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Assessment on current situation, gaps and issues of Animal Welfare within the Australian Greyhound Racing Industry
Prepared for Jan Wilson, Chairman – Greyhounds Australasia
By Craig Taberner, Chief Executive – Greyhounds Australasia
18th April 2006
Industry - Greyhound Racing
1. Industry body: Greyhounds Australasia (GA)
- Greyhounds Australasia is the peak industry body responsible for National Industry coverage.
- Membership to this body is voluntary for all state and territory controlling authorities of Australia and New Zealand.
- The following jurisdictions are members of GA:
• Greyhound Racing Victoria
• Greyhound and Harness Racing Regulatory Authority of NSW
• Greyhound Racing South Australia Limited
• Racing and Wagering Western Australia
• Greyhound Racing Authority of Queensland
• Tasmanian Greyhound Racing Council
• Northern Territory Racing Commission
• Canberra Greyhound Racing Club
• New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association
2. Rules
- GA adopted national rules on 1st March 2005, while the majority of jurisdictions favour the introduction of a complete and uniform set of national rules, it is the legislative responsibility of each and every 'controlling body' to administer greyhound racing in their own jurisdictions as and how they see fit.
At this point in time all GA members with the exception of Tasmania have adopted the national rules.
Legally enforceable:
The national rules outline a number of strict regulations relative to animal welfare which include some of the following:
• An inoculation programme
• A greyhound passport programme for exporting of greyhounds
• Regulations on the responsibilities for keeping greyhounds
- (eg, R143 (5), At the time a greyhound retires as a racing greyhound, the last registered owner shall advise the Board/Commission if that greyhound is to be retired as a pet, a breeding greyhound, a Greyhound Adoption Program Greyhound or has been humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.)
- (eg, R144 (1), A registered person who has the care or custody of greyhounds must permit all kennels, buildings or premises within the jurisdiction of the Board/Commission used in connection with the keeping of greyhounds and all greyhounds and documents kept therein, to be available for inspection by any authorised person of the Board/Commission authorised for the purpose to inspect the greyhounds or the kennels provided for them, and the Board/Commission or the authorised person of the Board/Commission may make copies of, or take extracts from, any document kept at such kennels, buildings or premises or samples of any substances found thereon.)
These rules are actively enforced as all jurisdictions employ stewards who have the delegated authority to scrutinize that rules are being followed.
Working relationships have also been established with several of the following bodies (RSPCA, Local Councils, Shire Rangers, Bureau of Animal Welfare, etc) to ensure all respective parties remain on top of all welfare related matters.
Non-compliance to the rules is not tolerated. All jurisdictions via their stewards will enforce fair penalties particularly in relation to welfare issues. Participants have been disqualified anywhere from 12 months up to life –dependant on the incident.
Disciplinary procedures:
All jurisdictions have documented procedures for dealing with participants who allegedly have breached racing rules. These procedures offer participates with a right of appeal if they do not agree with the decision.
GA can demonstrate that jurisdictions enforce the racing rules but there have also been instances where authorities have assisted the RSPCA with prosecution of individuals. (eg, VIC – Atkinson and Burns Case)
Guidelines:
A policy framework on National Animal Welfare was adopted by GA on 2nd September 2005; this provides jurisdictions with welfare guidance on:
a. Objectives
b. Strategy
c. Roles and Responsibilities of stakeholders
d. Statement of Standards and Principles
e. Good practice ‘Standards of Care’ for greyhound welfare
f. Best practice guidelines for standards of care
i) Standards of care and management for each stage in the lifecycle of a greyhound
Furthermore an Animal Welfare Matrix has been developed by GA which provides a snapshot of information on the welfare practices of each jurisdiction. This matrix is updated annually as part of GA’s operating procedures.
Codes of Practice:
Two jurisdictions have draft codes of practice in place they are Victoria and South Australia. Other jurisdictions will potentially progress the matter based on the success of Victoria and South Australia.
• Code of Conduct
Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and ACT have all developed code of conduct policies relative to animal welfare.
· Greyhound Welfare Committee
The following jurisdictions have also established Greyhound Welfare Committees which regularly meet to discuss welfare related matters and recommend changes; Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and ACT
3. Quality Assurance Plans/Programs in place
As mentioned a number of jurisdictions have developed respective welfare committees, code of conducts and code of practices which are measures that are in place to ensure our procedures are constantly scrutinised. In conjunction the GA welfare matrix is annually reviewed to verify the accuracy of its contents and monitor its relevance with present day issues.
4. Risk Management Reviews
GA’s animal welfare matrix outlines each jurisdictions policies and procedures in relation to welfare and supports risk management guidance. Areas highlighted within the matrix not already mentioned include:
- Heat policy
- Euthanasia policy
- Commitment to respective Greyhound Adoption Program
- Various local operating procedures
As the matrix is reviewed and updated annually it reflects GA’s commitment to continuous improvement.
In addition a documented process to annually review the racing rules has been developed by GA. Participation through a national steward’s conference; national rules sub committee, respective greyhound administrators and board members expresses the firm commitment GA has adopted to review this process.
5. Training
All industry participants (i.e owners, trainers and attendants), must be registered with a respective jurisdiction prior to being eligible to partake in industry activity.
Furthermore, no participant is granted a license until the jurisdiction is comfortable that the individual is competent in a greyhound environment. Several jurisdictions have a detailed questionnaire which forms part of the application process and must be successfully completed prior to a licence being issued.
GA is a member of the Racing Industry Standing Committee which develops industry based training and accreditation in conjunction with the Agri Food Skills Council and the Department of Education, Science and Training. This committee has representatives from all three racing codes and is in the process of finalising formal industry qualifications and one off specialist units (eg, titled - passports), to suit target areas within our code like breeding, training, care and management.
Jurisdictions have taken it upon themselves to run regular industry based information forums and seminars, to ensure the sector maintains its commitment to continuous education. Guest speakers have involved leading owners, trainers, veterinarians, stewards, suppliers and administrators. Feedback from the industry has been extremely positive with these programmes as it provides individuals with an opportunity to mingle with industry leaders.
When addressing the appropriate type and form of training for the greyhound sector it must be acknowledged that the industry has over 95 percent of individuals who are hobbyists to the sport, therefore to develop structured training programs is a difficult exercise.
6. Audit
The empowerment of stewards provides a crucial link to the industries audit processes. Stewards are responsible for policing the industries racing rules which as previously highlighted covers several aspects of welfare.
One key audit process specifically related to animal welfare is kennel inspections. Stewards on average perform inspections on 25% of participants throughout the year.
Industry standards are publicised through various communication channels, such as print and radio. (eg, Greyhound Racing New South Wales provides participants with a quarterly magazine.) Also, industry forums conducted prior to race meetings promotes the accepted standards. Other external promotions have been through links with sporting clubs in conjunction with the greyhound adoption program. For example in March 2006 a family day out was organised by the AFL Club, the Western Bulldogs which provided an opportunity to show case the Victorian Greyhound Adoption Program.
7. Awareness of international trends and standards
GA is member of the World Greyhound Racing Federation (WGRF) which is open to organisations in any country that offers live greyhound racing. Existing members of the federation include Ireland, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Macau, Hong Kong, Spain, Vietnam, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Czechoslovakia, Mexico, Morocco and Finland.
The purposes and functions of the WGRF are as follows:
· To encourage closer co-operation between member countries and to exchange information in relation to greyhound racing.
· To promote the consideration and discussion of matters affecting greyhound racing and to consider, originate and support improvements in greyhound racing.
· To circulate information on all matters affecting greyhound racing and to print and publish, issue and circulate such papers, books and circulars and other literary works as may seem conducive to any of the objectives of the Federation.
· To assist and advise persons, bodies or any other association to establish and promote greyhound racing in other countries where it is not presently established.
· To promote and advise upon the international racing of greyhounds where legally permissible.
· To convene international conferences of track racing interests to discuss specific aspects of greyhound racing and
· To do such other things as are incidental or as the Federation think conducive to the attainment of the above objectives.
The federation conducts annual international conferences which helps GA keep abreast with international trends and standards.
8. What is the consultation process
All GA members have an opportunity to recommend, discuss and propose issues that relate to animal welfare at GA’s quarterly board meetings.
It is common practice that jurisdictions consult with participants, veterinarians, industry experts and certain external bodies (eg, RSPCA) prior to putting forward their recommendations.
The quarterly meetings are rotated between states and territories to ensure maximum participation.
9. Relevant issues within the industry body
As with most national bodies where membership is state based, alliances can develop and influence decision making. GA is however in a fortunate position where the directors are fairly receptive to change and generally state bias does not effect the progression of national issues in particular when dealing with animal welfare.
From a global perspective greyhound racing has been targeted unfairly by animal activists resulting in a number of US tracks being closed. The spin off to GA is that we are extremely mindful of all welfare related matters and believe the Australian and New Zealand greyhound industry have made substantial in roads towards the establishment of best practice in relation to animal welfare standards.
Government requirements (animal welfare based)
10. Animal welfare laws and regulations
- National
· Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
· Australian Animal Welfare Bill 2005
State/Territory
- All State and Territories are covered by PROCTA Legislation (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act) and their respective Racing Acts.
- Local
i. RSPCA
ii. Municipal Councils
iii. Shire Rangers
iv. Dog & Cat Management Boards
v. Bureau of Animal Welfare
Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia
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Livestock Export Orders
Livestock Export Accreditation Programme
11. Animal welfare standards / codes / guidelines
- State/Territory
GA is yet to be advised of all respective state codes/standards /guidelines by its members. Follow up to fill this gap of information is required with the exception of ACT who has advised that their Code of Conduct re: Greyhound Welfare” is an instrument under the Territory’s Environment Act.
12. Audit
Audits are generally conducted by jurisdictions rather than government.
13. Promotion of standards to industry, community and others
All GA members are employed by their respective State or Territorial Government. The promotion of standards is driven by the member on behalf of their government minister.
14. Training
Industry related training is driven by the respective GA member and or in conjunction with the Racing Industry Standing Committee.
15. Awareness of international trends and standards
All international trends and standards are revealed by GA rather than the Government.
General
16. The following areas provide guidance on the industry size as at 30th June 2005
- Greyhound Population 35,000
- Registered Participants 24,100
- Number of Meetings p.a. 4,000
- Number of Races Held p.a. 39,900
- Number of Clubs 82
- Stakemoney Paid p.a. $50,000,000
- TAB Turnover p.a. $1,912,000,000
- Litters Registered p.a. 3,605 (average litter size - 6 pups)
- Value of Registered Litters p.a. $32,445,000 ($1,500 per pup X 6 X 3,605)
17. Issues for the industry
- General costs associated with the sport are increasing (eg, purchasing quality meat, dry food, veterinarian fees, breeding related costs, etc)
- Animal rights groups are unfairly targeting our industry in relation to unsubstantiated claims with the exporting of greyhounds.
- The price of petrol is impacting on several regional tracks as participants are becoming reluctant to travel
18. Gaps in the industry
- The Australian greyhound industry has been proactive in regard to addressing animal welfare issues. This is reflected in GA’s commitment to consult, review communicate and implement welfare related policies and practices. All GA members are staunch in pursing welfare related issues.
19. Research
- GA has close links with the Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association, which provides guidance on various welfare related issues.
- Most jurisdictions have established relationships with universities who support industry research. For example, Melbourne University in conjunction with Greyhound Racing Victoria completed a study on an appropriate kennel size. The results of this study were included as a recommended standard kennel size in Victoria’s code of practice.
20. Consultation process with whole industry
- As has been documented throughout this paper industry consultation occurs at various levels which can be summarised as follows:
- Internationally (World Greyhound Federation)
- Nationally (Greyhounds Australasia and Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association)
- Local (State and Territory jurisdictions) (Participants, i.e owners, trainers)
(Stewards) (Associations, i.e Local Councils, RSPCA)
MONDAY AUGUST 7, 2006
National Frozen Semen Repository
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) is pleased to announce the development of a National Frozen Semen Repository. The repository is a centralized computer system which will log the collection, storage and use of frozen semen.
The aim of the repository is to produce relevant information to assist participants involved with frozen semen practices and to enable controlling authorities to police the national racing rules.
Chairman of GA, Jan Wilson said; “A National Frozen Semen Repository is long overdue, and if we are to protect the integrity of our breeding industry both nationally and internationally, it must be introduced as soon as possible.” “All State and Territory Authorities have agreed to the establishment of this repository, and have worked with Geoff Milner of GRV to develop the system.” “This is another step towards the establishment of a complete National Data Base,” Mrs Wilson said.”
GA Chief Executive Officer, Craig Taberner stated, “The repository is a big step towards regulating frozen semen practices and all parties involved with its progression are to be congratulated. To be able to accurately locate all frozen semen breeding units for any Australian and New Zealand Sire is reassurance to all breeders that the integrity of greyhound racing in these countries remains strong.”
The benefits of GA servicing a national repository were highlighted by Mr Taberner as follows:
o Centralised administration
o Reduced number of forms in relation to FSI practices
o Secure access to the system for all users
o Breeding unit ID consistency
o Eliminate duplication between controlling authorities
o Standardised forms and fees
o Supports integrity of national rules and regulates FSI practices
A vital element with the repository’s development is the migration of existing frozen semen records. To support this transition, controlling authorities during the month of December 2006 will be reviewing the records of all frozen semen facilities to verify their accuracy. This data will subsequently form the foundation of the repository.
GA reiterates that all rules in regard to frozen semen are still governed by the respective controlling authorities and if participants have any queries in relation to these rules, they must contact the authority in their State or Territory, and not GA. The role of GA in relation to the repository is to provide a centralised administration service.
It is anticipated that the repository will be operational from January 2007.
Ends - For further information please contact:
Greyhounds Australasia
Ph: 03 9548 3500
E-mail: admin@galtd.org.au
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Greyhounds Australasia Sandown Greyhound Racing Complex Lightwood Road Springvale 3171 Postal Address: P.O. Box 239 Springvale 3171 Telephone: (03) 9548 3500 Facsimile: (03) 9548 3488 Email: admin@galtd.org.au |
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) is pleased to announce that a hard cover alternative for stud book volume 53 is available.
Due to the interest received from breeders, who expressed a willingness to pay a premium for the cover, a limited number will be produced to replace existing soft covers. The cost for a replacement cover is $47.00 which includes postage. Please note this offer is to replace the cover only, the inside content will remain the same.
To upgrade your soft cover, please return your existing stud book to GA before 30th October, with payment and clearly mark your name on the first page of your book for identification purposes. Also, your address details are required to ensure your revamped book returns safely.
If you currently do not own a 2005 stud book, you can still purchase a soft copy for $35.00 or an upgraded hard copy for $82.00.
All hard cover orders must be received by GA no later than 30th October 2006.
Please contact Greyhounds Australasia on 03 9548 3500 or email admin@galtd.org.au.
Ends - For further comment please contact:
Mr. Craig Taberner
Chief Executive Officer
Greyhounds Australasia
