New code of practice for keeping and breeding racing greyhounds


Released 27/04/2018

A new Code of Practice for the Keeping and Breeding of Racing Greyhounds comes into effect from Monday 30 April to provide standards for maintaining the welfare of racing greyhounds kept in the ACT.

“With the ban of greyhound racing and trialling in the ACT taking effect from Monday, the new Code of Practice outlines key obligations for the breeding, training and ownership of racing greyhounds,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris.

“Key features of the Code include standards around nutrition, health management, housing and environment, exercise, socialisation and enrichment, breeding, education and training, transport, and for the retirement and rehoming of racing greyhounds.

“The ACT Government has committed that ownership, breeding and training of greyhounds for racing outside the ACT will be able to continue on the basis that it is at no cost to the broader ACT community. The fees for registering a racing greyhound and obtaining a racing greyhound controller licence reflect this decision.

“A person who has control of one or more racing greyhounds will be required to obtain a racing greyhound controller licence which will require compliance with the Code. That means that if a person with day-to-day control of a racing greyhound fails to comply with this Code, their racing greyhound controller licence may be cancelled and other regulatory action may also be taken.”

Minister Fitzharris said that the Code was developed in consultation with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, the RSPCA, greyhound welfare organisations and industry participants, including interstate racing authorities.

Stakeholder feedback was received on a wide range of issues, ranging from comments around minimum kennel sizes to detailed requirements for retirement and rehoming of racing greyhounds. Where appropriate, stakeholder recommendations and feedback have been incorporated into the final Code, noting the ACT Government’s ambition to be a world leader in animal welfare and management.

“The ACT Government will continue to monitor the implementation of the Code and the development of similar codes in other jurisdictions including ongoing conversations with the industry. We will actively work with the ACT greyhound industry to ensure participants are aware of their obligations,” said Minister Fitzharris.

“Once the Code has been in place for a 12 month period a formal review will take place to ensure it is helping achieve positive welfare changes in the various stages of a racing greyhound’s life.”

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Claire Johnston

(02) 6205 0022

0452 597 459

clairev.johnston@act.gov.au


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