I know you will all agree that the vision of animal mistreatment in South Australia released last week was appalling. It goes without saying that the industry in NSW has a zero-tolerance to behaviour of this kind.

As many already know, the South Australian Premier announced on Wednesday that an independent inquiry will be held into the greyhound racing industry in that state following reports in recent weeks of alleged welfare issues.

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission joins with Greyhound Racing South Australia in welcoming an inquiry into greyhound racing in South Australia and I have advised the CEO of GRSA of our support for them throughout the inquiry process.

Any participant found to be in breach of welfare and integrity standards – actions that undermine the spirit of the sport – damages the reputation of the industry.

Over the past five years, the Greyhound Racing Industry in New South Wales has established itself as the leading jurisdiction in Australia and internationally when it comes to maintaining the highest standards of welfare and integrity. Our world-first eTracking system accounting for every racing greyhound, greyhound welfare code of practice, race injury reduction strategies and new rehoming pathways are all proof that the industry puts the welfare of it greyhounds as its highest priority.

While this progress is hugely positive, we cannot afford to be complacent, and we all need to work together to ensure that those in the minority who seek to behave badly or in an unlawful manner do not irreparably damage the sport for all.

Receiving and acting on any information that may point to unlawful or inappropriate activity is a key part of maintaining NSW’s leading position on integrity and welfare.

I encourage you to provide any information regarding any greyhound racing welfare or integrity issue to the Commission online or through one of the other reporting methods. You can remain anonymous.

If you would like to discuss any matter with GWIC at any time, please get in touch with the team here or phone 13 49 42 (13 GWIC).

Thank you for continuing to ensure NSW greyhound racing leads the global industry by example.

Kind regards,

Steve Griffin

Chief Executive Officer
GWIC