GBGB has today announced the launch of an injury recovery scheme (IRS) which will provide financial assistance to an owner whose greyhound has sustained a career-ending orthopaedic injury at a GBGB licensed racecourse.

This follows on from the launch of the Greyhound Commitment earlier this year, which sets out GBGB’s expectations of how our sport and industry should be run with greyhound welfare at its heart.

The scheme is something we have been exploring and working towards for several years, but challenges in securing long-term sustainable funding for the sport has meant that it has been delayed. The scheme is now being piloted and negotiations with the bookmakers are underway in order to allow a full and sustainable roll-out of this significant initiative.

The funding will contribute towards veterinary treatment of career-ending orthopaedic (bone) injuries so that wherever possible greyhounds can go on to enjoy a full and active life in retirement. A grant of 50% towards the veterinary costs, up to a maximum of £400 per greyhound, will be available upon application from GBGB. Racecourses that currently manage their own injury recovery scheme for their owners will be able to apply for IRS funding on behalf of GBGB-registered owners.

Within the last week one greyhound has already benefited from our offer of financial support and underwent complex surgery of a hock fracture. It has since been adopted by a local family who will be welcoming it into their home once it is fully recovered from surgery.

GBGB Veterinary Director, Dr. Simon Gower, said:

“This is the first of several initiatives that GBGB has been working on since the launch of our Greyhound Commitment. As an industry, we must encourage responsible greyhound ownership and support our owners, trainers and racecourses to work towards the elimination of euthanasia of any greyhound on economic grounds. Several GBGB tracks already have excellent injury recovery programmes and we expect that this funding will enable all our stadia to put in place similar schemes.

“Importantly the IRS funding is open to all registered greyhounds and will support GBGB’s commitment to ensuring that a career-ending injury is not life-ending.”

To apply for IRS funding, please follow this link Injury Recovery Scheme Application Form, contact the GBGB welfare department on 020 7822 0900 (option 1) or speak to your stadium welfare officer.