Greyhounds Australasia restrict greyhound exports to just four countries
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) has heralded the advent of an updated passport policy, designed to invigorate and streamline the export of greyhounds.
The policy, which took effect on August 1 2023, has been unanimously approved by the GA Board, marking an important milestone in the regulation of the sport.
The revised policy provides essential clarification around the requirements for destination countries for GA Greyhound Passport approval, a crucial update for an industry that spans the globe.
New Zealand (NZ) has been excluded from these requirements.
The new regulations encompass greyhounds being exported for two distinct purposes only: racing and breeding.
Registered participants may only export greyhounds to countries where GA has a recognised agreement with the local regulatory body.
In a significant refinement, from August 1 2023, the Racing & Breeding Authorities recognised by Greyhounds Australasia have been narrowed down to just four, excluding Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ).
This list of GA recognised Racing & Breeding Authorities includes only:
- the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GB)
- Greyhound Racing Ireland (IE)
- the Irish Coursing Club (IE)
- the National Greyhound Association (NGA) in the United States of America (US).
The policy draws a clear line for countries or jurisdictions where Greyhounds Australasia lacks formal association with a recognised racing or breeding regulatory authority.
In these instances, the much-coveted Greyhounds Australasia Passport will be withheld, signalling a firm commitment to maintaining the highest standards of the sport.
In simple language, registered greyhounds will be prohibited from being exported to countries other than New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland or the United States.
Importantly the new rules do not apply to greyhounds that have been retired.
An exemption may be invoked for greyhounds that have been retired in accordance with GA Rules and are being exported as companion animals or pets.
The GA Greyhound Passport processing will remain a fee-free service.
GA hopes this will encourage non-registered owners of retired greyhounds seeking export, to apply for a complimentary GA Greyhound Passport.
Even under widespread changes to greyhound tracking since the NSW Greyhound ban, non-industry participant owners of retired and adopted greyhounds cannot be compelled to notify regulatory bodies of a greyhounds whereabouts, health, living conditions, life span or export.
Despite the obvious loophole in trying to encourage retired and adopted greyhound owners to apply for a Greyhound Passport, GA have decided the issuing of a Greyhound Passport for a retired greyhound will not be without conditions.
It will be contingent upon confirmation that the greyhound is in compliance with GA Rules.
Of particular note are GAR 22, which mandates the notification of retirement, and GAR 24, which requires the mandatory sterilisation of greyhounds retired as pets.
Prospective applicants can obtain a Greyhound Passport by completing the GA Greyhound Passport application form from the Greyhounds Australasia website at https://galtd.org.au/participant-services/passports/application-for-greyhound-passport/.
GA claim that the new passport policy underscores the organisation's dedication to upholding the highest standards in the world of greyhound racing and breeding, as it continues to lead the way in the 21st century.
However the Federal Government's own border control organisations do not officially recognise GA's Greyhound Passport, so while industry participant's can expect to be investigated for greyhound exports without a Greyhound Passport, non-industry owners of greyhounds will remain free to export greyhounds whenever, and to wherever they choose.