A new code of practice for keeping and breeding greyhounds in the ACT has come into effect.
Announcing the code, Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said that with the ban on greyhound racing and trialling in the ACT having taken effect, the code outlined key obligations for the breeding, training and ownership of racing greyhounds.
“Key features of the code include standards around nutrition, health management, housing and environment, exercise, socialisation and enrichment, breeding, education and training, transport, and for the retirement and rehoming of racing greyhounds,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“The ACT Government has committed that ownership, breeding and training of greyhounds for racing outside the ACT will be able to continue on the basis that it is at no cost to the broader ACT community.”
She said the code was developed in consultation with the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, the RSPCA, greyhound welfare organisations and industry participants, including interstate racing authorities.
“Stakeholder feedback was received on a wide range of issues, ranging from comments around minimum kennel sizes to detailed requirements for retirement and rehoming of racing greyhounds,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Once the code has been in place for a 12 month period a formal review will take place to ensure it is helping achieve positive welfare changes in the various stages of a racing greyhound’s life.”
The 32-page Code of Practice can be accessed at this PS News link.
