CPD event held for greyhound racecourse vets
The event looked at topics such as injury prevention and the GBGB's long-term welfare strategy.
Racecourse veterinary surgeons from greyhound tracks around the country have attended a CPD event at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Delivered by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the event was part of the work the organisation is carrying out to optimise the welfare of racing greyhounds.
Greyhound racing has been heavily criticised by animal welfare charities in recent years. The Cut the Chase Coalition, which includes Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, and the RSPCA, has called for it to be banned.
However, GBGB, which was formed in 2009, argues that it is making progress in improving the welfare of greyhounds in racing.
At the event, the veterinary surgeons heard from two experts from the University of Nottingham: Madeleine Campbell, professor of veterinary ethics, and Richard Payne, associate professor of veterinary anatomy.
Professor Campbell has overseen the development and implementation of GBGB’s long-term welfare strategy ‘A Good Life for Every Greyhound’. She spoke to delegates about the strategy's progress. Dr Payne then spoke about using data and pattern analysis for injury prevention.
There was also a roundtable discussion on ‘What I Wish I Had Known When I Started As A Track Vet’ and practice sessions on techniques, such as gait analysis that can be used in track-side scenarios.
Lawrence Steed, GBGB regulatory vet, said: “It was a fantastic day of learning and gave us the opportunity to discuss some interesting topics.
“Being able to share knowledge between all track vets enables us to work more closely together within the industry to improve the welfare of the greyhounds we treat.”
Image © GBGB
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
