Introduction of Track Injury Surgery Rebate Scheme
Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) is committed to ensuring that animal welfare remains the central consideration in all of its decision-making. As part of that commitment, the Track Injury Surgery Rebate Scheme is being introduced in South Australia to financially assist participants in relation to the veterinary repair of major race track injuries.
From 7th November 2016, GRSA will provide reimbursement for 80% of surgery costs for the repair of major injuries sustained in the running of the approximately 3,800 races conducted annually around the state (up to a maximum of $1,200 plus GST).
Major injuries eligible for the scheme are defined in the official policy, with the oncourse veterinarian making the final determination on the eligibility for the rebate on a case-by-case basis. The Steward in charge of the meeting will manage this process by ensuring adherance to GRSA’s official policy and related procedures.
In addition to the financial reimbursement, greyhounds taking part in the scheme will be granted priority entry into the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP), after a mandatory rehabilitation period with the owner or trainer.
It is hoped that the scheme provides participants with greater certainty when deciding the future of a greyhound injured at the races. Whilst the incidence of greyhounds suffering major injuries on South Australian tracks is rare, GRSA continues to seek strategies to (a) minimise the number of major injuries, and (b) provide an ethically responsible outcome whenever these injuries do occur.
Click here to read the policy.