Unburied dogs spark welfare code review

22 October 2013

Media Release

Unburied dogs spark welfare code review

Greyhound Racing New Zealand is reviewing an amendment to its dog welfare code after a case of “disrespectful” treatment of the bodies of deceased dogs.

Jim Leach, General Manager of GRNZ, said the organisation had been shown images taken on the property of a trainer, in which three dogs euthanized by a vet had been left partially cremated and unburied, possibly for some days.

“The treatment of the dogs’ bodies was sloppy and disrespectful – it is not the way our sport should treat its heroes,” Mr Leach said.

Mr Leach said no New Zealand animal welfare laws or GRNZ rules had been broken in the manner of the dogs’ death and disposal. The Racing Integrity Unit has visited the property, and reported that all dogs at the facility are in excellent health and treated well.

“The incident does not reflect the racing industry’s attitude to greyhounds, nor the attitude of this particular trainer, so we are extremely disappointed.

“This has raised a question of disposition of dog’s bodies for the first time. We are investigating whether we can set out best practice in our new welfare code.

“The Racing Integrity Unit is visiting training facilities across the country to ascertain existing practices. After that, we will consider how we adapt the Welfare Code,” Mr Leach said.

The three dogs were euthanized at the farm by a vet on the instructions of their owner. A water-logged grave forced the trainer to attempt a cremation. The trainer did not discover the dogs had not been fully cremated until much later.

The trainer is a member of the GRNZ Board. His future role with the Board will be discussed at the next Board meeting, and he has voluntarily stood down from his sub-committee roles.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s Welfare Code was unanimously accepted at the sport’s annual general meeting two weeks ago. This code is part of a welfare programme to preserve the level of care provided to dogs, lower numbers of dogs entering the sport, track them carefully from birth, and ensure they are given post-racing careers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media