Dogs Trust is disappointed at the Government’s failure to accept amendments to the Animal Welfare Bill on greyhound racing. We strongly believe that self-regulation in an independent industry has not, and will not work in practice and will continue to campaign for statutory regulation of the whole industry based on codes of practice to make sure that breeders/owners/trainers are responsible for their progeny from the cradle to the grave.
 
The sport's national bodies (British Greyhound Racing Board and National Greyhound Racing Club) are members of The Greyhound Forum which is chaired by Dogs Trust Chief Executive Clarissa Baldwin. This Forum drew up the Charter and Code of Best Practice for the Racing Greyhound that was launched at Westminster in 2002. The Forum – whose members also include representatives from Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross and the RSPCA – meet on a regular basis. They are currently updating the Charter to make sure it will sit easily with the forthcoming Animal Welfare Act – when it is passed – and be accepted as the Code of Practice that underpins this section of the Animal Welfare Act.
 
The Charter for the Racing Greyhound

- The registered owner and or keeper of a greyhound should take full responsibility for the physical and mental well being of the greyhound and should do so with full regard to the dog’s future welfare.

- All greyhounds should be permanently identified, properly registered and relevant records kept by the owner and or keeper.

- All greyhounds should be fully vaccinated by a Veterinary Surgeon and provided with a current Certificate of Vaccination.

- All greyhounds must be provided with suitable food and accommodation and have unrestricted access to clean fresh water.

- Adequate arrangements must be made to allow for exercise and socialisation.

- Breeding and Rearing – over-production of greyhounds through indiscriminate breeding must be avoided. Where a racing greyhound is bred from, the long term welfare of the bitch and puppies must be paramount.

- Training must be conducted so as to safeguard the long term welfare of the dog.

- Where destruction is inevitable, greyhounds should be euthanased humanely by the intravenous injection of a suitable drug administered under the supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon.

- When transported all greyhounds should do so in safety and comfort.

- All tracks should appoint a member of staff responsible for animal welfare.

- A supervising Veterinary Surgeon must be present whenever greyhounds are raced at tracks.

- Tracks and kennels must be designed and maintained to ensure the highest welfare standards for the racing greyhound.

- Greyhounds must only race if passed fit by a Veterinary Surgeon immediately prior to racing.

- Greyhounds must be entitled to receive emergency veterinary care if injured.

- Drugs which may affect the performance of a greyhound when racing should not be permitted.

- The Industry must endeavour to ensure that all racecourses have a properly funded home-finding scheme for retired greyhounds in operation. Such schemes should work closely with other welfare and charitable bodies seeking to find good homes for ex-racing greyhounds.