The Queensland greyhound industry will continue its commitment to animal care with a number of enhancements to the Race Meeting Injury Scheme.
First introduced in June 2020, the RMIS provides significant financial assistance to support the treatment and rehabilitation of greyhounds injured during race meetings or official stewards’ trials.
Under the new provisions, which are funded by the 1% levy on greyhound prize money, the cost of initial diagnostics and emergency and supportive care will now be reimbursed up to $1,000.
The reimbursement for diagnostic imaging and initial treatment means that trainers and/or owners are now supported financially to ensure their greyhounds receive appropriate off-course veterinary diagnostics and care, regardless of whether a surgical procedure is subsequently required.
Previously, reimbursement was only available in circumstances where the greyhound required surgical treatment for an eligible injury.
Where the RMIS applies, the existing financial support for subsequent surgical treatment remains.
By supporting connections to meet the cost of diagnostic imaging, the new provisions mean that eligible injuries can be appropriately assessed, and more informed decisions can be made in relation to treatment options and prognosis for recovery.
Where surgical repair of an eligible injury is recommended, reimbursement for the cost of treatment will continue to be supported up to $5,500.
“The enhancements to the RMIS will continue to deliver positive results for the Queensland greyhound industry, and we are proud to further strengthen the scheme,” RQ Acting CEO Adam Wallish said.
“Since launching the RMIS, euthanasia rates have more than halved, with the policy designed to remove any barriers that may exist for Queensland participants to rehabilitate their greyhounds.
“As an organisation, we are continually looking for new ways to enhance our animal care activities and this is another important step in the process.”
To further support the treatment and rehabilitation of greyhounds following an injury — whether that be for a return to racing, or retirement as a pet — the existing $50 per week contribution towards rehabilitation costs has been increased to $70 per week, up to a maximum period of 12 weeks.
Finally, there will be an increased focus on engagement with connections during the post-operative rehabilitation phase to monitor the course of post-injury rehabilitation and gather data to assist in ensuring the optimal operation of the RMIS.
In addition to the RMIS, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has implemented a new process that will improve the management of on-course greyhound injuries.
Effective from April 1, officiating stewards can now provide a direction to a greyhound’s trainer or owner to take their dog to an off-course veterinarian for further assessment or treatment.
The person responsible must present the greyhound for veterinary assessment and treatment within the timeframe directed to be eligible for reimbursement under the RMIS.
A stewards’ direction to present a greyhound for off-course veterinary assessment does not supersede RMIS eligibility provisions, however failure to follow a stewards’ direction could affect RMIS eligibility.
Racing Integrity Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner said both the new RMIS enhancements, along with QRIC’s enhanced protocols around the treatment of on-course injuries continues to support the industry’s commitment to placing animal care at the core of its day-to-day activities.
“The Commission’s stewards and veterinarians are working together with trainers in a collaborative way to follow-up on any directions made at the track for the best possible injury recovery,” she said.
“These enhancements go a long way to improve the outcome for our racing greyhounds and community expectations for optimum animal care on and off the track.”
Click here for more information on Race Meeting Injury Scheme.