Greyhound racing

Greyhound racing in NSW is controlled and regulated by two separate bodies, Greyhound Racing NSW and the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission, both established under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017.

Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission

The objectives of the Commission are to:

  • promote and protect the welfare of greyhounds,
  • safeguard the integrity of greyhound racing and betting, and
  • maintain public confidence in the greyhound racing industry.

The Commission is responsible for the regulatory functions of greyhound racing, including:

  • registering and licensing greyhounds and participants
  • administering and enforcing the greyhound racing rules
  • conducting stewards’ inquiries and investigations
  • developing and implementing policies relating to the welfare of greyhounds.

The Commission consists of three Commissioners, led by a Chief Commissioner, appointed by the Governor on the joint recommendation of the Minister for Racing and the Minister for Agriculture. The Commission’s CEO is responsible for its day to day management.

For more information, visit Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission and read the NSW Code of practice for greyhound welfare.

Greyhound Racing NSW

The objectives of Greyhound Racing NSW are to:

  • be a commercially viable entity
  • exhibit a sense of social responsibility by having regard to the welfare of greyhounds
  • promote greyhound racing in the State as a competitive and sustainable industry, with a high level of public trust.

Greyhound Racing NSW is responsible for the industry’s commercial functions, including:

  • conducting or authorising race meetings
  • registering greyhound racing clubs
  • developing safety standards for licensed racecourses
  • distributing money received under the Totalizator Act 1997
  • funding the costs of the Commission
  • managing greyhound adoption programs

Greyhound Racing NSW is governed by a Board of between five and seven directors appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister for Lands and Water and Minister for Hospitality and Racing.

The Board consists of both independent directors and industry participant directors, with a majority independent. Directors are appointed following merit-based selection in accordance with the requirements of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 and Public Service Commission’s Appointments Standards for Boards and Committees in the NSW Public Sector.

For more information, visit Greyhound Racing NSW.

Related links

Report a welfare concern

Report concerns about live baiting, animal welfare, animal cruelty or the conduct of a person involved in the NSW greyhound racing industry to the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.
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