State Government of New South Wales

06/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/06/2024 22:07

Greyhound industry regulator to review Wyee rehoming facility

Greyhound industry regulator to review Wyee rehoming facility

Published:7 June 2024

Released by:Minister for Gaming and Racing

AnimalsWelfare work

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) will review allegations about various matters involving Greyhound Racing NSW's (GRNSW) Wyee rehoming facility.

The allegations relate to the care of greyhounds at the facility, which was temporarily closed in May as part of changes made by the GRNSW board.

GWIC will review allegations relating to:

  • greyhound accommodation at the Wyee facility
  • alleged injuries to greyhounds housed at the facility
  • the GRNSW management's response to animal welfare concerns raised by staff at the facility.

The Minister for Gaming and Racing, the Hon David Harris MP, has requested GWIC to review the allegations and provide a report to the Minister in accordance with section 12(e) of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 by 5 July 2024.

GRNSW was established under the Act. Its statutory functions include registering greyhound racing clubs, developing safety standards for licensed racecourses, and managing greyhound adoption programs, among others.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

"The NSW Government and wider community need to have confidence that the industry is being run with the highest standards of animal welfare, integrity and sustainability.

"While GRNSW is not a government organisation, with its CEO and Board responsible for its operation, I've received information relating to Wyee and the welfare of greyhounds under its care.

"These allegations require further review, as they have the potential to undermine public trust and integrity in the industry.

"As the industry's regulator, GWIC is best placed to look into these matters and report back to me to inform my consideration of any appropriate next steps."