Greyhounds to adopt Race Meeting Injury Scheme

The Queensland greyhound industry will continue to enhance its animal welfare practices with the adoption of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme.

Developed following widespread industry consultation, the RMIS is set to provide significant financial support to cover veterinary treatment and rehabilitation costs for greyhounds injured during race meetings or official stewards’ trials.

Where costs exceed $1000 – and RMIS applies – Racing Queensland will provide:

• 100% of the reasonable treatment costs (including the cost of all surgical procedures and associated expenses) for the ‘eligible injury’ up to a maximum RQ payment of $5,500; and
• $50 per week towards the rehabilitation of the greyhound for the duration of the rehabilitation plan prescribed by the veterinarian up to a maximum period of 13 weeks.

Injuries covered under RMIS include bone fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, and any other injury determined to be life threatening by the on-course veterinarian. 

“The introduction of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme is a significant advancement for the Queensland greyhound industry,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.

“It has been designed to remove any barriers that may exist for Queensland participants to rehabilitate their greyhounds.

“As an organisation, we are continually looking for new ways to enhance our animal welfare activities and this is another important step in the process.”

In addition to the RMIS, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has strengthened its standard operating procedure relating to raceday euthanasia and assessment.

The updated procedure outlines that raceday euthanasia will only be considered by the on-course veterinarian when it would be inhumane not to do so.

Otherwise, an officiating steward will give directions to the person responsible for a greyhound to follow the on-course veterinary advice for treatment of the greyhound which may include:

• To obtain a veterinary assessment and treatment within a prescribed timeframe;
• To provide further pain relief for the animal; and
• To provide evidence to the QRIC stewards that the direction has been followed within the prescribed timeframe.

Injuries covered under the RMIS will be eligible for payment through RQ.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said both the RMIS and enhanced protocols around the treatment of on-course injuries were positive steps for improved animal welfare outcomes in the greyhound racing industry.