Investing in Welfare
Since 2015, GBGB has invested over £13.5 million to improve the safety and welfare of racing greyhounds. This investment is reliant on voluntary contributions from the betting industry, via the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF).
As part of our Greyhound Commitment, launched in 2018, we have developed a range of vital welfare initiatives aimed at further improving standards across our sport and developing best practice. This has been in areas such as track safety, animal husbandry, injury recovery and rehoming of retired greyhounds.
Building on this, in 2022 GBGB launched our new long-term welfare strategy 'A Good Life for Every Greyhound' to further promote and protect welfare across all stages of a racing greyhound's life: breeding, rearing, active years and retirement.
Track Safety
Since 2018, we have worked with STRI (formerly the Sports Turf Research Institute), the world’s leading sports’ turf consultants.
This partnership has seen STRI work closely with our Track Sub-Committee and each of our tracks to develop detailed assessments on their sand profile, drainage, equipment and individual track practices. They provide ongoing support to all GBGB licensed tracks in their track preparation and maintenance.
As well as sharing the latest innovations, STRI also provide ongoing support and specialist training for track ground staff.
GBGB’s Track Liason Officer works closely with STRI and each of our tracks to ensure our athletes race on the safest possible surfaces.
Injury Retirement Scheme
GBGB’s Injury Retirement Scheme (IRS), previously known as the Injury Recovery Scheme, is a nationwide initiative that provides financial assistance to any owner whose greyhound has sustained a career-ending orthopaedic injury at a GBGB licensed racecourse.
Funding is provided towards corrective veterinary treatment for injuries so that, wherever possible, greyhounds can go on to enjoy a full and active life in retirement.
Since its launch in 2018, GBGB has paid out over £1.1 million through the IRS to support the veterinary treatment of registered greyhounds.
Owner Olivia on the IRS:
“My greyhound Chilli, race name ‘Special Redhot’, unfortunately sustained a broken toe whilst racing earlier this year.
Chilli’s welfare is the most important thing to me so there was no doubt that he was going to get the best treatment possible and go onto have a happy retirement, regardless of the cost. However, the GBGB’s contribution was a welcome gesture and helpful for me as an owner.
Chilli recovered from his surgery well and is now spending time at Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust in Epping, awaiting his forever home. Recently he even donated some blood and saved the life of another dog.”
Information about how to access and apply for the Injury Recovery Scheme is available via My Kennel. Alternatively, you can contact the GBGB Welfare Department on 020 7822 0900 (option 1) or speak to your stadium Welfare Officer.