NSW GWIC Records Lowest Greyhound Racing Injury Rates Ever

NSW greyhound racing

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr , said the results were a positive indication that the industry's increased focus on safety and welfare is paying off.

“The last quarter saw the lowest overall injury rate reported since 2018 and the majority of those injuries were classified as ‘Minor' which require a stand down period of ten days or less,” Dr Ledger said.

“The rate of greyhounds suffering a catastrophic injury resulting in euthanasia or death was 0.5 per 1000 starts, which is the lowest catastrophic injury rate recorded in NSW since reporting began.”

Data from the last twelve months also shows that the number of euthanasia's performed at the track have halved when compared to the previous year.

“I would really like to acknowledge the work of the Commission's On-Track Veterinarians for the important role they play at the track,” Dr Ledger said.

“This result has been a huge team effort in applying our welfare guidelines and in helping to educate the industry and promote the treatment and rehabilitation of injured greyhounds.”

The Commission works closely with the University of Technology Sydney who manage the Greyhound Examination Database using data recorded by the Commission's On-Track Veterinarians. The data is used to inform measures and analyse the effectiveness of these measures.

“A number of measures that have been implemented are contributing to a decrease in the injury rates of racing greyhounds,” Dr Ledger said.

“These include an increased focus on track preparation by clubs and pre-race safety checks by the Commission's , as well as access to veterinary care on-track and 's to assist with treatment and rehabilitation costs.”

The Commission's Race Injury Review , a first of its kind in the sport, is also responsible for all serious injuries and making recommendations that focus on the safety and well-being of racing greyhounds.

“The Commission is committed to seeing this downward trend continue by supporting all evidence-based initiatives that will improve welfare outcomes for racing greyhounds,” Dr Ledger said.

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