Research and Guidance

Since GBGB was formed in 2009, we have commissioned and participated in a wide range of veterinary research projects in areas including medication, disease control, anti-doping measures, track safety, inheritance, dental hygiene, medication and nutrition.

As well as informing GBGB’s welfare and integrity policies, this significant body of research is shared with our racing, veterinary and welfare charity partners to improve the health and wellbeing of greyhounds at every stage of their lives. We also run an annual veterinary training day for racecourse veterinary surgeons and academics across the country to come together to share the latest research on greyhound welfare.

Much of the research work has been led by GBGB’s Veterinary Director, Dr Simon Gower, alongside Dr Richard Payne, Associate Professor of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, and scientific and veterinary advisor to the Welfare and Veterinary Standing Committee of the GBGB. Dr Payne also runs GBGB’s national Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Programme.

GBGB has also collaborated in projects with the British Horseracing Authority, the University of Bristol and LGC laboratory.

Further veterinary guidance and videos are available on the GBGB vets’ and trainers’ portals, to support with greyhound care and welfare.

Long-term Research Programmes

In Spring 2022, GBGB published its long-term welfare strategy, ‘A Good Life for Every Greyhound’, the development of which was led by Professor Madeleine Campbell, EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law and Independent Director of the GBGB.

As part of this strategy a number of new research projects have been launched including on:

Nutrition

A working group of external experts, led by Dr Teresa Hollands from the University of Surrey, willl review greyhound nutrition and make recommendations for further research;

Breeding for resilience

GBGB will commission Professor Emmeline Hill to map inbreeding levels and understand the impact of inbreeding on health and welfare traits and longevity in greyhounds;

Causes of injuries

GBGB will commission Dr Richard Payne, Associate Professor of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, to undertake a review of where an evidence base already exists and where further research is needed on identifying the causes of injuries in greyhounds;

Early detection of injuries

GBGB will facilitate research guided by Dr Payne assessing whether the adoption of technologies to detect early injuries could help to prevent greyhound injuries;

Future track design, surfacing and maintenance

Internal research, led by the Track Liaison Officer, directed by and reported to the Track Sub-Committee, and run in conjunction with STRI, will assess the effects of various factors on track condition and safety;

Euthanasias relating to track injuries

An undergraduate research project at the Royal Veterinary College will investigate non-clinical factors which impact upon track veterinary surgeons’ decisions to recommend euthanasia;

Retirement

GBGB will develop and commission a programme of research aimed at identifying common health problems in greyhounds being presented for homing and investigate possible correlations with management in earlier life e.g. nutrition and preventative health care.