Queensland Racing Integrity Commission enhances animal welfare measures for greyhounds
27 November 2024
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) is an independent statutory body that acts to both preserve the integrity of the industry and safeguard racing industry participants (human, equine and canine). Integrity, safety and welfare form the foundations of the QRIC’s purpose.
As part of its safeguarding measures, the QRIC’s aim is to ensure all licensed racing animals are treated with respect and care throughout and beyond their racing career, and that all licensed participants fulfil their obligations under the Rules of Racing.
QRIC Deputy Commissioner Kim Kelly said that the data presented in a media publication was not reported or collated by QRIC and that the data presented was unverified.
“As a regulatory body, the QRIC ensures that it reports only factual and statistical information which can be supported and verified. The QRIC has not released the collated data as the article alleges.”
“As standard practice for industry and public visibility, the QRIC provides quarterly reports on equine and canine welfare matters as well as Stewards’ reports that are routinely published on QRIC’s website in an open and transparent manner.”
“In addition, the QRIC has developed and implemented a robust and intelligence driven prohibited substance control program that is consistent with the best practice approaches of Racing Authorities throughout Australia. In addition, the QRIC’s prohibited substance strategy is shaped by industry experts with the welfare of animals and the fairness of the sport at its core. It is a fit for purpose, dynamic strategy that is tailored to each racing code.”
“The QRIC’s sample collection efforts directly support the world-class Racing Science Centre team to enact rigorous prohibited substance testing. The QRIC is acutely aware that it is imperative that its operations continue to be robust and reflect best practice worldwide.”
“When determining penalties for prohibited substance breaches or race day medication treatment offences under the Rules of Racing, the QRIC Stewards consider the nature of the substance, the circumstances of the offence, the disciplinary record of a person or persons associated with any breach of the Rules of Racing and the regulator’s obligations under the Human Rights Act (2019),” he said.
Effective September 1, 2024, the QRIC has collaborated with Racing Queensland to implement crucial changes to the Rules of Racing concerning the rehoming, euthanasia, and abandonment of greyhounds. The OzChase database tracks greyhound breeding, lifecycle injury and retirement data. Separate to the oversight of the QRIC, owners or trainers are required to self-report across the lifecycle of a greyhound from birth until retirement from racing.
Approximately 3% of starters across all Queensland greyhound tracks incur injuries, with the vast majority able to return to racing within a fortnight. Notwithstanding this, the QRIC remains committed to reducing injury rates through innovative strategies which include: enhanced analysis of injury causes, the presence of qualified veterinarians at all race meetings for immediate response when necessary, and continuous education opportunities for participants on best practices in greyhound care.
In line with these initiatives, the QRIC emphasises that all on-track matters related to animal health are managed by fully qualified veterinarians. These professionals are all board-certified Veterinary Surgeons who make informed decisions based on their extensive training and experience and, are on site at every race meeting to respond immediately to all on track incidents.
The QRIC has and continues to make a substantial investment in the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP), which works closely with industry participants to successfully rehome retired racing greyhounds. The GAP team has made remarkable strides in community engagement and education initiatives, achieving a record-setting 455 adoptions in the 2023-24 financial year alone.
The QRIC continues its mission to preserve the integrity of the racing industry and ensure the safety and welfare of all participants.
ENDS.
Media Contact: communication@qric.qld.gov.au | 0438 544 628