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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 2085 asked in the Legislative Council on 10 April 2019 by Hon Alison Xamon

Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Racing and Gaming
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

I refer to the greyhound racing industry in Western Australia, and I ask:
(a) are greyhounds still being sent to Murdoch University to be experimented on;
(b) if yes to (a):
(i) what experiments are the dogs subjected to;
(ii) how many dogs per year are sent to Murdoch to be experimented on; and
(iii) what is the rationale for continuing this practice; and
(c) what happens to greyhounds who fail the Greyhound Adoption Program assessment?

Answered on 5 June 2019

(a)    I am advised by the Minister for Racing and Gaming that greyhounds are not sent by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) to Murdoch University to be experimented on, and not at any other location, as far as RWWA is aware.

 

(b)    (i.–iii) Not applicable.

 

(c)    Greyhounds that are in the GAP rehoming program that do not pass the National Temperament Assessment on the first occasion are worked with by the GAP Behaviourist to attempt to address the areas of concern that resulted in the failure of the assessment.  A re-assessment is then carried out.

Should the greyhound fail again, the GAP Behaviourist will look at one or a combination of the following options and select the most appropriate –

·         Continue to conduct remedial behaviour modification at the GAP kennel facility with a view to further re-assessment;

·         Place the greyhound with a foster carer if further basic remedial behavioural modification is needed;

·         Place the greyhound with a specialised foster carer if more advanced remedial behavioural modification is needed;

·         Place the greyhound on a GAP Behaviour Plan for intensive remedial behaviour modification with GAP Behaviourist at GAP kennel facility;

·         Consult with external qualified Veterinary Behaviourist for further advice, guidance and medical behaviour modification if necessary (use of medications to treat underlying dysfunctional states such as anxiety, stress etc.).

The above steps are not subject to any set time restrictions; each greyhound is treated on an individual case-by-case basis.

Should the remedial steps not be successful in modifying the greyhound’s behaviour to such an extent that it passes the NTA, it will be reviewed first by a panel at GAP consisting of GAP Team Leader, GAP Behaviourist and Manager – Animal Welfare to ascertain any further remedial action that could be taken.

If no further remedial action can be identified, an external Veterinary Behaviourist is consulted to establish an impartial review of the following:

·         Has every possible step been taken to remedy the problem behaviour to allow the greyhound to be safely rehomed? – If yes:

o   How does the problem behaviour impact on the greyhound’s mental state and current and future quality of life?

o   What potential risk does the greyhound pose to:

a)     An adoptive owner and people in their household?

b)     The general public and members of the community?

c)     Other animals/pets in the local community?

The Veterinary Behaviourist will make their recommendation based on the above.  GAP will then act on recommendations for humane euthanasia.