The Queensland racing Integrity Commission has made an adjustment to its barking muzzle exemption process.

The introduction of the new greyhound rules of racing on May 1, 2022, bans the use of barking muzzles (anti-barking devices) on greyhounds except under certain QRIC approved circumstances

These exemptions promote animal welfare, reduce unmanaged and unmonitored use of anti-barking devices and address the underlying causes of excessive barking behaviour.

All anti-barking devices must meet strict criteria including:

• Allowing dogs to open their mouth sufficiently to pant and drink;
• Do not rub or cause pressure;
• Do not deprive greyhounds of sensory input.

The Commission has developed a new booking process for participants to make booking with stewards at a time prior to kennelling to have their dog’s barking muzzle assessed by a Steward.

The barking muzzle exemption process can be found on the QRIC website at; qric.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-ownership/greyhound/barking-muzzle-exemption-process.

For further information contract QRIC stewards steards@qric.qld.gov.au