Minister for Racing Dr Denis Napthine has written to Jennie Prest of English betting firm William Hill regarding quarantine.

GREYHOUND QUARANTINE ISSUES

Thank you for your email of 3 January 2011, in which you queried whether there are special dispensations to expedite the import/export process for competition greyhounds between Australia and the United Kingdom.

Firstly, can I commend William Hill for its support of this international greyhound racing initiative. Victoria has some of the best greyhound racing in the world including a number of world class greyhounds, trainers and breeders. The opportunity for Victorian greyhound owuers and trainers to take on some of the world’s best is I am sure welcomed by them.

I understand recent changes to quarantine procedures in the United Kingdom have been revised which means the quarantine period is now just 21 days for greyhounds entering the UK (rather than six months). This is, no doubt, advantageous to your initiative and potential Australian participants.

As you may be aware, the responsibility for quarantine procedures in Australia rests with the Federal Government, specifically, Animal Biosecurity Australia (ABA). ABA has advised that on return to Australia, where greyhounds meet Australia’s rabies vaccination and testing requirements, they could be eligible for a minimum of 30 days post-arrival quarantine in Australia (rather than the normal 180 days). This may appear to remove the need for regulatory change.

I also understand that ABA.is currently reviewing the conditions for the importation of dogs into Australia more generally and that this may result in changes to cunent rabies impon requirements and to post-arrival quarantine periods.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Yours sincerely

THE HON DR DENIS NAPTHINE MP
Minister for Major Projects,
Minister for Ports
Minister for Racing
Minister for Regional Cities
cc: Mr John Stephens- Greyhound Racing Victoria