STATE Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today announced that the greyhound industry would be subject to the highest standard of greyhound welfare in Australia following the release of the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice.
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Mr Anderson made the announcement at Taree Greyhound Club's Kanangra Drive track. Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, chief executive of the NSW Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association (GBOTA) Steve Noyce, Greyhound NSW board member Kevin Anderson and Taree Greyhound Club president Des McGeachie and vice president Sharon Grey were among those present.
"We picked Taree for a special reason,'' Mr Anderson explained.
"The club conducted its first TAB meeting in its 67 year history on June 17. From all reports it went very well. This just goes to show what regional NSW can do.''
He said the code of conduct was drafted after when he said was 'intense consultation' with the various stake holders in the industry.
"What we have to do is continually set the standard for greyhound welfare integrity in the industry across the board,'' Mr Anderson added.
He added the code would come into effect from January 1 2021.
"This sets concrete expectations for animal welfare in the greyhound racing industry,'' Mr Anderson explained.
"As a result of the code, NSW will now lead Australia, if not the world, in providing standards for the protection of greyhounds that reflect public expectations.
"We know that industry participants do the right thing. They treat their dogs well, they love their dogs and in many cases treat their dogs better than they treat their own selves.
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"What we want to do is continually push the standards of welfare.
"The code of conduct looks at nutrition, it looks at environment, health and it looks at transport in terms of how those dogs are cared and looked after.''
Mr Anderson explained that it also looks at the 'traceability' of greyhounds, from whelping through to the end of its racing career.
"If it stays with an industry participant than that dog stays on the register and it can be traced to ensure it remains healthy,'' he said.
"If it leaves the industry and goes to a private home through the Greyhounds as Pets program, then the dog will be cared for as well.''
He said there has been a major shift in how the sport operates.
"Although the industry has been subject to radical change over the last three years and it has been hit hard by COVID, it has adapted to meet the demands. This review is a chance to suggest ways we can continue to improve what has been implemented,'' Mr Anderson added.
Meanwhile Taree's next TAB meeting will be conducted on Wednesday July 8.
