Health and Welfare
The well-being of our greyhounds is of the utmost importance and concern to GRNZ. Their care and well-being are crucial to our future, we understand this and so do our participants.To view the latest injury prevention strategy presentation, click here.
For educational videos on how to care for your greyhound, click here.
To view the 2022 GRNZ Animal Welfare Workshop video, click here.
To report an integrity issue, call the anonymous RIB Integrity Line - 0508 742 123
To view the GRNZ Kennel Handbook, click here.
Useful Documents:
GRNZ Health & Welfare FAQs:
Q: What is the GRNZ approach to the health and welfare of greyhounds?
A: In addition to the animal welfare concepts of the "Five Freedoms" and the more recent "Five Domains" GRNZ recognizes that dogs are sentient, which means they can feel pain and distress; and experience other emotions, both positive and negative. All those experiences are important to the dogs and it matters to us as a society how animals are treated. GRNZ is working to ensure that all greyhounds do have a good life.
Q: Who does GRNZ consult with about greyhound health and welfare?
A: GRNZ consults with the GRNZ Health and Welfare committee which has an independent chair who is a retired veterinarian. The committee includes other veterinarians, one member from the Racing Integrity Unit and other stakeholders.
Q: How are Injury, Illness & Disease managed?
A: Sections 8 and 9 of the Health and Welfare Standards cover Injury, Illness & Disease Prevention and Care and in the posters available below.
Q: How is veterinary care provided to New Zealand greyhounds?
A: Section 8.5 of the Health and Welfare Standards requires that every trainer maintains a relationship with a local veterinarian. One of the veterinarians appointed by the Racing Integrity Unit is present at every race meeting.
Q: What does GRNZ do to ensure that greyhounds are transported safely?
A: Transportation within New Zealand is covered in section 6 of the Health and Welfare Standards and the Transportation of Greyhounds Policy. These build on the regulations under the Animal Welfare Act and the Transport within New Zealand Code of Welfare (issued 1 October 2018) by NAWAC. The RIB inspects vehicles used to carry greyhounds.
Q: How does GRNZ control breeding in New Zealand greyhounds?
A: Breeding is covered in section 7 of the Health and Welfare Standards, specified in the GRNZ Registering a Breeding Female Policy, and in the posters available below. All greyhounds are recorded in the GRNZ database. All greyhounds are de-sexed before rehoming.
Messages and Policies from the Racing Integrity Board
For RIB enforced policies, please visit our Rules and Policies page.
Sharp Toenails AdvisoryThe Hansen Report
In October 2017, Rodney Hansen CNZM QC, delivered a report on the state of Animal Welfare standards as they then applied to the industry in New Zealand (‘the Hansen Report’). The report was commissioned by the New Zealand Racing Board and intended to assist both the Board and GRNZ in assessing progress in the industry and opportunities for improvement. The report contained 20 recommendations which were accepted by GRNZ and incorporated into our current and ongoing work programme.
Not everything can be achieved at once but even the Hansen Report itself makes clear that we have 'made a genuine and determined commitment to improving Greyhound welfare across the board'.
We are committed to providing quarterly updates on our progress on the recommendations in the Hansen Report.
Health and Welfare Standards
Health and Welfare Standards (also referred to as the GRNZ Welfare Code or Code of Welfare) - Effective from 1 August 2018
Clarification: The sizes referred to in the Facility Design Standards (2.3 - 2.5 inclusive) and Breeding (Standard 7.2) apply only to new build and refurbishments.
Socialisation and Rehoming Poster |
Injury, Illness & Disease Prevention and Care Poster |
