A Charter For The Racing Greyhound

• The registered owner and or keeper of a greyhound should take full responsibility for the physical and mental well-being of the greyhound and should do so with full regard to the dogs future well-being.
  
  
• All greyhounds should be permanently identified, properly registered and relevant records kept by the owner or keeper.
  
  
• All greyhounds should be fully vaccinated by a Veterinary Surgeon and provided with a current Certificate of Vaccination.
  
  
• All greyhounds must be provided with suitable food and accommodation and have unrestricted access to clean fresh water.
  
  
• Adequate arrangements must be made to allow exercise and socialisation.
  
  
• Breeding and Rearing - over-production of greyhounds through indiscriminate breeding must be avoided. Where a racing greyhound is bred from, the long term welfare of the bitch and puppies must be paramount.
  
  
• Training must be conducted so as to safeguard the long term welfare of the dog.
  
  
• Where destruction is inevitable, greyhounds should be euthanased humanely by the intravenous injection of a suitable drug administered under the supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon.
  
  
• When tranported all greyhounds should do so in safety and comfort.
  
  
• All tracks should appoint a member of staff responsible for animal welfare.
  
  
• Tracks and kennels must be designed and maintained to ensure the highest welfare standards for the racing greyhound.
  
  
• Greyhounds must only race if passed fit by a veterinary Surgeon immediately prior to racing.
  
  
• Greyhounds must be entitled to receive emergency veterinary care if injured.
  
  
• Drugs which may affect the performance of a greyhound when racing should not be permitted.
  
  
• The industry must endeavour to ensure that all racecourses have a properly funded home-finding scheme for retired greyhounds in operation. Such schemes should work closely with other welfare and charitable bodies seeking to find good homes for ex-racing greyhounds.