The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has strengthened its standard operating procedure relating to raceday euthanasia and assessment.

The updated procedure outlines that raceday 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 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 Racing Queensland(RQ) Race Meeting Injury scheme (RMIS) will be eligible for payment through RQ.

Developed following widespread industry consultation, the RMIS is set to provide 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 – RQ 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.