As one of the assessors for Lord Donoughue’s independent review, I am pleased that the long awaited report into the Regulation of the Greyhound Industry has now been published.  I am sure the next few weeks will see a flurry of activity with differing views on what is, and what is not, included in the 150 page report. 

There will undoubtedly be those who think it is the answer to the future of greyhound racing and others that feel it has not been as revolutionary as they had hoped and expected.

Having come to the end I can now say that I feel privileged to have been invited to join the review team to promote welfare.  When first invited, I recognised that this could well be a poisoned chalice, and that I would have to battle for every morsel of welfare content.   It soon became clear that the reverse was to be true. 

Appreciating that Lord Donoughue had been asked to look at the regulation of the sport, he was also only too well aware of the negative publicity surrounding the Seaham disaster and, as a dog lover himself, was keen to incorporate as many welfare aspects as was appropriate to ensure there was no repeat of the very damaging and widespread condemnation of the sport.   

I didn’t win every battle but I do believe that the most important elements have been included. 

Welfare organisations have long requested statutory regulation – this was because of the historic and inherent distrust of the industry, and one that has been ongoing for many years.   There has, I believe, been a general acceptance that the industry has begun to put more effort into welfare standards and enforcement of their rules. 

However, Ireland is an area where I believe a great deal more work has to be completed.  Lord Donoughue has suggested that governments and officials from both sides of the Irish Sea must get together to try to bring excess breeding under control, and this has my wholehearted support.

Also, I did not support or fight for a welfare body to be represented on the main Board.  I thought long and hard about this, but believe we are better served being on the outside with a better opportunity to lobby when required.  The welfare side should be well supported by veterinarians on the Board.

On a more positive note, the registration from ear marking (at 12/15 weeks) of all greyhounds will enable the protection of dogs through to their “proper” retirement -  backed by robust IT systems, and enforced by a single Regulator will do untold good for the many (we believe) thousands of greyhounds who go “missing” each year.

Breeders and trainers inspected and licensed will undoubtedly add an extra dimension to protect the greyhound.

There are many other measures included in the report which are positive in terms of welfare, but one last recommendation is to encourage the industry to carry out research, there is a paucity of knowledge on some very fundamental issues such as tracks/ their maintenance/safe transport/propitious age to start racing/statistics on injuries.  All these could give added comfort and protection to this majestic and beautiful breed.

I commend the Report and hope most sincerely that the Industry pick it up, implement the recommendations and enforce them just as swiftly as possible