The NSW state government has called an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) to examine complaints about governance and operations, track safety and animal welfare issues.
The NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) will be led by experienced mediator and investigator The Honorable Lea Drake as Acting Commissioner and follows the release of a “handover report” by former Greyhound Racing chief veterinary officer Alex Brittan which outlined serious allegations of misconduct.
Specifically, the report claimed that dogs were being raced at a “barbaric” intensity, that the number of dogs being re-homed were inflated and that some dogs were locked in metal cages.
According to details released by the government on Thursday, the GWIC will cover issues including greyhound welfare and the care of greyhounds by GRNSW, including adoption and rehoming programs; GRNSW processes and management, including procurement and recruitment practices; GRNSW reporting and accuracy in relation to greyhounds; and GRNSW management’s response to complaints or concerns about organizational and workplace culture and conduct.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has also promised to refer serious allegations where appropriate to the relevant authorities for consideration, and to ask the inquiry to conduct a separate review of claims about the operation of a GRNSW’s rehoming facility in Wyee, north of Sydney, following concerns about the treatment of greyhounds housed there.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity,” said Harris. “It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards.
“I take these various concerns about GRNSW very seriously and this inquiry, using the full investigative powers of GWIC, will conduct a thorough and wide-ranging review of all relevant issues.
“Ms Drake is eminently qualified to lead this inquiry. Further details about the inquiry, its procedures and conduct of hearings will be made in due course. The Acting Commissioner is to report back to me by 13 December 2024.
“The NSW Government will continue to work with GRNSW and industry participants to ensure the viability and longevity of the industry in NSW and to make it the best it can be.”
GRNSW CEO Rob Macauley stepped down from his role on Tuesday after the “handover report” was made public. The industry had previously promised to clean up its act following similarly damning revelations about greyhound racing in NSW were made public in 2016.
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