No Chip, No Race – identifying greyhounds without ear brands at race meetings

A fair and practical approach to identifying greyhounds without ear brands at race meetings

In November 2024, the Greyhound Australasia Rules (GAR) were updated and the practice of ear‑branding greyhounds for identification for breeding or racing purposes was eliminated. For greyhounds without ear brands, the microchip is now the sole identifying feature relied upon on race day.

Removing the requirement to ear‑brand greyhounds delivers benefits for the industry, including reduced time and resource demands on participants and officials, and improved welfare outcomes.

WHAT THIS MEANS ON RACE DAY

Greyhounds are required to be identified at least twice at race meetings:

• At kennelling (GAR 89), and
• Just prior to racing (GAR 97).

If a microchip cannot be detected

For a greyhound without an ear brand, if the microchip cannot be located, examined, or verified at either checkpoint, the greyhound cannot be permitted to compete and will be withdrawn (scratched).

Participant involvement – fairness and transparency

If the microchip is not detected initially, Stewards will follow a comprehensive scanning process. Where time permits, the trainer or handler will be given the opportunity to attempt to locate the microchip using the scanner, under Steward supervision, before a decision is made.

Greyhounds are only scratched after all reasonable attempts to locate the microchip have been exhausted. If the microchip still cannot be detected, the greyhound will be scratched. There are no exceptions for feature races, finals, or high‑stakes events.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY GREYHOUND IS SCRATCHED DUE TO NO DETECTABLE MICROCHIP?

Where a greyhound without an ear brand is withdrawn because its microchip cannot be detected:

• The greyhound will be withdrawn (scratched) from the event/race
• Stewards will open an inquiry into the identity of the greyhound
• The greyhound will be stood down from racing pending the outcome of that inquiry (GAR 169(5))
• A DNA sample will be collected before the greyhound leaves the course
• A new microchip will be implanted before the greyhound leaves the course

Cost information:

• GRV will cover the cost of microchip re‑implantation on the night
• The participant is responsible for DNA testing costs to establish identity (currently around $200 via the Greyhounds Australasia process)

GREYHOUNDS WITH EAR BRANDS (ALTERNATE METHOD)

For greyhounds racing in Victoria that have an ear brand, the ear brand is an approved alternate method of identification. If a microchip cannot be detected, the ear brand may be used to identify the greyhound and allow it to race.

For greyhounds without an ear brand, the microchip is the sole form of identification. If it cannot be detected, the greyhound will be scratched.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD DO NOW

To avoid race‑day scratching, participants should:

• Regularly scan greyhounds to ensure the microchip is functional
• Know the location of the microchip, particularly if it has migrated from the standard site between the shoulders
• Act before race day if there are concerns — do not wait until kennelling

CLEARANCE OFFICERS – IMPORTANT PRE‑CHECK

Before a greyhound has its first start in Victoria, it must be checked by a Clearance Officer at a club. This quick and important step helps ensure smooth race‑day identification and may identify microchip issues prior to racing.

All greyhounds commencing their racing career in Victoria must have their particulars confirmed by a Victorian Clearance Officer. This includes non‑Victorian bred greyhounds that have not completed a performance trial in another state

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who does this process apply to?
This process applies to any greyhound presented for racing in Victoria.

What if my greyhound has an ear brand but the microchip can’t be detected?
If your greyhound has an ear brand, the ear brand may be used as an alternate method of identification and the greyhound may be permitted to race.

What if my greyhound does not have an ear brand and the microchip can’t be detected?
If a greyhound without an ear brand cannot be identified by microchip, it cannot race and will be withdrawn (scratched).

Will I be allowed to help locate my greyhound’s microchip?
Yes. Where a microchip cannot initially be detected, Stewards will conduct a comprehensive scanning process and, where time permits, allow the trainer or handler to attempt scanning under Steward supervision. If the microchip still cannot be detected, the greyhound will be scratched.

Can the greyhound start after a new microchip is implanted on the night?
No. If a greyhound is scratched due to an undetectable microchip, it will be stood down pending identity confirmation and cannot race until cleared.

Will I be fined if my greyhound is scratched?
Participants will generally not be fined where a greyhound is withdrawn because a microchip cannot be detected. However, the greyhound will not be able to race until its identity is confirmed.

What if my greyhound is in a feature race?
All races are treated equally. Feature races and finals are not exempt. If a greyhound without an ear brand cannot be identified, it will be scratched.

Who pays for the replacement microchip?
GRV will cover the cost of microchip re‑implantation where a greyhound is withdrawn from a race meeting because the microchip cannot be detected.

Who pays for DNA testing?
The participant is responsible for DNA testing costs (currently around $200).

Should I know where my greyhound’s microchip is located?
Yes. Trainers and handlers should know the location of each greyhound’s microchip, particularly if it has migrated from the standard implant site.

Is there any recourse if my greyhound is scratched?
The scanning process is comprehensive and includes, where time allows, the opportunity for trainer or handler involvement. If a greyhound without an ear brand cannot be identified, it cannot be permitted to race. Participants may seek recourse via GRV following the race meeting.

Is support available?
Yes. Free and confidential support is available through the Greyhound Participant Support Program on 1300 739 550.

SCANNING PROCESS (SUMMARY)

Stewards and officials will undertake a systematic scanning process that may include multiple scans, different scanner orientations, broader body coverage to account for microchip migration, and the use of additional scanners or officials where available. Where time permits, the trainer or handler may be allowed up to one minute to assist with scanning under Steward supervision.

If all reasonable scanning avenues are exhausted and the microchip cannot be detected, and no alternate method of identification is available, Stewards will:

• Scratch the greyhound
• Open an inquiry into identity
• Stand the greyhound down pending outcome
• Collect a DNA sample before the greyhound leaves the course
• Implant a new microchip before the greyhound leaves the course