MEDIA RELEASE

Greyhounds Australasia (GA) today announced that its Microchip Sub Committee will be directed to further investigate new information relating to the potential removal of a microchip.

The information was presented at the recent GA Board meeting, held in Hobart on Thursday March 12, 2009 and was discussed among other matters relating to microchipping of the greyhounds in Australia and New Zealand.

Based on guidance from the Annual Chief Stewards Conference, which raised the integrity concern with the potential removal of a microchip, the Sub Committee will now specifically explore this issue in more detail.

GA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Craig Taberner said, “The GA Board remain committed to their investigations into microchipping, given the imminent changes in government legislation.”

“The Queensland government has enacted microchip legislation effective from 1 July 2009, New Zealand already has legislation in place and we’re aware that other states and territories are in the process of drafting legislation.

“There is no doubt, this is potentially a big change for the industry and it’s important that we thoroughly explore all the issues and move forward together, rather than being forced by legislation”, said Mr Taberner.

The Microchip Sub Committee will continue to progress matter with any additional findings will be tabled for GA’s next meeting.

The next GA board meeting will take place in Brisbane, June 2009.

Craig Taberner
Chief Executive Officer
Greyhounds Australasia
Ph: 03 9548 3500
E-mail: admin@galtd.org.au