Survey seeking views on care and training
Researchers from the UK and Australia are leading a survey to gather views on how greyhounds should be cared for and trained.
Findings will help them to develop a set of best practice guidelines for the racing industry in both the Australian state of New South Wales and beyond.
By seeking views from industry stakeholders and members of the public, researchers also hope to better their understanding of how people view the training and socialising of greyhounds.
Led by Bristol University, the University of Sydney, La Trobe University and the Working Dog Alliance, the survey is the first stage of a project to review greyhound management practices in Australia and elsewhere.
This will help to inform future policy and the development of guidance on rearing, rearing and retirement planning.
Survey results will also highlight areas for industry members to focus their efforts, for example methods to improve greyhound welfare.
Bristol University's Dr Nicola Rooney, 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 Racing Greyhound Management Survey is open until 18 July, 2015.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
