Tasracing and the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry have committed to working towards fully rehoming all racing greyhounds by 1 July 2019.
Tasracing interim chief executive officer Mark Tarring said that Greyhound Adoption Program and the greyhound industry fully endorsed the principles as set down by the RSPCA’s euthanasia policy.
“Every healthy dog will be rehomed unless prevented by unavoidable health, behavioural or legislative reasons,” he said.
Industry participants will be expected to apply these principles when a dog is retired from the industry at any stage during its life cycle and will be accountable for adherence to the policy, to the independent Office of Racing Integrity in Tasmania.
“Tasracing and industry representatives are on the public record stating that the industry in Tasmania was well advanced in terms of introducing reforms,” Mr Tarring said.
“The fully rehoming policy decision is another example of this, which is a key part of the national reform agenda.”
Mr Tarring said Tasracing had previously stated that it wanted to see an industry where every greyhound had every opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling life after racing.
“Tasracing has introduced a number of key reforms that support this position,” he said.
“These include the abolition of breeding incentives, the introduction of strict guidelines for breeding females and mandatory education units for licensed participants.”
“We have also introduced masters racing for older greyhounds and pathways racing for greyhounds of all abilities.”