times for injured dogs.
We attend to serious injuries, stabilising injuries and providing essential pain relief prior to referral or, where the greyhound's best interests dictate it, humane euthanasia.
We monitor sample collection procedures and ensure that our sport is conducted free of prohibited substances and as a fair playing field for all.
Compliance
Where the rules are breached, we provide expert opinions in the disciplinary process to ensure that any disciplinary action is scientifically justified and of the correct magnitude to match the compromise in welfare that may have occurred.
We are informed by the legislation of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017; and the functions of the Animal Welfare Committee which is established based on legislative requirements to develop a Code of Practice for the Health and Welfare of Greyhounds. This code of practice will dictate the standards that apply for all greyhounds throughout their lifecycle and will be enforceable
Industry education
We are dedicated to continuing education of participants in this industry in order to improve standards of care for greyhounds. The Australian Working Dog Alliance conducted an enormous industry survey in 2015 and the outcomes suggested a strong focus on establishing structured education programs for participants on training methods and positive reinforcement, much of which is already paying dividends in other working dogs like the military dogs, guide dogs and police dogs.
Policy
Designing policies based on science and evidence will equip us to provide the best possible welfare outcomes for all greyhounds.
Collaboration
We collaborate with the other states and other Animal Welfare bodies with information and intelligence sharing and cross functioning of our regulatory capabilities. The idea is to provide harmonisation and an industry that sets uniform standards that are very similar across borders as it is well known that participants and dogs travel frequently and compete in other jurisdictions.
We sit on committees and joint panels at the GA level and meet to discuss testing thresholds, policies and welfare issues broadly affecting the industry as a whole.
Research
Research demonstrates what we know: that happy, healthy dog’s with sound temperaments make the best athletes; have longer racing careers and a greater chance of finding a post racing home. This is our primary aim as vets in this industry.
We will continue collaboration with research organisations and tertiary institutions like UTS: who have done considerable research on track design, safety and racing injuries. There is not much research out there that has been formally completed in Greyhounds. Some research is currently underway on chase motivation in greyhounds, an important behaviour that we need to understand so that we can develop the best possible training and racing conditions for them.
Who We Are
GWIC has a dedicated team of six full time veterinarians, and a large group of contract veterinarians with extensive experience in greyhound racing.
Dr Tony Kuipers (Chief Veterinary Officer)
Dr Tony joined the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission (GWIC) in March 2021, bringing with him over two decades of invaluable veterinary experience. As a former veterinary practice owner, he developed extensive expertise in greyhound medicine and surgery, including greyhound racetrack experience prior to GWIC's establishment.
Throughout his career Tony has focused on advancing his qualifications and skills, particularly in small animal surgery. He has also gained further qualifications in human psychology, reflecting his holistic approach to welfare and concern for all sentient beings.
As Chief Veterinary Officer, Tony is dedicated to enhancing greyhound welfare in the racing industry through ethical leadership and evidence-based practices.
Northern Rivers: Dr Kasia Hunter
Dr Kasia joined GWIC on 1 July 2018 having worked as an OTV since 2017. She has an interest in facilitating and improving veterinary services to the Greyhound Industry in line with current best-practice and evidence-based veterinary knowledge. Prior to working with GRNSW, Kasia managed clinical trials at a large Australian research facility and co-authored scientific peer-reviewed papers for veterinary journals. Kasia also worked previously for Local Land services in the North Coast region as a district veterinarian and has also worked in private practice including an internship at Randwick Equine Centre.
Hunter: Dr Matthew Webber
Dr Matthew joined GWIC in October 2020. Matthew spent a year working for GWIC as a contracted OTV in the Hunter region, while working as a busy mixed practice veterinarian under the training of our previous OTV, Dr Stewart Scott. Matt loved greyhound track work so much he pursued a full-time role with GWIC. In his spare time, Matt is involved with his family’s cattle stud and has an interest in thoroughbred horse racing, stemming from his family’s historic ties with the industry.
Metropolitan: Dr Timothy Crisp
Dr Tim joined GWIC on 1 July 2018. Tim returned to the Greyhound racing industry in 2016 as an OTV after more than 20 years away from the industry managing a busy private practice, working in emergency and critical care veterinary hospitals and acting as a member of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW including as Chairman of the Veterinary Practitioners Board Complaints Committee. He has extensive clinical and Greyhound racetrack experience both in Australia and internationally, and he prides himself on a strong commitment to animal welfare.
South Coast: Dr Aaron Lewis
Dr Aaron joined GWIC on 1 July 2018 having worked as an OTV since 2017. He has spent several years officiating at Harness Racing events and working in small animal and equine private practice. Aaron has a strong interest in racing medicine and injury management. He has an evolving interest in post-racing rehabilitation of Greyhounds.
Metropolitan: Dr Emily Streckfuss
Dr. Emily joined GWIC in May 2023. Emily previously worked as a veterinarian for 20 years in small animal and equine practice. During her time in equine practice Emily officiated at Thoroughbred race meets for over 17 years. She is also an FEI accredited Endurance veterinarian and has extensive experience in officiating at endurance events. Emily is passionate about animal welfare and veterinary management of animals in sport. In her spare time Emily is a competitive endurance rider. She breeds, trains and competes on her Arabian horses. Emily is dedicated to improving welfare outcomes for our racing greyhounds.