DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref :
98/09) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 30 April 2009
Consultation on
plans that will ensure all greyhound racing tracks comply with
minimum welfare standards was launched by Animal Welfare Minister
Jane Kennedy today.
The proposals would require all English tracks to be licensed by
a local authority or regulated by an officially accredited body,
as well as ensure a vet is present at all races and has
appropriate facilities to be able to administer first aid.
This follows recommendations from an independent report into the
greyhound industry, the Donoughue Report, and the Associate
Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare inquiry into greyhound welfare.
Ms Kennedy said:
"Greyhound racing is a sport that many people enjoy - but
the welfare of the dogs is paramount, both during and after their
racing careers.
"These proposals will give clear expectations for all
owners, trainers and track operators, and for the first time
create a legal benchmark so that action can be taken against those
who aren't taking welfare concerns seriously."
The proposed regulations would require that all tracks must:
* Have a veterinarian present at all races and trials, who should
inspect all dogs before they run;
* Provide facilities for the veterinarian to administer first aid
at the track;
* Provide adequate kennelling for greyhounds; and
* Record all dogs which race or are injured at the track.
It will also mean all racing greyhounds will have to be
permanently identified on a national database.
Notes to editors
1. Consultation closes on 22 July 2009. Full details of the
consultation can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/greyhound-welfare/index.htm.
2. The greyhound racing industry asked Lord Donoughue of Ashton
to carry out a review of the regulation of the sport after
ministers asked the industry to undertake significant reform. The
Donoughue Report was published in November 2007 and can be viewed
at: http://www.greyhounds-donoughue-report.co.uk/.
3. The report of the APGAW inquiry into the welfare issues
surrounding racing greyhounds in England was funded by the RSPCA
and the British Greyhound Racing Fund. The report was published in
May 2007 and can be viewed at: http://www.apgaw.org/userimages/Report%20of%20APGAW%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Welfare%20of%20Greyhounds.pdf
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