Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is dedicated to the well-being and safety of greyhounds. We continually implement policies, strategies, and initiatives to enhance the safety of the sport for the greyhounds. In 2018, GRV developed its Racing Safety Strategy and action plan in collaboration with an independent panel, placing a strong emphasis on greyhound welfare.
Significant progress has been made in recent years to minimise risks to greyhounds at the racetrack which includes initiatives such as track rebuilds, the introduction of track preparation policies, and implementing safety improvements such as camber lifts, drop on boxes, and lure rail lifts. We also utilise data and diagnostics, including GoingSticks and moisture readings, to assess track conditions before and during races and trials.
Other measures taken by GRV to enhance greyhound welfare include increasing the minimum age for racing, and increasing recovery time between races. To that end, GRV recently introduced Local Rule 47A – Frequency of starts, which places a limit on how many times a greyhound can race or compete in an official trial in any two, and or seven, and or twenty-eight-day period.
The rate of race fatalities (on track deaths and euthanasia) has been reduced by over 50% since 2018-19, from 0.80 per 1000 starters to 0.37 per 1000 starters in 2022-23. GRV will also pilot preferential box draws which are expected to reduce the likelihood and incidence of interference in the early part of races with the objective of reducing falls and injuries.
Furthermore, GRV has a Hot Weather Policy that imposes additional welfare requirements on trainers, handlers, and authorities on hot weather affected race days. This includes potential postponement, cancellation, or transfer of races when the temperature exceeds 38ºC, clubs to maintain kennel temperatures between 16ºC-24ºC and participants to use transport that is compliant with the GRV Transport Policy.
