New national and local greyhound racing regulations as of July 1
The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission sector has recently introduced regulations at both national and local levels to enhance the well-being of greyhounds and ensure greater adherence to rules among those involved.
These updates are designed to promote a more ethical environment for both the greyhounds and individuals engaged in the sport.
New Local Greyhound Racing Rules
LR21B – Greyhound subject to Greyhound Care Scheme : This local rule will forbid the euthanasia of any greyhound admitted to the Greyhound Care Scheme without authorisation from a controlling body.
LR34B – Controlling body may scratch dogs on failure to comply with direction to check in : empowers the controlling body to scratch dogs from races if trainers fail to comply with directives to check in their greyhounds as part of the Commission’s traceability program. This rule is designed to maintain rigorous tracking of all greyhounds to enhance their safety and welfare.
LR34C – Deceased registered person dealing with greyhound : the circumstances following the death of a greyhound’s owner. It allows registered family members or nominated individuals to take custody of the greyhounds, ensuring their care continues uninterrupted until the estate is settled.
LR85C – Greyhound nominated at two meetings on the same day : targets scheduling conflicts by requiring participants who have entered a greyhound in two events on the same day to prioritise the event that is either a final or part of a series. This rule aims to minimise last-minute withdrawals, which disrupt race schedules and betting outcomes with the greyhound bookmakers.
LR178C – Restriction on defaulters and persons disqualified, suspended or warned off : introduces a provision for participants who are suspended, allowing them to apply for exemptions to continue certain non-racing greyhound activities, ensuring their livelihoods are not entirely disrupted during suspension periods.
New National Greyhound Racing Rules
GAR138 (e) – Meaning of exempted substance : expands the list of exempted substances for treating pannus in greyhounds to include cyclosporin, tacrolimus, oclacitinib, and lokivetmab, reflecting advancements in veterinary care.
GAR139 – Permanently banned prohibited substances and certain offences in relation to them : corrects a previous error by updating the naming of a prohibited substance, tightening the regulatory framework.
GAR140(h) – Prohibited substances subject to a threshold : now includes prednisolone under substances that are subject to threshold levels, aligning with existing local exemptions for greyhounds diagnosed with pannus and recognising the therapeutic needs of the animals.
GAR146(6)(g) – Therapeutic substances and screening limits – Ketoprofen : Ketoprofen, classified as both a therapeutic and a prohibited substance, will now have a screening limit established under this rule. If detected below this limit, Ketoprofen will not be considered a prohibited substance.
GAR147(6)(d) – Residue substances and residue limits – Procaine : Procaine, a local anesthetic categorised as a prohibited substance, will have a residue limit set under this new rule.
Greyhound Racing News
