GRV has been granted its first application to re-home mistreated greyhounds under Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTAA).

The decision, made by Magistrate John Doherty at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court this week, allows GRV to re-home 23 greyhounds removed from a property run by Katamatite greyhound breeder, Barbara Cheney.

26 greyhounds were seized from the property by GRV Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit(GRIU) earlier this year after an investigation revealed serious neglect and mistreatment of the dogs over an extended period. Three dogs were returned to their owners while the others remain in GRV’s care while new homes are found.

This is the first time GRV has used its authority from Animal Welfare Victoria to investigate and resolve animal welfare issues under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

This authority, granted in 2020, brings GRV into line with RSPCA Victoria Authorised Officer powers and makes GRV the first racing body in Australia and the only greyhound regulator in the world to be granted such an authority.

GRV’s General Manager Integrity, Shane Gillard, said the decision was a good example of how its new authority helps further secure the welfare of racing greyhounds in Victoria.

“GRV’s GRIU worked closely with its Welfare and Rehoming and Racing Services departments and with RSCPA Victoria to investigate this issue and get a great outcome for the greyhounds involved,” Mr Gillard said.