The establishment of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission was a key recommendation of the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel, which was set up to provide recommendations on how to establish greater oversight and enforcement of integrity and welfare standards in the industry. The reform panel made 122 recommendations and the NSW Government accepted all but one. The Commission became operational on 1 July 2018 and has progressively implemented applicable Reform Panel recommendations, which represent significant cultural and operational change for the industry.
Before 1 July 2018, appeals were dealt with under the rules of racing administered by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).
The Commission is responsible for:
Controlling and regulating greyhound racing
Administering the Greyhound Racing Rules
Registering greyhounds and industry participants (including but not limited to owners, breeders, trainers and bookmakers)
Investigating animal welfare and integrity concerns relating to greyhound racing in NSW
Employing race stewards, inspectors, investigators and veterinary officers.
GRNSW is responsible for:
Registering greyhound racing clubs
Developing safety standards for registered racecourses
Managing the greyhound re-homing program, Greyhounds As Pets (GAP)
Distribution of prize money
More on the Commission's responsibilities
Welfare and Integrity
The Commission controls, supervises and regulates greyhound racing and develops policies and standards to protect animal welfare and the integrity of greyhound racing. It has also facilitated the development of the Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice and commenced work on the revision of the Greyhound Racing Rules.
Animal Welfare Committee
An Animal Welfare Committee has been established to provide advice to the Commission on greyhound welfare matters including the formulation of welfare policies. The Committee was also instrumental in the development of the Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice.
Registration
A new registration scheme is being developed to support improved animal welfare outcomes and will apply to all participants. There will be a transition period to enable existing participants to complete competency requirements under the new registration scheme. The new registration scheme will be introduced in 2021.
Register for Greyhounds
A new Register for Greyhounds, managed by the Commission, has been developed to capture the identity and whereabouts of all greyhounds throughout their life as part of the Commission's Tracking of Registered Greyhounds program.
Assessing Fees
The annual registration fee for all existing licenses will be reviewed, to reflect regulatory changes and the new registration framework.
