NSW GWIC to usher participants toward new welfare code compliance
The NSW Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) has welcomed the new NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice, but has urged participants to use the time before implementation to ensure compliance.
Chief Commissioner Alan Brown AM said that the greyhound racing industry will have time to become familiar with the new Code and what is required of them to be compliant.
“For participants, the next six months will be about understanding the requirements of the Code and seeking support in areas of uncertainty or where improvements need to be made,” Chief Commissioner Brown said.
GWIC have developed “Industry practice guides to provide participants with advice on how best to comply with various standards within the Code”. The practice guides will be updated from time to time to reflect the latest research in relation to greyhound care and welfare.
“The Commission will be working closely with the industry in the coming months, developing resources that will make it easy for them to comply and providing assistance in areas such as greyhound housing.”
“We know that many trainers and breeders are already compliant with the standards in the Code, so it remains business as usual for them,” Chief Commissioner Brown said.
“We also acknowledge that there will be some who need assistance in ensuring they are compliant and that's what we will be focusing on in the lead up to the implementation of the Code on 1st January 2021.”
The Commission's role in relation to the new Code of Practice will be centred around education and enforcement.
“As the industry regulator it will be the Commission's responsibility to enforce the new Code once it takes effect but let me be clear, the Code is not designed to catch participants out,” Chief Commissioner Brown said.
“The Code is intended to be the industry's benchmark for expected conduct and behaviour.”
“I know the industry will take this as an opportunity to demonstrates its commitment to securing a prosperous future for the sport by improving welfare and integrity.”