Victorian greyhound industry. The GRV rules incorporate Racing Act 1958 four distinct sets of rules: that apply to greyhound racing in The Racing Act 1958 (Racing Act) governs Australian States and Territories, the three racing codes in Victoria. It and New Zealand. Often referred to regulates the conduct of race meetings, as the Greyhounds Australasia provides Rules. for the licensing of clubs and courses, and The the Local establishes GRV as the Controlling Body ‘Local Rules’ – Rules endorsed by GRV. Local responsible for the development, Rules vary between jurisdictions promotion and management of greyhound and take racing. precedence over the National Rules in the event of The Act does not focus on animal inconsistency. welfare, nor does it require GRV to specifically address welfare as part of its The ‘Plumpton Coursing Rules’ functions. a set of rules that apply only – However, GRV is responsible for all aspects to Plumpton Coursing events. of greyhound racing that involve the The and ‘Betting greyhounds themselves, including the Bookmakers rules Rules’ – registration and verification of greyhounds; that govern betting and litter and stud bookmakers. dog registration; the provision of racing certificates; and the regulation of breeding GRV has also developed and kennelling standards. It has an implicit numerous policies, educational role of providing animal welfare direction to documents and guidelines relating the entire industry. The responsible to greyhound authority of the Racing Act is the Minister welfare and management. The for Racing. Review notes that an individual would need The Racing Act empowers the GRV Board to to read more than 20 individual appoint inspectors and stewards to ensure documents (including the Local compliance with Local Rules. In practice, Rules, the National Rules, and GRV animal welfare compliance and multiple policies and education education officers (abbreviated to GRV packages) to fully understand the inspectors for requirements for greyhound welfare the rest of the Report) are responsible for and management. ensuring industry participants are compliant with the rules of racing and the various Licenses Codes of Practice. Stewards tend to have a and Registrations narrower focus on race day integrity and drugs testing. The licensing and registration of participants and dogs is central to GRV Local Rules operations. GRV currently licenses Catchers, Attendants, Trainers and Breeders The Racing Act empowers the GRV and an expansion of licensing Board to make Local Rules to govern categories the
Racing Act 1958 The Racing Act 1958 (Racing Act) governs the three racing codes in Victoria. It regulates the conduct of race meetings, provides for the licensing of clubs and courses, and establishes GRV as the Controlling Body responsible for the development, promotion and management of greyhound racing. The Act does not focus on animal welfare, nor does it require GRV to specifically address welfare as part of its functions. However, GRV is responsible for all aspects of greyhound racing that involve the greyhounds themselves, including the registration and verification of greyhounds; litter and stud dog registration; the provision of racing certificates; and the regulation of breeding and kennelling standards. It has an implicit role of providing animal welfare direction to the entire industry. The responsible authority of the Racing Act is the Minister for Racing. The Racing Act empowers the GRV Board to appoint inspectors and stewards to ensure compliance with Local Rules. In practice, GRV animal welfare compliance and education officers (abbreviated to GRV inspectors for the rest of the Report) are responsible for ensuring industry participants are compliant with the rules of racing and the various Codes of Practice. Stewards tend to have a narrower focus on race day integrity and drugs testing. Local Rules The Racing Act empowers the GRV Board to make Local Rules to govern the Victorian greyhound industry. The GRV rules incorporate four distinct sets of rules: that apply to greyhound racing in Australian States and Territories, and New Zealand. Often referred to as the Greyhounds Australasia Rules. The ‘Local Rules’ – the Local Rules endorsed by GRV. Local Rules vary between jurisdictions and take precedence over the National Rules in the event of inconsistency. The ‘Plumpton Coursing Rules’ – a set of rules that apply only to Plumpton Coursing events. The ‘Betting and Bookmakers Rules’ – rules that govern betting and bookmakers. GRV has also developed numerous policies, educational documents and guidelines relating to greyhound welfare and management. The Review notes that an individual would need to read more than 20 individual documents (including the Local Rules, the National Rules, and multiple policies and education packages) to fully understand the requirements for greyhound welfare and management. Licenses and Registrations The licensing and registration of participants and dogs is central to GRV operations. GRV currently licenses Catchers, Attendants, Trainers and Breeders and an expansion of licensing categories
GreyhoundReport_final_12Nov2015_v9.docx