The practice of ear branding is to be phased out for Victorian-bred greyhounds.
Microchips will serve as the primary method of identification.
The integrity of greyhound racing through accurate identification remains paramount but the need for ear branding is no longer justified.
The widespread use of microchips, their exceptionally low failure rate, and the affordability and accessibility of microchip readers have made tattooing obsolete.
Greyhounds whelped on or after 1 November 2024, as well as those born before 1 November 2024 but not yet ear branded by that date, are no longer permitted to be tattooed.
Each greyhound will still be assigned the five letters previously branded in the ear when the litter is registered. This may still be referred to as an ear brand for some transactional purposes like transferring ownership.
FAQs – Ear Branding Phase Out
The Board of Greyhounds Australasia (GA) has decided that from 1 November 2024, the practice of ear tattooing a unique ID for registered greyhounds is no longer required. GRV, along with all other greyhound racing controlling bodies in Australia and New Zealand, is ceasing ear branding in line with this decision to eliminate the unnecessary welfare impact associated with the procedure. The microchip system is already in place and with advances in technology, microchips are a reliable method of identification. This transition aligns with GRV’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the sport while ensuring the welfare of the greyhounds.
The primary benefits of ceasing ear branding include improved welfare for the greyhounds, as the procedure is no longer necessary with the advent of reliable microchip technology. Additionally, the reputational risk to the industry can be improved by transitioning to more welfare-friendly identification methods. By adopting modern practices, GRV is reinforcing its commitment to animal welfare while maintaining the integrity of the sport.
From 1 November 2024, microchips will be the primary method of identification for Victorian-bred greyhounds. Microchips have a very low failure rate, and the technology to read microchips is both affordable and readily available.
GRV will continue to explore options in regard to secondary (alternate) identification method(s), if necessary, but this is yet to be decided. GRV’s focus will be on ensuring that all greyhounds are easily and reliably identifiable without the need for ear branding.
No. Litters whelped before 1 November 2024 that have not been ear branded will not be ear branded. Breeders can disregard any notification to brand.
Yes. During the litter registration process GRV will still assign the five letters previously branded in the ear to each individual pup. You will still use this when transacting online and via the phone, for example if you are transferring ownership, you will need to provide the transfer key and the identifier of the greyhound to the new owner. You will be able to find this identifier on your FastTrack account. For a considerable amount of time, until systems are aligned it will continue to be labeled Ear Brand and it’s fine to refer to it as an Ear Brand.
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) provides a DNA service to industry participants. GA will provide a Parentage Certification Service for any greyhound under the age of 24 months (named or unnamed). The service will provide a certification of a greyhound’s parentage and a full pedigree certificate via DNA testing. The Parentage Certification Service (PCS) is available at a cost of $130 per greyhound aged under 24 months.
DNA profile is a unique molecular fingerprint specific to each dog that does not change over a lifetime and allows unambiguous identification of an animal regardless of its age.
Further information is available on the GA website.
Approximately May 2026.
Yes, any greyhounds ear branded prior to 1 November 2024 can continue to race but are required to have a working, locatable microchip.
The GRV Board have adopted the GA Rules to cease ear branding.
- Local Rules have been developed to implement the transition.
- A compliance and testing regime will be developed.
- GRV will continue to explore all options in regard to secondary (alternative) identification methods
Yes, GRV will provide regular updates to the industry over the next 18 months.