(Photo: Box 1 Photography)
The Greyhound Rebate Injury Scheme (RMIS) continues to support the treatment and rehabilitation of injured greyhounds.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission reminds all greyhound trainers and owners to ensure they are aware of the scheme.
RMIS was established in June, 2020, to offset the cost of veterinary treatment and rehabilitation for greyhoundInjury scheme s injured during race meetings or official stewards’ trials.
RMIS has been designed to remove any barriers that may exist for Queensland participants to rehabilitate their greyhounds.
The introduction of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme is a significant advancement for the Queensland greyhound industry.
In addition to the RMIS the Commission strengthened its standard operating procedure relating to race day euthanasia and assessment.
The procedure prescribes that race day euthanasia will only be considered by the on-course veterinarian when it would be inhumane not to do so.
Otherwise, an officiating steward will give directions to the person responsible for a greyhound to follow the on-course veterinary advice for the treatment of the greyhound which may include;
- To obtain a veterinary assessment and treatment within a prescribed timeframe;
- To provide further pain relief for the animal; and
- To provide evidence to the QRIC stewards that the direction has been followed within the prescribed timeframe.
Injuries covered under the RMIS will be eligible for payment through Racing Queensland.
Developed following widespread industry consultation, the RMIS provides significant financial support to cover veterinary treatment and rehabilitation costs for greyhounds injured during race meetings or official stewards’ trials.
Where costs exceed $1000 – and RMIS applies – Racing Queensland will provide:
- 100% of the reasonable treatment costs (including the cost of all surgical procedures and associated expenses) for the ‘eligible injury’ up to a maximum RQ payment of $5,500; and
- $50 per week towards the rehabilitation of the greyhound for the duration of the rehabilitation plan prescribed by the veterinarian up to a maximum period of 13 weeks.
Injuries covered under RMIS include bone fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, and any other injury determined to be life threatening by the on-course veterinarian.
Both the RMIS and enhanced protocols around the treatment of on-course injuries are positive steps for improved animal welfare outcomes in the greyhound racing industry.
