South Australian greyhound racing inquiry: Reform in two years or be banned
The South Australian (SA) independent inquiry into the governance of the SA greyhound racing industry has today handed down the full report following the inquiry.
The 116-page report has shocked the SA greyhound industry to the core, with the inquiry making 57 recommendations to reform the industry in South Australia.
Additionally, the inquiry has accepted 14 recommendations put forward by Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) themselves.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) had 10 recommendations accepted by the inquiry.
The Animal Justice Party (AJP) has had five of its own recommendations accepted by the inquiry.
The inquiry has made 86 recommendations in total, although there is some duplication and overlap with regard to the recommendations from the inquiry itself and the recommendations from the stakeholders.
The greyhound racing industry has been threatened with a ban if there has not been significant reform and adoption of the recommendations within a two-year timeframe.
The bombshell inquiry report comes after an independent inquiry revealed animal mistreatment, prompted by an investigation by the ABC that exposed disturbing footage.
That footage led to a total of 12 charges being laid against two SA greyhound racing participants which saw them being immediately sanctioned.
The two participants are yet to have their hearings held and penalties determined.
The footage compelled the SA Government to announce an independent inquiry into the governance of greyhound racing in the state, and former Victorian Police Chief Graham Ashton was appointed to lead the independent probe into the sport.
That ‘Ashton' independent inquiry report was handed down today.
In response to the inquiry report, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasised the government's commitment to the survival of the industry.
However, he made it clear that significant reforms are necessary.
Malinauskas stated, “This report clearly shows the need for action.
“The industry has two years to make changes and ensure it operates ethically, or else it risks losing support and government backing,” Malinauskas said.
One of the recommendations is the establishment of an inspector dedicated to overseeing greyhound racing reform.
This inspector will be responsible for implementing the recommendations from the inquiry and evaluating the industry's progress after two years, ultimately determining its future.
The new Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector (GIRI) role will report directly to Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard.
“Greyhound Racing SA must now absolutely focus its efforts on the significant reform that Mr Ashton has articulated and is required to immediately begin working to implement the report's recommendations,” Hildyard said.
Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) acknowledged the challenges highlighted in the report but expressed their agreement with these recommendations in principle.
A statement from GRSA expressed its appreciation for the publication of the report, saying that “as the governing body for greyhound racing in South Australia, GRSA actively participated in the inquiry throughout its stages.”
GRSA has said that “after a review, GRSA generally agrees with the recommendations.”
GRSA recognises that there are challenging aspects outlined in the report and acknowledges that there is much work to be done over the next two years to put the industry in a position for a positive outcome.
However, GRSA says that they are “determined to embrace these challenges and collaborate with its 1,500 participants across South Australia to enhance and fortify the industry.”
SA greyhound racing contributes $112 million annually to the state economy and supports over 850 full-time equivalent jobs.
SA Independent Inquiry Recommendations
- Recommendation 1
The Terms of Reference for the Integrity Welfare Committee (IWC) be amended such that members of the Integrity Hearings Panel (IHP) cannot also sit on the Integrity Welfare Committee, to ensure the functions of the IWC and IHP are free from any potential conflicts. - Recommendation 2
The duties and responsibilities of the Board in relation to integrity and welfare be included within “Accountability” at point 4 of the Board Charter to bolster the importance of the IWC's reporting function to the Board, and the IWC Minutes be added as a standing item on the Board's Agenda. - Recommendation 3
GRSA to amend its Constitution and Board Charter to:- clearly outline the Board's role in driving and upholding integrity within the greyhound racing industry in South Australia, and
- redefine the objects of the company to better reflect the functions of GRSA as the controlling authority for greyhound racing.
- Recommendation 4
GRSA adopt and implement McGrathNicol's recommendation with respect to periodic declaration of private interests and periodic probity statements by the Board. - Recommendation 5
GRSA develop and implement a Steward's Manual addressing the elements listed above identified by McGrathNicol with version control. - Recommendation 6
GRSA amend the Integrity (Betting and Ownership) Policy to implement the McGrathNicol recommendations with respect to:- Prohibiting stewards from wagering, either directly or indirectly, on greyhound racing events anywhere in Australia, not just South Australia.
- Requiring all stewarding staff to submit an annual betting declaration identifying:
- Compliance with the Integrity (Wagering, Ownership and Gaming) Policy or any exception to compliance
- Details of all wagering accounts held in the steward's name
- Details of any wagering accounts in someone else's name but via which the Steward has placed a bet during the year.
- Recommendation 7
In addition, that GRSA undertake a Review/audit of betting declarations by requesting the wagering providers details of any betting accounts in the name of the stewards and requesting details of any other account identified in the declarations. - Recommendation 8
GRSA to develop and implement a staff code of conduct to provide its employees with clear instructions about what they can and can't do in the workplace, including ethical obligations, values, accountability, standard of conduct, standard of practice, and disciplinary procedures. - Recommendation 9
That the GRSA Staff Conflict of Interest Policy be expanded to require all actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest to be declared by staff with associated documentation developed and implemented for declaration and management of conflicts, as well as a conflict of interest register created and maintained by GRSA. - Recommendation 10
GRSA adopt and implement McGrathNicol's recommendation in relation to declaration of private interests for all senior management and integrity related personnel. - Recommendation 11
Implement a gifts and benefits policy which expressly states that GRSA employees:- must not seek or accept gifts or benefits for themselves or others that could reasonably be perceived as having the potential to influence them in the performance of their duties and functions as a GRSA employee; and
- requires any non-pecuniary gifts or benefits offered to employees by persons external to GRSA to be declared in a register that is maintained by Human Resources.
- Recommendation 12
GRSA, in consultation with an on-track vet(s), develop and document an on-track vet folder similar to Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV). - Recommendation 13
GRSA finalise its documentation of all swabbing and sampling procedures. - Recommendation 14
GRSA to document their internal policy outlining their approach to swabbing and sampling (acknowledging its sensitivity) for review by General Manager, Integrity and Welfare, including targeting of participants subject to suspended suspensions for prohibited substance outcomes. - Recommendation 15
GRSA replace the KnowTellProtect webpage with a prominent “Contact GRSA” webpage with separate forms for:- Reporting animal welfare concerns, suspicious behaviour or any other unlawful conduct relating to greyhounds and the greyhound racing industry
- Making a complaint or providing feedback about GRSA or its staff
- Submitting a media enquiry
- Submitting a general enquiry
Each avenue for contacting GRSA should autogenerate an appropriate acknowledgement from GRSA with details regarding timeframes for consideration of the same and when a response can be expected.
- Recommendation 16
GRSA implement a procedure for managing complaints regarding animal welfare and other unlawful conduct to ensure they are actioned in a timely manner by the appropriate branch within GRSA. All reports/complaints of that nature should be tabled at the Integrity Welfare Committee meetings to identify trends and ensure they have been actioned appropriately. - Recommendation 17
That GRSA employ a betting analyst to provide up to date intelligence to stewards on integrity risks identified through betting patterns. - Recommendation 18
GRSA introduce a local rule prohibiting participants from lay betting on any greyhounds racing at South Australian tracks. - Recommendation 19
It is recommended that a human resources review be conducted in consultation with staff to determine the optimum staff number of stewards engaged by GRSA. These staff should then be recruited. - Recommendation 20
GRSA should ensure a person representing GRSA is available to participants at race meetings to ensure stewards can focus on their core functions. - Recommendation 21
Stewards should only record significant interference on stewards' reports and append video footage of the race to the steward report. - Recommendation 22
GRSA should incorporate hair testing as a more regular feature of their drug testing environment. Targeted out of competition testing by using hair samples should also be increased. - Recommendation 23
Analysis of positive swabs should be conducted to provide trend data to stewards which can inform future targeted testing and industry education. - Recommendation 24
GRSA publish a quarterly analysis of greyhound injury data in the same manner as the New South Wales (NSW) Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC). This analysis must be published to the community. - Recommendation 25
GRSA implement the following track safety initiatives:- Preferential dox draws based on GPS data.
- Use of double arm lures.
- Increase in the number of 6 dog races.
- Continued development of or acquire an off the shelf consistent measuring tool for establishing the safest surface density.
- Increase in straight track racing.
- Establishment of GWIC style quarterly racetrack injury report.
- Establishment of a race injury Review panel as per the NSW model.
- Injury analysis to include injury by greyhound trainer.
- Development of an education program for trainers who have a high prevalence of injured greyhounds.
- Greyhounds returning from long layoffs to be required to be the subject of a veterinary clearance pre-nomination.
- Recommendation 26
GRSA conduct a Review to determine any links between racetrack injuries and locations of starting boxes on the tracks in South Australia. - Recommendation 27
Injuries to greyhounds during trials should be properly recorded and published by the industry. - Recommendation 28
GRSA review the staffing levels in the welfare team to ensure it is properly resourced to achieve a proactive function. - Recommendation 29
GRSA engage the services of an analyst to assist the proactive targeting capability of the welfare team. - Recommendation 30
The welfare function of GRSA should have a dual reporting line to both the GRSA Executive/Board and the independent inspector recommended in the review to oversee industry reforms. - Recommendation 31
Greyhound Racing SA to review format of Inspection record to require date of last inspection, more descriptive answers and include important questions which were previously asked in relation to care and management of property, cleaning and feeding regime, exercise regime, description of kennels and require photographs of non-compliant items to be inserted at relevant points as evidence and future reference. - Recommendation 32
That the Premises Inspection/Greyhound Audit template should require the inspector to record how many dogs are registered against the participant prior to the audit being carried out and how many dogs were located at the premises and require an explanation to be recorded for any discrepancy (in addition to the microchip audit). - Recommendation 33
Government to consider, in the context of the review of the Animal Welfare Act 1985, to mandate the controlling authority for greyhound racing to report suspected breaches of the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations to the RSPCA. - Recommendation 34
Chief Inspector of the RSPCA (or his/her delegate) to meet regularly (minimum 6 times per year) with General Manager, Integrity and Welfare, GRSA to discuss all animal welfare investigations and complaints received, to identify any matters that should be referred to RSPCA for investigation, as well as any participants leaving the industry. All matters that are referred must be in writing and a record kept by both authorities. - Recommendation 35
Government should consider allocating funding to appoint a full-time animal welfare officer at the RSPCA dedicated to greyhound welfare. - Recommendation 36
Greyhound Racing SA to consider amending the Local Rules and formalising a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the RSPCA to ensure necessary information sharing can occur. - Recommendation 37
GRSA must publish all outcomes of Steward Inquiries or IHP hearings that have not been published before 1 January 2024. - Recommendation 38
The Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector is to be consulted before any welfare-related investigation is to be closed with no charges laid. - Recommendation 39
GRSA to adopt the minimum space requirements for greyhound housing areas as outlined in Part 5 of the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice. - Recommendation 40
GRSA Animal Welfare Policy 2021 should be amended to make expanded and specific reference to tethering. A policy position should be that greyhounds are only to be tethered for the minimum practical time and for no more than two hours. If a greyhound is tethered for any period of time, it should be provided access to water. - Recommendation 41
GRSA should adopt the following policy regarding pest control in both indoor and outdoor kennel facilities:- Safe and effective measures must be taken to control pests and vermin (including fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, snakes and rodents) in greyhound housing areas.
- Pest control chemicals must be kept in their original container and used and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Greyhounds must be removed from any areas where and while noxious pest control chemicals are being used.
- Recommendation 42
The existing GRSA exercise, socialisation and enrichment recommendations contained within the GRSA Animal Welfare Policy 2021 be augmented with the inclusion of the following requirements covering greyhounds in training and racing:- Greyhounds in training or racing must be provided with at least 30 minutes of free exercise per day, in the form of either free play outside the housing area, or being walked on a lead, and provided access to toys.
- Recommendation 43
The existing GRSA exercise, socialisation and enrichment recommendations be given mandatory status and non-compliance should constitute a disciplinary offence. - Recommendation 44
GRSA urgently enforce its own Animal Welfare Policy 2021 in respect of:- greyhounds awaiting foster placement or re-homing;
- retired greyhounds retained by participants; and
- spelling greyhounds.
- Recommendation 45
GRSA acquire a stand-alone facility to house greyhounds under their care and provide care for Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) greyhounds in line with their own policies. - Recommendation 46
Standards enforced by GRSA under its Animal Welfare Policy be upgraded from recommendations to mandatory requirements. Failure to adhere to these requirements should result in disciplinary action being taken. - Recommendation 47
Greyhound Racing SA immediately ban the use of Surgical Artificial Insemination in the South Australian Greyhound Industry. Any participant who knowingly utilises this method of breeding either directly or indirectly should be the subject of a disciplinary offence. - Recommendation 48
The IHP/Stewards must ensure that prohibited substance Inquiry outcomes are published with details of and having regard to:- The name of the Steward or IHP member(s) who determined the matter
- The names of the greyhound(s) involved and their placing
- How the sample or swab was taken (urine, blood or hair sample) and the relevant concentration
- The category of substance by reference to the penalty guidelines
- What effect the nature of the prohibited substance is known to have on the performance of the greyhound
- Whether the registered person pleaded guilty or was found guilty
- The person's disciplinary history and registration history
- Circumstances of the offence
- Whether the registered person profited from the conduct in terms of betting winnings
- The degree of remorse
- The need for personal and general deterrence
- The penalty guidelines and the basis for any departure from the guidelines (if applicable).
- Recommendation 49
Once the potential conflict between IWC Chair and IHP Chair is addressed, the IWC should regularly review penalty outcomes to ensure they align to penalty guidelines and serve as an adequate deterrent to industry. - Recommendation 50
GRSA to develop a Rehoming and Euthanasia Obligations Factsheet which clearly outlines participants' obligations consistent with the GAR and Local Rules that is easily accessible and distributed to participants. - Recommendation 51
GRSA to urgently review Local Rule 130 to address a potential loophole for greyhounds retired to registered persons to be euthanised. - Recommendation 52
GRSA must ensure their investment in the GAP program marketing is sufficient given the challenges with re-homing greyhounds in the current climate. - Recommendation 53
That GRSA cease setting GAP annual targets for rehoming greyhounds.
- Recommendation 54
That GAP conduct a transition audit of retired and non-raced greyhounds ahead of acquiring eTrac and publish the results of that audit. - Recommendation 55
Greyhound Racing SA should consider placing a cap on allowing interstate bred greyhounds into the State unless there is a plan in place to re-home that greyhound in the home state. - Recommendation 56
Government conduct analysis to determine the appropriateness of allowing GRSA to retain an increased share of Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) to assist funding improved welfare conditions in the industry. - Recommendation 57
Government to establish the role of an independent inspector for greyhound racing reform, to be known as the Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector, (GIRI) which should include the features, functions, and duties set out below.- The GIRI should have unfettered access to GRSA systems and data to inform this work.
- The GIRI should be entirely independent of the industry and this Review.
- A greyhound racing reforms advisory group should be formed to provide professional advice to the GIRI regarding reform progress. The skill sets of this group should comprise:
- Animal welfare expertise (independent of greyhound racing)
- Gambling regulation expertise
- Greyhound industry experience
- Sports regulation experience.
- The General Manager Integrity and Welfare at GRSA should have a dual reporting line to the GIRI. The reporting line to the GIRI is not to cover management of the welfare function, but to report on welfare matters to the GIRI.
- The GIRI should determine the frequency and mode of reporting he/she receives from GRSA as to reform progress.
The GIRI should report on a regular basis to the Minister for Racing as to reform progress, and ultimately provide a final report after two years as to their level of satisfaction with the reform progress. If a decision is made to continue greyhound racing at that point, the GIRI should express a view as to the most appropriate oversight model going forward.
GRSA Recommendations
- GRSA Recommendation 1 accepted
That GRSA work in partnership with Controlling Bodies to create a unified and standardised approach to licensing within the greyhound industry including defining the necessary education, training, and skill requirements for different roles held by licensees. - GRSA Recommendation 3 accepted
To ensure the presence of an on-track vet at any licensed race that the Authorised Betting Operations Act 2000 (SA) be amended such that:- section 36 of that Act makes it a mandatory condition of any licence authorising a racing club to conduct on-course totalisator betting in conjunction with a race meeting held by the Club only occur if a Veterinarian registered under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (SA) is present with a penalty to the controlling club and its officers in the event of a breach of the condition.
- section 36 of the Act makes it a mandatory condition of any licence that the racing club provide an annual report to the Minister for Racing in respect of its compliance with the condition set out above.
- GRSA Recommendation 4 accepted with changes
GRSA to work on developing a more collaborative relationship with the Dog and Cat Management Board to strengthen their partnership concerning the registration of greyhounds. This includes registrations for both as canines and breeding, with the goal of simplifying the greyhound registration and tracking process within the DACO database. - GRSA Recommendation 5 accepted
Revise the Local Rules and Animal Welfare Policy of GRSA to explicitly state that all greyhounds, including those intended for breeding, must be registered with the Dog and Cat Management Board. This requirement applies to both new greyhound registrations and those approved for breeding purposes. - GRSA Recommendation 8 accepted
GRSA continue to develop a complaint and intelligence management application to enable better tracking and sharing of information and intelligence across GRSA and other state Controlling Bodies. - GRSA Recommendation 9 accepted
GRSA move from the Know Tell Protect initiative to a more independent and secure platform similar to Crime Stoppers, such as Safe2Say. - GRSA Recommendation 13 accepted
GRSA should continue their good work with greyhounds in the community, by expanding the GAP SA foster program into other prisons, including Mount Gambier. - GRSA Recommendation 14 accepted
GAP SA evolves and improves by exploring alternative fostering and adoption options, including collaboration with third-party (non-GAP SA) rehoming agencies that share a commitment to transparent and ethical animal rehoming practices. - GRSA Recommendation 15 accepted
GRSA to work with Greyhounds Australasia, as facilitator with other Controlling Bodies, to create a unified and standardised approach to licensing within the greyhound industry. This should include defining necessary education, training, and skill requirements for different roles held by licensees. - GRSA Recommendation 16 accepted
GRSA broaden its minimum penalty guidelines to encompass all prevalent and substantial rule violations within the Rules of Racing. - GRSA Recommendation 17 accepted
GRSA implement the eTrac greyhound traceability system. - GRSA Recommendation 18 accepted
GRSA assess and implement accredited training programs to assist stewards and racetrack curation staff to better perform their functions. - GRSA Recommendation 19 accepted
Within its Integrity and Welfare Committee, GRSA should institute a recurring agenda item dedicated to reviewing all significant racing injuries and on-track fatalities. This measure aims to detect any discernible patterns or factors that could be significant contributing factors to these injuries or fatalities. - GRSA Recommendation 20 accepted
GRSA formulate a binding code of conduct and practice for the greyhound racing sector incorporated into the Local Rules. This code should provide industry-wide guidance on best practices concerning greyhound care, health, and welfare throughout the complete lifecycle of greyhounds.
RSPCA Recommendations
- RSPCA Recommendation 1 accepted
Unless the significant, entrenched animal welfare problems inherent to the greyhound racing industry can be recognised and effectively resolved, this industry should not be supported. - RSPCA Recommendation 3 accepted
Adopt a vetting process to ensure that members appointed to boards and regulatory bodies do not benefit from an affiliation with the greyhound racing industry. - RSPCA Recommendation 6 accepted
Implement ongoing investigation and surveillance for live baiting and other serious animal welfare offences and enforce strong penalties for animal welfare offences. - RSPCA Recommendation 7 accepted
Increase the monitoring and application of penalties for the use of banned substances. The risk of disciplinary actions must provide more incentive to curb their use. - RSPCA Recommendation 9 accepted
Prohibit the routine use of surgical artificial insemination (AI). It is highly invasive, causes significant pain to female dogs and is already banned in some EU countries. - RSPCA Recommendation 14 accepted
Implement a mandatory birth to death traceability system that tracks the circumstances, location, ownership and fate of individual greyhounds throughout their life cycle. - RSPCA Recommendation 15 accepted
Verify all third-party adoptions (i.e., adoptions not through organisations like GAP) and follow up those that are genuine. - RSPCA Recommendation 19 accepted
Mandatory requirement for GRSA representatives to report animal welfare issues (and participants leaving the industry) to RSPCA. - RSPCA Recommendation 22 accepted
GRSA's Board should include a member(s) with specific animal welfare expertise, given that this is an animal business. - RSPCA Recommendation 24 accepted
Requirement for industry participants to undertake training in animal welfare.
Animal Justice Party (AJP) Recommendations
- AJP recommendation 3 accepted (with respect to greyhound welfare)
Prioritise the welfare of human and non-human animals over the revenue generated by the greyhound racing industry. - AJP recommendation 7 accepted
Actively pursue prosecution for any and all breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA) perpetrated by members of the greyhound racing industry. - AJP recommendation 8 accepted
Introduce, and enforce, a cap on breeding of greyhounds. - AJP recommendation 9 accepted
Introduce whole-of-life tracking to monitor the welfare of greyhounds in the industry. - AJP recommendation 13 accepted
Amend Freedom of Information legislation to ensure that there are no exemptions applicable to the racing industry.
The full South Australian (SA) independent inquiry into the governance of the SA greyhound racing industry report can be downloaded here: Greyhound Racing Inquiry Report
Similar Greyhound Racing News
Subscribe
0 Comments