Racing Queensland will introduce updated national and local greyhound racing rules from May 1, 2022.
These changes follow a comprehensive review of the rules by Greyhounds Australasia, with streamlined and updated rules to be introduced in all states and territories.
Under the new National Racing Rules, a greyhound that is being retired as a pet must be sterilised prior to leaving the care of the owner or registered person responsible - unless being accepted into an approved GAP program.
From May 1, RQ will provide a subsidy payment towards the cost of sterilisation of retiring greyhounds, through the introduction of the RQ Greyhound Retirement Readiness Scheme.
The Greyhound Retirement Readiness Scheme will also provide for dental cleaning and vaccination of greyhounds being retired as pets.
QRIC will provide a moratorium period of 30 days until June 1 for participants to familiarise themselves with the scheme and its process.
Further amendments to the National Racing Rules now state that a greyhound must be fully vaccinated (C5) throughout its racing life, and cannot compete in a race or trial for seven days after being vaccinated.
QRIC will provide a 12-month penalty free moratorium period to May 1, 2023, for participants to adapt to the new C5 vaccination requirements.
At the end of the 12-month moratorium period non-compliant greyhounds will be unable to nominate for events.
Click here for more information on the updated racing rules.