Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has today released details of a newly created service to facilitate support for both participants and their animals, the Participant Welfare Officer (PWO) Service.
GRNSW has repeatedly emphasised that welfare within the industry is paramount, and this extends not only to our animals but also our participants.
As such, the PWO Service will be available to industry participants to provide support and a safe landing for at-risk greyhounds when a participant is experiencing genuine and unforeseen circumstances that affect their ability to meet their animal care obligations.
GRNSW’s PWO is George Zaiter who will be able to respond to crisis situations including:
• Medical emergencies • Natural disasters • Crisis events.
In these circumstances, the PWO may arrange support firstly to ensure greyhounds are protected.
Participants will also have access to a mental health wellbeing service provided by Sonder.
There will naturally be circumstances and situations which will not fall under the PWO Service umbrella, and in those instances the PWO will be able to direct those matters to the relevant industry authority or organisation.
Issues and requests which may be redirected include:
• Regulatory breaches and integrity concerns to the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) • Racing-related conduct issues to GWIC Stewards • Animal welfare breaches to GWIC Inspectorate • Track patron behaviour to respective clubs • Criminal matters to police • Mental health, domestic incidents, and social support to external services • Participant advocacy and support line to the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA).
Please note that the PWO Service will not deal with requests relating to poor planning, convenience requests or interpersonal conflicts, and participants remain responsible for maintaining adequate planning and preparedness for the care of their greyhounds.
Requests for temporary care will require evidence of a long-term plan that demonstrates the participant can continue to meet the standard of a “fit and proper person” under relevant legislation while participants seeking permanent care must cancel their registration with GWIC before the PWO service can be accessed.
