The Code of Practice for the welfare arm of Greyhound Racing in New South Wales, the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) is too prescriptive and will be used as a tool to oppress and victimise racing participants, according to Robert Borsak, leader of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party.
“GWIC is an over-blown bureaucracy with too much power, and a track record of oppressive and unprofessional victimisation towards participants, since its creation, the Code if not significantly rewritten will only worsen an already terrible situation” said Mr Borsak.
The Code sets out the standards for the keeping; treatment; handling and care of greyhounds; the standards for the facilities, equipment and conditions at premises where greyhounds are kept, trialled, trained or raced; and the standards for the procedures and practices to be adopted in relation to the keeping, trialling, training and racing of greyhounds.
“What is clear following the release of the Code is that GWIC has a monopoly on advice and submissions, with no option for industry participants to contribute.
“The Code is simply another tool for GWIC to drive out small owners, amateur dog trainers and breeders. It is far too prescriptive and opens it up for GWIC to abuse and use to oppress participants,” said Mr Borsak.
The prescriptive measures include the temperature and air filtration systems required for indoor housing of greyhounds. Evacuation plans need to be provided to GWIC, as well as retirement and preparation for rehoming plans and much more.
“I would like to see the science behind a lot of these arbitrary decisions.
“They are onerous and ridiculous and have no practical application at all, not to mention how much it will cost participants to keep up with the Code,” said Mr Borsak.
