Racing Queensland has introduced a new rebate scheme set to generate more positive welfare outcomes for greyhounds, while alleviating costs for owners and participants.
Rebates of up to $2000 will be made available by Racing Queensland to the owners of greyhounds that require surgery to correct an eligible injury sustained on the racetrack from 11 September 2018.
Racing Queensland COO Adam Wallish said the welfare and safety of both racing animals and participants was RQ’s first priority.
“Many of our participants are already willing to pay for surgery to ensure positive outcomes should their greyhound be injured,” he said.
“However, Racing Queensland understands the significant cost that often comes with veterinary surgery, which is why this new program has been introduced allowing owners to recoup 80% of the costs – up to $2000 – for surgery to remediate an eligible injury under the scheme.
“The scheme complements the animal welfare programs already in place and aims to ensure even more greyhounds are able to enjoy a long and fulfilling life off the racetrack,” he said.
Greyhounds rehabilitated through the scheme will be eligible for priority entry into the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) at the owner’s request.
Mr Wallish said the scheme would be funded by the unexpended prize money budget.
To be eligible for the scheme the on-track veterinarian, steward in charge of the meeting and a representative of the greyhound are to assess the injury together.
Where a positive welfare outcome can be achieved, the owner may pay the surgery costs for the greyhound and apply for the rebate through the scheme.
Application forms will be made available at each race track in Queensland and on the RQ website, with applicants to complete the form and provide any supporting documentation relating to treatment costs, including receipts and clinical notes from the veterinarian.
Click here to download the on-track injury rebate application form.
Click here to download the on-track injury rebate scheme.