As part of the National Greyhound Welfare Strategy, a number of new rules relating to breeding are set to commence. These rules are aimed at improving the health and welfare of breeding females, and to minimise the number of greyhounds puppies bred that may not be suitable for racing.
If you have a female greyhound you plan to breed, you will need to be aware of the new restrictions that will apply from…….
Age Restriction
As soon as your female greyhound turns eight years of age, her registration as a Breeding Female will become ‘Inactive’ and you will not be able to breed her again, unless the criteria in rule GAR 127 (10) are met.
GAR 127 (10) The owner of a breeding female, or the person with authority to breed that female, shall not cause her to be mated if that breeding female is over eight (8) years of age without prior veterinary certification of appropriate health and fitness, and the approval of the Controlling Body in writing. The Controlling Body approval granted under this sub-rule will be to allow one (1) service/insemination only, irrespective of the result of said service/insemination. The veterinary certification must be obtained within 120 days prior to the date of the service.
3 Litter Maximum
Once your female whelps her third litter (regardless of who bred each litter), her Breeding Female status will become ‘Inactive’ and she will not be able to be bred again unless the criteria in rule GAR 127 (11) are met.
GAR 127 (11) A breeding female cannot be used for breeding more than three (3) litters without prior veterinary certification of appropriate health and fitness for further litters, and the approval of the Controlling Body in writing. The Controlling Body approval granted under this sub-rule will be to allow one (1) additional service/insemination only, irrespective of the result of said service/insemination. The veterinary certification must be obtained within 120 days prior to the date of the additional service.
Litter Frequency
If your female whelps two litters close together (i.e. bred at two consecutive seasons) her Breeding Female status will fall ‘Inactive’ to ensure that she cannot be served again where the result would breach this rule. If she is a ‘six-month’ cycler, this will mean she will be forced to rest one season before being mated again, allowing her body time to recover, and allowing her pups to reach an age where their ability can be assessed.
GAR 127 (12) The owner of a breeding female, or the person with authority to breed that female, shall not cause her to whelp more than two (2) litters in any 18 month period.
If you have any questions in relation to your greyhound’s eligibility for breeding, please contact Greyhound Racing Victoria.