04 November 2009 Ethyloestrenol Review

 Greyhounds Australasia (GA) today announced that it will conduct a review in respect of the racing rule change, effective 1 July 2008, which allowed the oral administration of ethyloestrenol for the female racing greyhound, only on the basis that it is prescribed by a registered veterinarian for the sole purpose of regulating or preventing oestrus.

The review officially commences on 16 October 2009, with the GA Board expecting to have enough information to assess its position by March 2010.

Greyhounds Australasia Chairman, Jan Wilson said, “it was important for GA to undertake this review which allows the preparation ethyloestrenol for the racing bitch given it has been in operation for over 12 months now.”

“GA Members are committed to the process involved and acknowledge their responsibility to listen to the views of participants and industry experts.”

It is imperative for participants to understand the circumstances that lead to the rule change.In this regard, in November 2007 the GA Board endorsed the position that racing greyhounds are to be free of anabolic steroids.

However, given the recognised need to prevent oestrus for femalegreyhounds (and thus allow for uninterrupted racing) an exception was allowed for the oral administration of ethyloestrenol based on professional veterinary opinion of the Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association (AGVA).

The AGVA advised GA that ethyloestrenol did not enhance performance, nor have a significant impact on the welfare of the female racing greyhound.

To ensure the review process is transparent, the GA Board has established Terms of Reference which will be used as the platform for assessment. The Terms of Reference are:

1. GA to reconsider their 2007 policy - that racing greyhounds are to be free of anabolic steroids
2. If the policy is reaffirmed – to consider if the only exception is to allow the oral administration of ethyloestrenol for the female racing greyhound on the basis that it is administered orally and prescribed by a registered veterinarian for the    sole purpose of regulating or preventing oestrus should continue
3. Assess the impact of the current policy on jurisdictions, in regard to the ability of keeping sufficient bitches racing which will include a review on nomination numbers for female greyhounds and their overall strike rates
4. If ethyloestrenol is agreed as the preferred product, assessment of its long term supply needs to be considered
5. Industry will be encouraged to be involved in the review and comments are to be provided by completing a “Review Questionnaire”. Specifically the following stakeholders are requested to provide an opinion:
      a. Industry Participants (owners, trainers and breeders)
      b. Control Bodies (e.g. Greyhound Racing New South Wales, Greyhound Racing Victoria)
      c. Associated Greyhound Bodies (e.g. Australian Greyhound Racing Association, Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association) The review will consider all submissions received but greater weight will be given to those that are verified by independent means.
   Feedback will be assessed collectively, relative to the total number of registered industry participants, the evidence presented, the jurisdiction where the opinion was received and the number of individual veterinarians that supported submissions.
6. Review the policy in relation to improving animal welfare standards
7. Assess the impact on breeding and any associated issues.

Questionaries can be obtained at: http://www.galtd.org.au/GreyhoundsAustralasia/ and are to be submitted by 15th January 2010 to:

Craig Taberner
Chief Executive Officer
Greyhounds Australasia
PO Box 239
Springvale VIC 3171
Fax: 03 9548 3488
Email: admin@galtd.org.au

If participants have any questions in relation to the review please contact GA or your respectiveControlling Body.

Ends - For further comment please contact:

CRAIG TABERNER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GREYHOUNDS AUSTRALASIA
PH: 03 9548 3500

About Greyhounds Australasia (GA)

Greyhounds Australasia (GA) comprises representatives from jurisdictional controlling bodies in Australian States and Territories, and New Zealand (the GA Directors).

The charter of GA is to support these jurisdictions via encouragement of a holistic approach to the Australasian greyhound racing industry and creating uniformity with the brand.

GA provides its stakeholders with value-added services and industry practices that support industry integrity, maximizes returns and ensure a sustainable future.

By virtue of the state/federal political system, individual jurisdictional controlling bodies, control the regulation and governance of racing, clubs, and the functions and commercial activities of greyhound racing under a local Racing Act of Parliament not GA.

Thus while all jurisdictions are represented on the GA Board, ultimate determinations to either accept or reject a GA recommendation comes back to individual jurisdictions.