The survey is part of a Greyhound Racing NSW-funded project, led by researchers from the universities of Bristol, Sydney, La Trobe and the Working Dog Alliance, to develop recommendations on best practices for the industry. 

The survey is the first step in the project and will assist the researchers to gain a better understanding of how people view the training and socialising of racing greyhounds.

The project will review current Australian and international practices around greyhound management, as well as using scientific literature to identify and recommend best practice for the greyhound racing industry. This will inform future policy and development of guidance to industry participants on best practice in rearing, training and retirement planning.

Survey results will be analysed to assist development of future education and guidance material as well as target specific areas which industry members should focus their efforts on, including methods for improving the welfare of greyhounds.

Dr Nicola Rooney, Research Fellow in Animal Welfare and Behaviour at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, and one of the researchers on the project, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity as the Australian greyhound industry are commissioning an independent scientific review. We hope that they, along with other countries around the world, will take the latest scientific theory, as well as public opinion, into consideration as they move forward to improve greyhound welfare.  Whether you love or loathe greyhound racing, please help us by sharing your views via the online survey.”

The team is interested in hearing from anyone with an interest in greyhounds and their welfare. The Racing Greyhound Management Survey is open to anyone over the age of 18 and takes around 15 minutes to complete.

The survey is completely anonymous and open until Sunday 18 July 2015. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/GRSurvey.