The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has published a Cold Weather Policy setting out the guidelines its licensed trainers and racecourses must follow during periods of cold weather in order to protect the health, comfort and safety of greyhounds.
The Cold Weather Policy contains information for residential kennels and provides clear guidelines on the essential provisions that should be made during the winter months to ensure all greyhounds remain at a constant, comfortable temperature.
The Policy also covers the additional arrangements that should be made when transporting greyhounds to the track in cold weather, such as ensuring all greyhounds wear adequate coats and that the temperature of internal vehicles remain at 10°C or above.
As well as advice to trainers, it also sets out the processes which should be taken by racing offices throughout the winter months. This includes ensuring that any decision to abandon racing is made before trainers have embarked on their journey to the racetrack, as well as guidelines on track preparation, kennelling and parading.
Importantly, the Policy details the extra vigilance which must be taken by everyone in the industry during the winter months when certain constituents are used to combat the effect of snow, ice and freezing, such as grit and anti-freeze, to ensure greyhounds safety.
Mark Bird, Managing Director of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: “Following the publication of our Hot Weather Policy earlier this year the Board has been working alongside veterinary experts, GBGB’s Welfare Committee and the Track Sub-Committee to develop an evidence-based policy to ensure all greyhounds are safe and comfortable during periods of cold weather.
“Protecting the welfare of our greyhounds during any extreme weather is our highest priority. Whilst we know that our licensees already take proactive steps to ensure their greyhounds are comfortable in the winter months, this policy collects this knowledge together into one accessible document for everyone in our sport to follow.
“As with our Hot Weather Policy, this policy is one of our key pledges from our Greyhound Commitment this year. It will be reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects the latest research and best practice. As we publish this policy, the Board would also like to remind trainers that funding for kennel insulation and heating systems are available through the GBGB Trainers Assistance Fund.”
GBGB’s Cold Weather Policy is available online at www.gbgb.org.uk/rules-regulation/policies-procedures/ and copies have been sent to all racecourses.
