Victorian greyhound tracks under new safety laws
The greyhound racing industry in Victoria, Australia, has received a boost due to the implementation of laws aimed at safeguarding participants, greyhounds, and the integrity of the sport.
The amendments made to the Racing Act 1958, which became effective on September 18, 2023, introduce measures designed to discourage unruly behavior and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the sport.
One noteworthy change is the establishment of areas at greyhound racetracks.
These areas will be off-limits to individuals during events.
This includes the racing surface.
Areas such as kennels, parade grounds, and exercise yards will also be off-limits.
The updated regulations also criminalise actions such as disrupting a meeting, throwing objects, or attempting to climb fences into these zones.
To ensure enforcement of these laws, authorised personnel have been granted specific powers.
They can intervene when necessary, remove wrongdoers from the venue premises if needed, and issue fines for violations committed by individuals involved in wrongdoing.
Some cases may even warrant seeking court orders that restrict attendance at any Victorian racetrack across all codes.
The Victorian greyhound racing industry has warmly welcomed the introduction of these measures.
Many view it as a stride towards safeguarding both the sport itself and those who are part of it.