Victorian participants should make themselves aware of updated hot weather and transport policies which outline their animal welfare responsibilities on race days and trial days.
GRV General Manager – Animal Welfare Dr Gavin Goble said the updated hot weather and transport policies were developed after a significant period of engagement and input from participants across Victoria and had the support of the Welfare Committee and the Industry Consultative Group.
“These policies are part of our sport’s commitment to making animal welfare our number one priority and all participants need to understand and fully adhere to them,” Dr Goble said.
GRV will declare a venue “Hot Weather Affected” if the forecast temperature is 32oC or higher and certain conditions will apply for that meeting and for travel on that day.
If the forecast temperature is 38oC or above, the meeting will be postponed or cancelled.
Kennel blocks at all Victorian greyhound racetracks are air conditioned and the ambient temperature in the blocks are maintained between 18oC and 24oC.
Stewards may abandon or postpone the meeting if the temperature in kennel blocks reaches 26oC and cannot be reduced promptly.
Dr Goble said GRV’s transport policy had also been updated after consultation with stakeholders including owners, trainers as well as GRV’s Welfare Committee and Industry Consultative Group.
“All owners and trainers need to make sure that their greyhounds arrive at meetings in the best possible condition,” Dr Goble said.
“To ensure that occurs, GRV has updated its transport policy soon “Hot Weather Affected” days when greyhounds can only be transported in air-conditioned trailers and transport vehicles.
“In addition, on “Hot Weather Affected” days, rest stops must be made every two hours and dogs must not be left unattended for more than five minutes.”
Participants are also reminded that greyhounds should have access to water on all race days regardless of weather or temperature.
“If a participant wants to give their dog a drink immediately after retrieval from the race kennel (20 minutes before their race) they can do so under steward supervision,” Dr Goble said.
The new policies will officially come into effect on December 12.
Further information can be found at https://greyhoundcare.grv.org.au/policies-and-guidance/