NGA ADOPTS TOUGH POLICY ON INTERNATIONAL GREYHOUND EXPORTS

The Board of Directors of the National Greyhound Association (NGA) has adopted a policy defining as “unacceptable” the export of greyhounds to jurisdictions where animal welfare standards cannot be verified, and authorizing enforcement of the full range of NGA sanctions against individuals who violate the policy. The full text of the policy, which was adopted at the NGA Spring Meet last week, is as follows:

Policy Regarding International Sales or Export of Greyhounds from North America

The NGA is aware that certain jurisdictions in the world are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain greyhounds for racing or breeding purposes. Some of these jurisdictions have animal welfare standards which are unverified. Unconfirmed reports suggest that greyhounds exported to these countries are denied basic welfare rights. While the NGA recognizes that it is not illegal to export greyhounds to such locations it strongly recommends that exports are only made to countries with recognized welfare standards, structured around strong legislation.

The care and well being of greyhounds is at the core of NGA’s conviction to provide robust regulation for licensed greyhound racing and ensuring the highest standards of care for all greyhounds that fall within its responsibility. Involvement in the export of greyhounds to jurisdictions where welfare standards cannot be verified is not acceptable and the NGA will employ the full powers available to it to prohibit individuals from deliberately undermining the good reputation of licensed greyhound racing in the North America.

Information relating to the sale, advertisement, or social media requests offering to purchase or acquire greyhounds in unusual circumstances should be passed on to the NGA.