Victorians Urged To Have Their Say On Greyhound Welfare

The Andrews Labor Government is urging Victorians to provide their feedback on the Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds, which aims to improve animal welfare.

Greyhound racing is a popular pastime and an industry that supports many jobs, and it’s important that animal welfare is a top priority to ensure it is ethical and sustainable into the future.

In February 2015, the Labor Government commissioned Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Charles Milne, to investigate animal welfare in the industry. Since then, the industry has taken great strides to reform and improve the standard of animal welfare.

As part of this response, a new Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds has been drafted. To accompany the Code, a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) has been developed to assess regulatory options.

The draft code and RIS are now open for public comment for 60 days. Improvements to the Code, reflecting community views, will be considered after all submissions are received.

Once the Code is finalised, every person in charge of a racing greyhound will be required to follow the new Code.

It will specify the minimum standards of staffing, accommodation, management, breeding and care to meet a greyhound’s physical and behavioural needs throughout its racing life.

The Code will also include a pathway for greyhounds to be retired and re-homed as pets when their racing days are over.

To make a submission on the draft code and RIS visit agriculture.vic.gov.au or by post to Draft Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds Public Comment, Domestic Animals, 475 Mickleham Rd, Attwood, Vic, 3049.

Submissions close on Monday, 14 August, 2017.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

“We know Victorians take animal welfare seriously, and so does this Government.”

“We want to make sure people’s views are heard, the industry code is strong and greyhound racing has a sustainable future where dog welfare is a priority.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

"This is another important step in implementing the recommendations made by Commissioner Perna and Dr Milne to improve the welfare of greyhounds in Victoria.”