Just over a year since the launch of the Injury Recovery Scheme (IRS), GBGB has published figures setting out how many greyhounds have benefited from the scheme.
The Injury Recovery Scheme provides funding towards the corrective veterinary treatment of orthopaedic injuries sustained at any GBGB licensed racecourse. It is one of the key initiatives contained within the Greyhound Commitment and aims to ensure that more greyhounds are able to enjoy a full and happy retirement following an injury on the track.
Since its launch in October 2018, there have been 304 successful applications from across all of GBGB’s 21 racecourses.
Following a successful first year, GBGB will undertake a full review of the Scheme in the New Year which will include the pilot extension of the IRS which has been ongoing at Monmore Green since January 2019.
Under this pilot scheme, in the event that any owner is still unable to afford veterinary and treatment costs with the help of the national IRS scheme, the greyhound will be transferred to the Greyhound Trust and will be treated by their veterinary charity partner. The greyhound will then recover in a Trust foster home before entering a homing scheme once fully recovered.
Katie O’Flaherty, Professional Greyhound Trainer attached to Crayford Greyhound Stadium, said: “Over the past year we have received £2,000 towards treatment for our greyhounds which has been a huge help.
“For me as a trainer, the process of going through the scheme was very simple. I picked up an IRS assistance funding form from my track, filled it out and then emailed it to the GBGB, along with other necessary documents. It didn’t take long for a cheque to come in the post.
“Whilst the care my greyhounds received would’ve been exactly the same without help from the IRS, having this support from GBGB definitely made the veterinary bills more manageable. It really shows how much the GBGB care about greyhound welfare and has been a godsend for owners and trainers across our sport.
“All of my greyhounds that have used the scheme have recovered well from their injuries and either found wonderful forever homes or are in the process via rehoming kennels.”
Commenting on the success of the scheme, Mark Bird, Managing Director of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: “We’re delighted to see a growing number of owners and trainers making use of the Injury Recovery Scheme and to hear so many success stories.
“Whilst we know that the vast majority of our trainers and owners would do everything in their power to ensure that their greyhound is given the best treatment ready for a life in retirement, this scheme aims to lessen the financial burden of this hugely difficult time. It also ensures that no one has to consider putting their greyhound to sleep because they are unable to cover the cost of veterinary bills.”
Information about how to access and apply for the Injury Recovery Scheme contact the GBGB Welfare Department on 020 7822 0900 (option 1) or speak to your stadium Welfare Officer.
