Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has reviewed Victoria’s Local Rules (LR) of Racing to make sure they align with the proposed amended Greyhound Australasia Rules (GARs). In line with GRV’s commitment to increased participant engagement we are seeking your input on these proposed local and national rule changes and related guidelines.
The proposed amended GARS are the outcome of Greyhounds Australasia’s National Rules Project which aims to provide a clearer and more consistent national approach and strengthen integrity and welfare outcomes.
GRV’s proposed changes include:
- A new Local Rules format – moving many rules into new sections to align with the proposed National Rules format, making them easier to find and cross-reference.
- Unnecessary content removed – to avoid duplication as the proposed new GARs now include some previously Victorian-only Local Rules such as:
- GAR 21 – Proper care for and welfare of greyhounds (previously LR 42.2)
- GAR 26 – Positive obligation to provide information about the health of a racing greyhound (previously LR 26.2)
- GAR 157 – Animal welfare offences relating to luring and baiting, including live baiting offences (previously LRs 42.11 to 42.18)
- Rehoming rules simplified (LR 42.6 – changing to LR12) has been streamlined and will be supported by a Rehoming Industry Practice Note. Rehoming and euthanasia processes will not change and a Notice of Intention to euthanise a greyhound will still be required in most circumstances.
- Social Media Industry Practice Note – to provide clear guidance to participants on the appropriate use of social media and alert them to any potential rule breaches under the new GAR 164(b).
- Barking Muzzles Industry Practice Note – GRV is looking to phase out the routine use of barking muzzles in accordance with the proposed new National Rules. However Victorian participants will still be able to use barking muzzles in limited circumstances when the National Rules commence. This Industry Practice Note will help participants better understand the changes and when they can use barking muzzles.
GRV is also conducting a short anonymous survey on barking muzzle usage to further inform this Industry Practice Note. - Dress Standards Industry Practice Note – to provide new standards for appropriate participant dress code for race meetings that meets health and safety protocols and presents a professional image for the sport.
GRV will provide two polo shirts and a jacket free of charge to participants via their local clubs. Further uniforms required will be subsidised.
GRV wants to hear from participants and other key stakeholders about these proposed rule changes and Industry Practice Notes.
You can provide your input through:
- this FeedBack Form; or
- emailing [email protected].
You may be contacted by GRV to discuss or clarify your comments.
The closing date for both your feedback and the barking muzzles survey is Friday 11 March 2022.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this page was accurate at the time of publishing.