Minister for Racing Martin Pakula has welcomed Greyhound Racing Victoria’s decision to suspend the Greyhound Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme (GOBIS).
The GRV Board’s decision is consistent with the recommendations made by the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Racing Integrity Commissioner in their reports on live baiting in the greyhound industry.
The Board has requested that the funds now be used to support animal welfare initiatives aimed at reducing the number of greyhounds being bred, improve rehoming rates through the Greyhound Adoption Program and improve post-racing retirement outcomes for Victorian greyhounds.
The Andrews Labor Government will work with the Board to ensure the effective use of the redirected GOBIS funds in implementing and expanding these important programs.
The Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) funding for the VOBIS Gold program in thoroughbred racing and Vicbred Platinum for standardbred horses will continue as normal.
The continuation of important initiatives like VOBIS Gold and VicBred Platinum demonstrate the commitment of the Government to a strong and viable future for Victorian racing and breeding.
Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full time jobs.
The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry and allows the three racing codes, racing clubs and other key stakeholders to have a say in growing Victorian racing.
It funds projects and initiatives at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the racing experience for racegoers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The decision by Greyhound Racing Victoria to suspend GOBIS is consistent with the recommendations made by the Chief Veterinary Officer in his report on live baiting and I support the move.”
“Animal welfare is a top priority and the government will work with Greyhound Racing Victoria to ensure the GOBIS funds are redistributed to initiatives to improve animal welfare programs, encourage sustainable breeding and improve the retirement and rehoming of greyhounds after racing. ”
“We will continue to support racing breeding schemes in Victoria and are committed to continue the Victorian Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme and VicBred as normal.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020