Reminder of new local Rule introduction 1 May 2018
Greyhound Rehoming Obligations resulting in new Local Rules
GRSA has a fundamental responsibility to ensure full rehoming of greyhounds and we have committed to that outcome being delivered. As of 1 May 2018, GRSA will introduce Local Rules ensuring every greyhound in this state has the opportunity to be rehomed. As a result, the only acceptable reasons for euthanising a greyhound in South Australia will be because of serious injury, serious illness, by court order or because of an unsuitable temperament for rehoming (as identified by GAPSA).
In order to accommodate all greyhounds, GAPSA has made significant progress in terms of GAP resourcing, reduced waiting times for foster care and the subsidy for greyhounds on the waiting list beyond six weeks. Testing opportunities have been increased in all parts of the state. Participants have seen these positive changes rolling out for some time. This preparation means that whilst an increase in the number of greyhounds requiring assessment is expected to increase, GRSA is ready to implement the new Rules and be able to ensure all participants are able to comply with the requirements. The impact upon assessment and availability and waiting times will be monitored and resourcing adjusted as required.
GRSA participants should take pride from the fact that our state holds animal welfare at the highest standard and requires, expects and encourages all participants to take responsibility for their greyhounds – during and after racing. Our approach to rehoming is the foundation from which the SA industry can move forward with confidence and respect.
In an effort to provide information about the Local Rules, a number of Frequently Asked Questions have been addressed below:
Q: Why are these Local Rules necessary?
A: GRSA has a fundamental obligation to every greyhound to ensure that it has the opportunity to be rehomed.
Q: What does this mean for me?
A: A majority of industry participants have been doing the right thing and have been rehoming their greyhounds – either through GAP or third parties. If you have been doing
this, then it won’t affect you.
Q: I have always attempted to rehome my greyhounds with owners or third parties. Can I continue to do this?
A: Absolutely! This is so important and a large number of greyhounds find suitable homes post-racing through the hard work of Trainers and Owners. These numbers contribute
to a significant number of rehomed greyhounds.
Q: If my greyhound has been rehomed to a third party, does it need to be GAP assessed?
A: No – we trust Trainers and Owners to ensure they are responsibly rehoming greyhounds to suitable homes. However, we would always encourage the new owner to contact
GAP to consider options for obtaining a green collar.
GRSA regularly contacts the new owner of a greyhound which has been retired through a Trainer or Owner as part of its broader tracking requirement. This also gives the
opportunity for feedback about the interaction during the rehoming and information about how the greyhound is settling in to their new home.
Q: I am a Trainer. Can I keep my greyhound as a pet myself?
A: Absolutely! The greyhound does not need to be assessed for GAP. Please lodge a Notification of Retirement form within ten (10) working days of the retirement.
Q: I want to retire a female greyhound for breeding. Does she need GAP tested to become a breeding female?
A: No – lodge a Notification of Retirement within ten working days of the retirement. You would then need to apply for a Pink Card which will register her as a breeding female.
Q: What if I have an unraced, unnamed greyhound which will not be suitable for racing? What are my options?
A: The greyhound can be rehomed to a third party. If this is not an option, the greyhound must be assessed by GAP – this will give direction on whether it is suitable to be rehomed
by GAP.
Q: What if my greyhound has a serious injury or illness and it needs urgent medical treatment?
A: Your first responsibility is to ensure the greyhound has appropriate veterinary treatment. If in the opinion of the treating Veterinarian that the greyhound injury or illness is so severe
that it is in the best interests of the greyhound for it to be euthanised, then this is an acceptable reason. A veterinary certificate of euthanasia (with information detailing the injury or
illness) must be provided to GRSA with the prescribed Notification of Euthansed Greyhound form. GRSA will follow-up with the Veterinarian for more information, if necessary.
Q: How long does my greyhound have to stopped racing for before it can be assessed by GAP?
A: A greyhound must have not raced for a period of ten (10) days before being assessed.
Q: My greyhound is aggressive and I know it won’t pass GAP. Can I just get it euthanised?
A: No. We all have an obligation as part of the greyhound racing industry to ensure every greyhound is given an opportunity to be rehomed. The greyhound is required to be tested by
GAP to assess its suitability for rehoming.
Q: What if my greyhound fails its GAP assessment?
A: The success rate of passing assessments are high. For the small number of greyhounds that fail the testing, GAP staff will provide the Trainer with paperwork detailing the fail.
Once in receipt of this paperwork, the Trainer and Owner have the option to euthanise the greyhound without breaching GRSA Rules. A Notification of Euthanased Greyhound form,
a Vet Certificate of Euthanasia and the GAP paperwork must be submitted to GRSA within two (2) working days.
Q: What if GAPSA advises me at the first assessment that the greyhound needs to come back for further assessment?
A: The greyhound must then be presented for reassessment. If a greyhound has failed the first assessment but the GAP assessors/staff have indicated the greyhound should be
represented, this must be done in accordance with the timeframe indicated. GAPSA will provide a realistic timeframe for reassessment.
During this period, GAP will provide information on how to work with the greyhound to prepare it for success at its second assessment.
Q: What are my options when a greyhound fails its second GAP assessment?
A: On the second fail, GAPSA will advise the Trainer in writing of the greyhound’s unsuitability to be rehomed through the program. The Trainer and Owner will have the option to
euthanise the greyhound on behavioural grounds.
Q: What if I can’t get an assessment with GAP? Can I euthanise my greyhound?
A: No – you will be committing a breach of the Rules.
Q: What if I choose to euthanise a healthy greyhound without going through the process as specified?
A: The matter will be referred to GRSA Stewards as you may have breached either Local or National Rules. The matter will likely result in a Stewards inquiry. Strong action has been
taken in other states for participants who have failed to comply with similar rules – including disqualification of licenses.
Q: The owners told me to euthanise a fit and healthy greyhound as they don’t want to put it through GAP. What do I do?
A: A direction of that nature from the owner does not circumvent the requirement to rehome. The Rules state that the Responsible Person is the person who has the care, custody and
control of the greyhound. The Trainer will be required, as well as the Owner, to ensure they comply with the relevant Rules.
Q: I have been asked to provide more information in relation to the euthanasia of a greyhound. Do I have to?
A: The GRSA Integrity department monitors the euthanasia rate and reasons for all registered participants. On occasions, participants will be asked for more information or evidence in
relation to reasons for a euthanasia of a greyhound. Sometimes this is asked to be provided in a Statutory declaration. If you have been directed to provide this information and fail
to do so, you may be in breach of GRSA Rules and your licensing conditions.
Q: Does GRSA have the right to order an autopsy on a euthanised or deceased greyhound?
A: Stewards can order an autopsy, if they believe it is warranted.
Q: Have the timeframes in relation to the reporting of retirement and euthanasia changed?
A: No – the Controlling Body must be notified within ten (10) working days of a retirement and two (2) working days of a euthanasia.
Q: Where do I find a copy of the new Local Rules in relation to Greyhound Rehoming Obligations?
A: A copy is on the GRSA website under Integrity – Rules and Policies. As of 1 May 2018, an updated Rulebook will be available on the website or at GRSA. Information will also be
distributed during kennel inspections.
Q: Who should I contact at GRSA to find out more information?
A: Any member of the Animal Welfare team on 8243 7100 or [email protected]
Click here to access Local Rules