WA to lead the way in the responsible rehoming of greyhounds
In a first for greyhound racing in Australia, Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has today announced it will be introducing mandatory sterilisation and dental care for all retired greyhounds in the State.
From 1 September 2019, the last registered owner or person responsible at the time of a greyhound’s retirement must ensure that the greyhound has been surgically sterilised and undergone a dental treatment, consisting of at least a complete dental scale and polish, by a veterinarian before the greyhound is rehomed.
“RWWA is committed to implementing strategies that demonstrate best practice in animal welfare. The introduction of this local rule is another example of how industry is working hard to ensure the successful transition of our greyhounds from athletes to pets,” said RWWA General Manager Integrity Denis Borovica.
“This initiative, which is unique to Western Australia, will alleviate the burden for adoption agencies, foster carers and adoptees to undertake sterilisation as well as ensure all retired greyhounds receive a stage two basic dental scale and polish,” said Mr Borovica.
Currently greyhounds in Western Australia are only required to be sterilised if being rehomed privately and not being rehomed through an agency that undertakes this process.
Mr Borovica said that RWWA has continued to implement a number of strategies and programs to assist in greyhound adoption.
“RWWA is committed to ensuring that the best levels of care are given to greyhounds throughout all stages of their lives, through a program of investment, education, monitoring and regulation,” said Mr Borovica.
“Western Australia has led the way nationally with respect to the adoption of local rules of racing that mandate sterilisation of greyhounds. These changes along with a variety of other new regulatory structures, helps to ensure that every healthy and behaviourally sound greyhound is rehomed once retired from racing.”
Minister for Racing and Gaming, Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, said that the Western Australian greyhound industry has once again shown how it is leading the way in greyhound welfare.
“Our industry has embraced the need to have the highest standards and we are continuing to demonstrate the implementation of industry best practice welfare standards across Australia.”
The rule will take effective from 1 September 2019 and will be applied through communication and education of industry in the initial stages to ensure compliance.
The official new Local Rule is as follows:
Local Rule 106A: Mandatory Sterilisation and Prophylactic dental treatment of Greyhounds retired as a pet
- When a greyhound is to be retired as a pet, the last registered owner or person responsible for the greyhound at the time of such retirement must ensure that the greyhound has been surgically sterilised and undergone a dental treatment consisting of at least a complete dental scale and polish by a Veterinary Surgeon before the greyhound leaves their premises, unless the greyhound is being accepted by the RWWA GAP programme and;
- In submitting the required notification prescribed by GAR 106, a Certificate of Sterilisation and confirmation of dental treatment by a Veterinary Surgeon performed within 30-days prior to the date of retirement must be presented to the Stewards within 10 days.