ANNUAL PROGRESS REVIEW ON WELFARE ISSUES AFFECTING GREYHOUND RACING IN NEW ZEALAND - March 2019
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ANNUAL PROGRESS REVIEW ON WELFARE ISSUES
AFFECTING GREYHOUND RACING IN NEW ZEALAND
March 2019ANNUAL PROGRESS REVIEW ON WELFARE ISSUES AFFECTING GREYHOUND RACING
IN NEW ZEALAND
Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Purpose
3 Background
4 FY 2018 - Review of progress over the last 12 months
5 Recommendations
6 Next Steps - The Year Ahead
7 Appendix 1 - Terms of Reference
11. Executive Summary
The New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) commissioned Hon Mr Rodney Hansen QC in May 2017 to
inquire into and report on welfare issues affecting greyhound racing in New Zealand. The terms of
reference included a review of animal welfare standards currently applying to greyhound racing in
New Zealand and the level of compliance with these standards, having regard to recommendations
of previous inquiries into greyhound racing.
In October 2017 Mr Rodney Hansen QC finalised his report to the NZRB and presented 20
recommendations for action. Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) accepted all
recommendations in their totality.
Following the release of the Hansen QC report (the report), GRNZ developed a 3 year plan to
achieve compliance in all recommendations.
It is the considered view of NZRB management that satisfactory progress has been made in year
one, particularly in terms of health and welfare standards, rehoming initiatives and dog-tracking,
database integrity and track safety.
GRNZ has built internal capability and capacity to effectively deliver the recommendations. Project
managers for the Database and Rehoming projects were employed, with temporary agency staff
onboarded to assist with the investigation of missing dogs.
A subsequent communications plan has included the preparation of quarterly updates to the
Minister of Racing and Minister of Agriculture. An annual update summarising progress over the
last 12 months was provided in February 2019.
Of the 20 recommendations in the report 7 have been completed, 12 are work-in-progress, and 1 is
in scoping. This review has found GRNZ’s approach to be sound, their staff to be engaged and
motivated, and progress against all 20 recommendations to be acceptable.
This said, there is much more to do over the next two years, particularly in the area of implementing
track safety initiatives that are currently being trialled. Overall GRNZ are well positioned to deliver
the balance of the report’s recommendations.
2. Purpose
This report has been developed to update the Board of NZRB on GRNZ’s progress in implementing
the 20 recommendations of the ‘Report to NZRB on Welfare Issues Affecting Greyhound Racing in
New Zealand’.
2It is recommended the Board note this report and approve the recommendations from
management in section 5.
3. Background
In May 2017 Hon Rodney Hansen QC was engaged by the NZRB to inquire into and report on
welfare issues affecting greyhound racing in New Zealand (NZ). The commissioned report was
intended to assist both the NZRB and the Board of GRNZ in assessing progress in the industry and
opportunities for improvement.
Mr Rodney Hansen QC finalised his report in October 2017.
The report provided 20 recommendations, which included 13 sections, largely within two main
subject areas of population management and safety concerns within a racing environment. The
purpose of these recommendations, based on being successfully implemented, would further
advance the welfare of greyhounds in New Zealand.
GRNZ accepted all 20 recommendations of the report and moved with pace to incorporate these
into their ongoing programme of work. They divided the recommendations into the following areas:
1. Animal health and welfare
2. Registry and database
3. Track safety
4. Dog tracking, deregistration and euthanasia
GRNZ have set a two to three year timetable to deliver on the recommendations and in the first
year following the release of the report have demonstrated that real outcomes can be achieved
along the way.
GRNZ management have met with various stakeholders in relation to issues around greyhound
welfare, including covering progress on the Hansen Report recommendations. Over the last 12
months these stakeholders included:
● Ray Smith, Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries
● Chris Rodwell, Director Animal Health & Welfare, Ministry of Primary Industries
● National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (this committee reports directly to Hon
Damien O’Connor, Minister of Agriculture)
● Matthew Ward, (former) Chief Executive of the NZ Veterinary Association
● Hon Damien O’Connor, Minister of Agriculture
● Hon Meka Whaitiri, the then Minister of Animal Welfare
3GRNZ will meet with Kieran McAnulty, Labour List MP and Deputy Chair of the Primary Production
Committee, April 2019.
GRNZ have suggested the most significant highlights over the period include:
● Introduction and enforcement of new health and welfare standards (from 1 February 2019)
as part of Recommendation #1
● The development and successful trial of the ‘Great Mates’ prison programme (joint venture
with the Department of Corrections) as part of Recommendation #15
In May 2018 GRNZ produced their first quarterly update on progress related to the
recommendations of the Hansen Report. Two versions of the update was produced. Firstly, a
version for the Minister’s office (which was also sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Damien
O’Connor). Secondly, and allowing for a 4 week period to account for any comments or questions
from the Racing Minister, the report was tailored for wider distribution and published online.
Subsequent quarterly updates were provided in August and November 2018 and in February 2019.
Key staffing appointments have driven progress. Recognising the importance of the report, and the
programme of activity ahead, GRNZ made some key staffing appointments. These included:
● Sue Walls - Database Project Manager. Sue is responsible for the migration of the current
database to the Cloud and the various additional fields that the database needs to capture
● Ricardo Lindsay - Project Manager - Rehoming. Rick provides support to Greg Kerr (Racing
Manager)
● Contract temps - Missing dogs. Temporary agency staff were employed over a 3 month
period with the task of phoning owners, trainers and Licenced P’s to identify the
whereabouts of unaccounted for dogs (Recommendation #8).
4. FY 2018 - Review of progress made over the last 12 months
The following provides an overview of each of the report’s recommendations, the actions taken by
GRNZ to achieve the recommendation (status), a comment, assessment on GRNZ’s progress
towards achieving the recommendation, and suggested actions for GRNZ to consider.
COMPLETED
IN PROGRESS
SCOPING
4Section 1 - Animal Health and Welfare
Hansen GRNZ Actions and Comments Recommended Actions Status
Recommendation response
01 The Health and The new GRNZ Completed. GRNZ to continue to monitor
Welfare Standards Health and Welfare compliance to these new
currently under Standards were standards.
consideration by distributed to LPs
NZGRA should be in June 2018 and
finalised and made were in place from
binding on 1 August 2018. An
members as soon accompanying
as is practically education
possible. They campaign took
should include place. These
provision for best Standards have
practice standards been enforced
for the socialisation since 1 February
and habituation of 2019.
greyhounds.
02 All kennels used - Agreement has Despite agreement GRNZ will lobby for the
for breeding, been reached with being reached with introduction of welfare
rearing and training the RIU and annual the RIU to inspect inspectors for all Codes.
greyhounds for inspections will be kennels annually
racing should be undertaken, there are still This recommendation is
inspected by the including microchip concerns over the dependant on whether the RIU
RIU at least once a scanning of all consistency of their is reviewed post the Messara
year. greyhounds on the inspections. Report.
property.
- In addition, a new One challenge is An interim agreement should be
kennel inspection the RIU are not reached as to a kennel
process is to be trained to inspect inspection process, prior to the
developed; and will for welfare issues MAC’s recommendations to the
now be confirmed as their focus is on Minister.
once the outcomes integrity.
from a review of RIU to confirm their ability to
the RIU is known Concern that the conduct welfare inspections.
(as part of the RIU do not have
Messara Report resources or time
recommendations) to conduct welfare
. inspections.
03 NZGRA should - An education Positive steps GRNZ should continue to
continue to campaign for all made facilitating monitor gaps in effectively
encourage and new health and the training educating LP’s.
facilitate training welfare standards through QED
assessments and to was completed in Associates and QED Associates are due to
publish educational October 2018. This publishing complete their scoping project
materials for included educational for GRNZ mid-March 2019. They
trainers with workshops, articles materials. LP’s are also in discussion with the
particular emphasis and other have been critical two equine Codes.
5on generating educational of the short lead
awareness of the material being time associated Development of educational
new welfare distributed to LPs. with GRNZ programmes should involve the
standards. - Additional implementing new New Zealand Qualifications
campaigns will Rules of Racing, Authority (NZQA). Any cost
follow. QED however this was effectiveness should be
Associates have due to meeting explored. Programmes should
been contracted to animal welfare be recognised through Unit
a scoping project requirements set Standards or Micro-credentials.
with the objective by MPI.
of developing an
overarching
training and
education program
with qualifications
unique to each
level of licensing
(e.g. Handler,
Breeder, Trainer).
04 Steps should be - The new GRNZ Originally the GRNZ should complete the
taken to ensure Vaccination Policy requirement to platform for recording and
that the was approved and prove vaccinations accessing vaccination details for
vaccinations of communicated to had been each greyhound by August 2019
greyhounds remain LPs prior to being administered was
current by put in place 1 at 4 months old Vaccination certificates are
requiring proof of August 2018. only. currently manually entered into
vaccinations on - The process the system. Options for
registration for including This enforcement should be
naming and vaccination books recommendation is explored, RIU could do spot
thereafter annually are to be released not a change in the checks of vaccination cards at
and/or as a May 2019. This rules of racing, the racetrack.
condition of provides LPs time rather the
permission to race. to get all introduction of To enforce compliance GRNZ
vaccinations compliance should explore if nominations
up-to-date before monitoring by the can be linked to vaccinations
enforcement RIU. being up to date.
begins from 1
August 2019. From Lead times for LPs
this date to implement have
vaccinations will be been acceptable.
a criteria to
register a litter and A new platform for
to nominate to recording and
race. accessing
vaccination details
for each greyhound
is currently under
development and
will be in place
August 2019.
605 The NZGRA - Solution needs to GRNZ’s initial Implement checks to ensure ear
should consider be agreed by position was that branders are using local
whether it is Greyhounds they were keen to anaesthetic, while Greyhounds
necessary for ear Australasia and explore removing Australasia develop their policy.
branding to meet integrity ear branding. This
continue and, if it requirements has been held up
is, to require ear around by consensus not
branding to be identification. We being reached by
done under local have begun these Greyhounds
anaesthetic or discussions. Australasia (which
otherwise so as not - In the interim, GRNZ are
to cause pain to topical anaesthetic members).
puppies. cream has been
distributed to ear GRNZ have
branders for use on implemented the
all puppies since 1 use of local
October 2018. anaesthetic, which
is positive,
however there is
no mechanism in
place to ensure ear
branders are
following the
correct procedure,
or in fact using the
topical anaesthetic
cream at all.
19 NZGRA should - Post race injury Positive steps As is the process for the equine
give effect to the reporting rule in made in recording Codes and Australasia
recommendation in place as of 1 Greyhound Greyhound authorities, GRNZ
the WHK report to August 2018. statistics through utilises a self-reporting process
record the - A new platform the central for post-race injury or lameness.
veterinary care of for recording and database. This is Is an opportunity for GRNZ to
all greyhounds in a accessing segmented by lead the way in developing an
central database. vaccination details racetrack. improved system, less reliant on
for each greyhound self reporting, that others in the
is currently under Sue Walls (ex industry could follow?
development and NZRB) managing IT,
will be in place building and
August 2019. maintaining the
- A centralised database.
database is
considered difficult Race day and post
to achieve due to race injuries are
the inability of reported to and
veterinary clinics recorded by the
located nationwide Stipendiary
to share Steward(s). The
information on process of feeding
individual animals this information
(once presented)
7- GRNZ will ensure into the central
the database database works
includes more well.
information
regarding the
health stats of
individual
greyhounds.
Section 2 - Registry and Database
Hansen GRNZ Actions and Comments Recommended Actions Status
Recommendation response
06 The NZGRA - A new breeding Completed, new No further actions required
should introduce a female registry has register exists.
rule change to been established.
establish a - The new GRNZ
separate register of Registering a
breeding bitches, Breeding Female
to require Policy has been in
registration of a place since 1
brood bitch prior to August, which
service and for outlines the new
deregistration on regulations
ceasing to be used regarding number
for breeding of litters, age of
purposes. female and other
criteria that needs
to be met to
register and breed
a litter (eg
up-to-date
vaccinations and
health checks).
07 The NZGRA - An IT specialist Ensuring that a Data integrity has been of
should take steps was employed to robust database concern.
to ensure that its project manage existed was a key
database is database recommendation Significant achievements within
revamped so as to improvements in of the Hansen registry and database include:
ensure that April 2018. Report.
up-to-date, easily - Welfare (1) Updates to the
accessible and enhancements in GRNZ collect a deregistration process to
accurate the database to significant amount make it easier for
information is date include the of data, however owners and trainers.
available on every breeding female their current - Paper system to be
greyhound born in registry, recording system means they replaced by online
New Zealand or of service and have few options - Checks in place including
imported into New whelping to report this requirement for a vet
information, and information certificate, and details of
8Zealand until it is new de-registration (running reports, which agency the dog
deregistered. processes. GRNZ report templates has gone to
also completed etc). Database - GRNZ to educate LPs
implementing a currently used is how to use the new
system that Microsoft Access system, particularly
automatically 2007). those who continue to
checks that each LP use the old paper
has the correct GRNZ business deregistration system
licences for the partner is Sandfield
activity (e.g. who is building and (2) Breeding female register
breeding) for which hosting their - Strict criteria now exists
they want to database through before a breeding
participate. Spark Rivera. All of female can go to a vet
- Current GRNZ’s current for service
developments reporting is fed
either being scoped from the Sandfield GRNZ should take steps to
or underway database, including ensure industry takes up these
include: the Power BI new initiatives.
1) a new tracking software which
system that customised
automatically alerts dashboards to
GRNZ to report track
greyhounds that specific injury
have not raced information.
recently and
puppies registered, The new database
but not raced, that will be cloud based.
may need to be Stage one of this is
de-registered. now complete,
2) a new platform including the
for recording migration of
vaccination details on-track and race
of individual day administration
greyhounds. functions.
3) a wider, larger
database project
that includes the
database moving to
to a web-based
system, and
improved data
input and
management
processes and
procedures.
08 The NZGRA - The RIU These issues No further actions required,
should verify the completed a around accuracy measures in place to ensure
accuracy of its nationwide census, measures have accuracy of database.
database by: a) micro scanning all been completed.
Making provision greyhounds on LP
for the RIU to properties.
9report on the dogs - Re-licensing forms GRNZ have worked
present in each include a hard to account for
kennel in the declaration of the the number of
course of annual number of ‘missing’ dogs.
kennel inspections greyhounds on the
and by updating its property. Accounting for 89%
database - The annual of missing dogs is
accordingly; b) process of kennel extremely positive.
Requiring trainers inspections will
to provide a return also include a
of all dogs in their report on
kennels when greyhounds
relicensing; c) present at each
Agreeing that kennel.
thereafter the RIU - 89% of 1,271
audit the dogs greyhounds
recorded as reported as
present in kennels ‘missing’ in the
at the time of its database are now
annual inspection. accounted for. A
breakdown of
these numbers was
presented in the
Fourth Quarterly
Hansen Update.
- 11% of the 1,271
greyhounds were
unable to be
accounted for due
to incomplete
information
received from the
LP or some LPs
being
uncontactable.
09 The - Database GRNZ’s GRNZ needs to determine when
recommendation enhancements deregistration their ‘responsibility’ ends, ie is
of WHK that audits around new database now this after the first phone call to a
of greyhounds de-registration exists. private owner?
registered as processes now
privately rehomed enable the capture GRNZ contact all How does GRNZ work within the
should be of private new private ‘all-of-life’ cycle of a greyhound.
performed to verify rehoming owners to check if
their whereabouts information. they (1) have taken Ensure GRNZ’s re-homing
should be acted on. -Every new owner possession of their database remains up to date.
adopting a dog and (2) how
greyhound through the rehoming
private rehoming is process is going for
now called for them
verification.
10- All greyhounds When an LP adopts
privately rehomed a dog the RIU is
have been followed following up with
up on since August similar checks.
2018.
11 NZGRA should - We have formally Despite a Should the reclassification of
take steps to requested the comprehensive greyhounds be unsuccessful via
ensure that reclassification of approach including central government, this could
greyhound owners greyhounds as a suggested draft be approached as a local
comply with their working dog as part legislation for the government compliance issue.
obligations under of creating a change), it is However, it would require
the general law National Register. unlikely the individual territorial authorities
including by We have done this request for to be approached.
requiring proof of with the reclassification of
registration with a responsible greyhounds as GRNZ should continue to work
territorial authority Minister and the ‘working dogs’ will with NZRB Public Affairs’ Team
as a condition of Ministerial be successful to try and advance the central
registration for Advisory through central government approach.
naming and checks Committee government.
on race day to overseeing the
ensure that Messara Report.
registration is - We are awaiting
up-to-date. the outcome of
these change
requests.
- If these requests
are unsuccessful,
then we will be
faced with
undertaking a local
authority by local
authority process.
Section 3 - Track Safety
Hansen GRNZ Actions and Comments Recommended Actions Status
Recommendation response
17 NZGRA should In place from Restrictions removed. Recommendation completed
remove restrictions December 2017.
on the inclusion in
the steward’s
report of
information
relating to
euthanasia at
racetracks.
1118 Trainers should - The post race Race day and post As per recommendation #19
be required to injury reporting race injuries are the current requirement is to
report injuries to rule was put in reported to and self-report post-race injury or
greyhounds that place as of 1 recorded by the lameness.
occur or are August 2018. Stipendiary
detected outside - Systems have Steward(s). The The success of self-reporting
the racetrack. been updated in process of feeding this remains an issue in New
the database to information (once Zealand, as it is in Australia
allow recording of presented) into the where the same process
post race injuries. central database exists. Despite the
- An education works well. operational challenges of
campaign will be options other than self
undertaken to reporting, GRNZ should
ensure compliance. review this process.
Post race injury or lameness
need tighter control.
20 NZGRA should - Injury trends are GRNZ have made GRNZ’s approach is sound.
continue with its being monitored excellent progress at
program of track by track. improving safety at Greater visibility and use of
improving safety at - Expert track racetracks. dashboards providing safety
racetracks inspections were data is positive.
including: a) undertaken in There is also greater
Undertaking or October 2018. visibility over injury GRNZ should consider:
promoting further - A track design and information through
research into the injury prevention the use of PowerBI - Implementing the
causes of death workshop was held report dashboards. extended lure arm at
and injury including at GRNZ’s annual all NZ racetracks
into possible conference in Highlights include: (based on a
explanations for October 2018. 1. Consulting successful trial at
differences in - GRNZ are funding with leading Addington)
casualty rates a Massey PhD track curators - Further refinement of
between race student to in Australia. injury data in
tracks. b) The investigate risk 2. Having an reporting
completion of trials factors related to academic - Repeating 6 dog field
on the positioning track injuries, from the trials with a view of
of the lure and including frequency University of testing impact on
giving effect to any of racing. Technology betting turnover
changes - Research results and Science in - Introducing a
recommended as a reported reduced Sydney who national track curator
result. c) injuries using an inspect and (could be a part-time,
Investigating the extended lure arm, advise on or contract role).
introduction of therefore the GRNZ’s Despite the
straight tracks. extended arm is strategic difference in track
being introduced at racetracks surfaces, explore if
Addington in 3. Analysing and this could be a shared
February 2019 changing resource between
prior to further roll racing the codes
out across all surfaces to a
tracks. sand base Australia is currently trialling
that retains a whether a straight track is
12- Research results greater any safer than a well
reported reduced amount of designed oval track. This
congestion and water information should be made
reduced on track (Addington) available to Greyhounds
euthanasia rates 4. Box start Australasia.
with 6 dog fields, positions
therefore 6 dog moved to
field trials will be reduce sprint
undertaken in injuries
February 2019 at (Manawatu)
Addington. 5. Extended lure
- Trials at the arm trialled at
Manawatu Addington
Greyhound track, (assists to
where the 375m keep dogs off
start was moved to the rail)
a 410m start, 6. Six dog fields
resulted in a trialled
decrease in injuries (Addington)
and is now the new GRNZ have
permanent sprint approached the above
distance for trials strategically,
Manawatu. ensuring each change
- Analysis of injury is trailed
rates at straight independently.
tracks in Australia
will determine
opportunities in
NZ.
Section 4 - Dog Tracking, De-registration and Euthanasia
Hansen GRNZ Actions and Comments Recommended Actions Status
Recommendation response
10 NZGRA should - It is already a GRNZ are currently GRNZ is currently scoping In
give consideration requirement for a scoping this options to explore the desexing Scope
to requiring the greyhound to be recommendation. of privately rehomed
de-sexing of desexed when greyhounds, which is positive.
greyhounds as a going through All dogs rehomed This should continue with the
condition of GRNZ rehoming through an agency goal of having greater control
deregistration. partners. (ie, GAP or over the rehoming process for
- GRNZ are scoping Nightrave) are all greyhounds.
options to enable desexed prior to
the ease and being placed with
implementation of new owners.
desexing all
privately rehomed There is no control
greyhounds. over privately
rehomed
13- The introduction greyhounds, (eg,
of this policy will be when a greyhound
aligned with our moves from a
new rehoming trainer direct to an
framework, as we owner, or when
will have more trainers or owners
control over the keep their dog(s) as
rehoming process pets).
for all greyhounds.
12 NZGRA should - A comprehensive An automated GRNZ should advance the work
ensure that from series of system for within the central database
registration as a communications deregistration is project to automate the
puppy or following were undertaken ideal. deregistration process for
importation into with LPs educated trainers and owners (currently
New Zealand until in regards to Changes to the this process includes completing
deregistration de-registration deregistration a hardcopy form and sending
every greyhound is obligations and the process have been this to GRNZ). Mandatory fields
tracked in its rules including communicated should be included to ensure
database. This will puppies, unraced through GRNZ’s GRNZ collect all information
include: a) Making greyhounds and monthly magazine required to effectively
clear, if need be by greyhounds they ‘OnTrack’ and deregister the animal and track
a rule change, that keep as pets. through Advisories its rehoming options.
the obligation to - A new rule on the GRNZ
deregister applies requiring all website. Consider the introduction of
to every greyhounds to be penalties for LPs for
greyhound, not just in the care and on non-compliance to
those registered the premises of a deregistration obligations.
for naming. b) LP has been
Introducing a rule passed, and was The ability for the database to
change to ensure effective 1 August provide automated alerts, ie, for
that a registered 2018. non-racing dogs, is positive.
greyhound is at all - GRNZ have
times kept in planned Certain communications to
licensed premises improvements to owners and trainers appear to
in the care and their database to be provided, but not ‘pushed’
control of a introduce an out to LPs through digital
licensed person. c) automated alert for channels. Despite the
Rigorously greyhounds not demographic and psychographic
monitoring raced for a given make-up of this stakeholder
compliance with period of time and group, GRNZ should consider
registration and any puppies not utilising digital channels to
deregistration registered to race complement their existing
obligations once they reach channels.
including by racing age for
follow-up action follow up, which
when non- will be put in place
compliance is in the 2019/20
suspected and by season.
the checks to be
undertaken in the
14course of kennel
inspections.
13 NZGRA should - GRNZ have passed Taking the onus/ The rehoming policy must
introduce a rule a rule that allows decision around precede this rule change.
change to require them to establish a euthanasia off the
approval before a policy on owner is a positive Implement the rehoming policy,
dog is euthanised. euthanasia move. This will then introduce the rle change.
This will include an pre-approval. ensure every dog
assessment of - The introduction comes through
whether the animal of this policy will be GRNZ for
is suitable for aligned with assessment.
rehoming. GRNZ’s rehoming
framework, as they
will have increased
capacity and more
control over the
rehoming process
for all greyhounds.
14 The NZGRA - There were an Excellent progress Continue to develop and
should continue extra 303 C1 grade made. implement initiatives within this
efforts to expand sprint races in the space. There is a link to greater
racing 2016/17 season This is a ‘living’ returns to owners, with an
opportunities and and an extra 529 recommendation. extension of racing careers
extend the racing races in 2018/19. (while considering welfare
careers of - Collaborations concerns).
greyhounds. with Australia on
track Refer to recommendation #20
improvements and for detailed progress related to
new initiatives, track safety and other welfare
including analysis initiatives.
of straight tracks,
will continue and
will determine the
best options for NZ.
15 NZGRA should - GRNZ increased GRNZ have Genuine attempts to improve
continue to rehoming funding multiple streams of rehoming with multiple activity
increase rehoming by 60% in the work underway is positive.
opportunities for 2017/18 season. within rehoming,
greyhounds while - The Levin with multiple Rehoming deals with the
recognising that property upgrade is rehoming partners quantity of Greyhounds
rehoming alone in the final stage of (ie, not just GAP). currently in existence. Despite
cannot solve the completion and has GRNZ having discussions with
problems created increased capacity breeders to discuss reducing the
by excessive to 60 kennels, number of litters, does the
numbers of allowing for GRNZ Board have the appetite
greyhounds anticipated growth. to control breeding to assist the
entering the - Framework for rehoming programme?
industry each year. GRNZ’s nationwide
rehoming program
is underway. They
aim to have key
15elements of the
new model tested
from April 2019,
with the full model
in place by 1
August 2019.
- Great Mates
Prison Program
successfully trialled
at Rimutaka Prison
and is now a
permanent
program.
Discussions
underway to
extend the
program to other
prisons.
16 NZGRA should - A modelling tool Modelling tool will GRNZ Board to decide how they
continue to has been assist the accuracy further regulate the number of
develop the means developed and of current greyhounds bred and/or
of making accurate ongoing estimations imported into New Zealand.
projections of refinements will be
future made to it.
requirements for - GRNZ have a cap
greyhounds and by of 20 greyhounds
education or, if (max five per
necessary, training facility) per
regulation ensure month that can be
that the numbers imported into NZ.
of greyhounds bred - GRNZ have
and/or imported conducted
do not exceed the meetings with large
requirements of breeders to discuss
the industry having reducing the
regard to the number of litters.
capacity to rehome - GRNZ’s new
greyhounds who Health and Welfare
do not race or Standards include a
cease racing. reduction in litters
a breeding female
can have from
seven to three, and
a reduction in the
maximum age they
can be bred, from
eight to six years of
age.
165. Recommendations
Management recommends the Board NOTE the recommended actions for GRNZ as part of the
ongoing activity against the review on welfare issues affecting Greyhound racing in New Zealand.
Hansen Summary of Recommended Actions
Report Rec #
01 Continue to monitor compliance to new standards
02 Agree an interim measure with the RIU for annual kennel inspections prior to
MAC’s final report to the Minister
03 Continue to monitor gaps in the education of LPs. Consider involving NZQA in the
development of such programmes, including offering Unit Standards and / or
Micro-credentials
04 Annual vaccination of Greyhounds needs to be compliance monitored. Explore
whether RIU could do spot checks of vaccination cards at racetracks.
Non-compliance to vaccination policies could be linked to nominations
05 Implement checks to ensure era-branders are using local anaesthetic while
Greyhounds Australasia decides on ear-branding policy
18 & 19 Explore options to improve the current self-reporting requirement for post-race
injuries
11 Work with NZRB Public Affairs team to advance the central government approach
to reclassifying greyhounds as ‘working dogs’
20 Based on a successful trial at Addington, implement the extended lure arm
nationally. Repeat the Super 6 (six dog trial) to understand impact on training.
Explore the viability of a national track curator role.
10 Continue to scope options to desex privately rehomed greyhounds
12 Consider the introduction of penalties for LPs for non-compliance to the updated
deregistration process. Consider whether an enhance digital communications
plan could complement current channels
13 Implement the rehoming policy, then introduce the rule change which ensures
GRNZ have a greater involvement in the decision to euthanise a dog
15 GRNZ Board should consider whether it has any appetite to control breeding
numbers
176. Next steps - the year ahead
In the next 12 months we expect GRNZ to complete the scoping work currently underway exploring
the options of desexing privately rehomed greyhounds (eg, when a greyhound moves from a
trainer direct to an owner, or when trainers or owners keep their dog(s) as pets.
The work ensuring the integrity of database within the cloud based database has been significant.
This should be completed over the next 12 months to capture the data associated with operational
and policy improvements.
The trial of various track safety initiatives, trialled independently of each other, will inform the case
for implementation nationally.
GRNZ are well positioned to enter year 2 of their 3 year plan and meet or exceed all
recommendations in the Hansen report.
187. Appendix 1 - Terms of Reference
The terms of reference of the inquiry were as follows:
To review animal welfare standards currently applying to greyhound racing in New Zealand and the
level of compliance with these standards, having regard to recommendations of previous inquiries
into greyhound racing. The review was to include but not limited to the policies and compliance
practice of Greyhound Racing New Zealand in relation to animal welfare and was expected to:
● Identify and recommend changes to current standards and practices required in order to
improve greyhound welfare.
● Evaluate the policy, registration, record keeping and systems relating to the welfare,
breeding, racing and life cycle tracking of greyhounds bred in New Zealand and imported
into New Zealand.
● Consider the best practice to be followed in the management of the welfare of greyhounds
through their racing and retirement including but not limited to socialisation of greyhounds,
preparation of greyhounds for retirement, and the adoption as pets process.
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