The state government have announced a $2 million tracking program aimed at improving the welfare of Victoria’s racing greyhounds.
The Whole of Life Digital Tracking Program will take the location and health of registered greyhounds and record it on one consolidated digital platform from birth, throughout their racing career and into retirement and rehoming.
Tracking information will include details on birth, microchipping, vaccinations, trainers and more and will be captured directly from owners, trainers, vets, greyhound racing clubs and authorities.
On Wednesday, Racing Minister Anthony Carbines committed $1.6 million to the project, with Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) contributing the remaining $418,000.
Minister Carbines said the new program would provide a more accurate and transparent greyhound tracking system.
“This system will revolutionise the way that registered greyhounds are tracked across the industry, providing real-time updates on the status of an animal at every key touchpoint.”
GRV chief executive Stuart Laing said by moving from a manual to a digital tracking system, authorities will be able to monitor greyhound welfare much more closely.
“The digital greyhound tracking program will leverage existing capability and programs and introduce a suite of opportunities to increase the number of check-in points required for the tracking of registered greyhounds throughout their life.”
Design and planning for the program is already underway, with the new system expected to be rolled out in phases.
