Greyhound racing in England, Scotland, and Wales is governed by a single authority, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). GBGB sets and enforces regulations on the establishment and maintenance of kennels, effecting certain requirements on how the kennels should be configured and operated to acquire a license.
Greyhound trainers on the independent circuit, however, have the autonomy to run their kennels as they see fit. Adhering to GBGB’s rules serves as a solid foundation to ensure both kennel and racing integrity, leading to acceptable and functional kennel setups.
Kennel Environment for Greyhounds
The kennel environment is essential to greyhounds’ well-being, requiring careful planning and attention to ensure comfortable and hygienic living conditions. The layout and construction should provide the dogs with a sense of choice and control over their interactions and visibility to the daily activities of the facility.
Layout and Construction
Visual contact: Kennels should be designed to ensure greyhounds can choose areas with or without visual contact with other dogs in neighboring units.
Adaptability: If a greyhound is not settled in a specific unit, consider making changes to the kennel environment. This could involve moving the greyhound to a different kennel or block better suited to their needs.
Considerations for Greyhound Welfare
- Comfort: Create living conditions that are comfortable for the dogs, taking into account their breed-specific behaviors and preferences.
- Hygiene: Prioritize cleanliness within the kennels and shared facilities to minimize the risk of illness and improve overall welfare.
- Control: Allow greyhounds sufficient autonomy to decide how they interact with their environment and other dogs in the facility. This provides a sense of control, contributing to overall well-being.
- Visual access: Offer the dogs a degree of flexibility in visual access to the kennels’ daily operations, enabling them to feel more connected to their surroundings while still providing opportunities for solitude and rest.
- Special attention: Recognize individual differences between greyhounds and adjust their living conditions accordingly, ensuring each dog feels safe and at ease in its designated space.
GBGB Guidelines for Greyhound Kennels
Greyhound housing capacity: A kennel should not house more than two greyhounds. The majority of trainers often kennel their dogs in mixed sex pairs.
Building requirement: Buildings should ideally be constructed out of robust materials like brick, concrete, or breeze-blocks.
Kennel dimensions: The kennel should have adequate space, with a minimum of 2m headroom, 2.3m in depth, and 1.5m in width.
Bedding provisions: Each kennel needs a bed that is a minimum of 1sq m in size and elevated 20cm off the floor.
Bed to kennel front spacing: There should be a minimum of 1.25m between the bed and the front of the kennel.
Quarantine precautions: Reasonable provisions should be in place to separate any dogs that become ill and require quarantine.
Utilities and resources: All kennels must have access to clean fresh water, electricity supply, and a telephone line.
Vermin control: Necessary measures should be on board to control vermin infestation.
Kennel inhabitants: Only greyhounds are allowed to be housed on the kennel premises, with no other live animals permitted.
| GBGB Kennel Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Housing Capacity | No more than two greyhounds |
| Building Material | Brick, Concrete, or Breeze-blocks |
| Kennel Dimensions | Headroom: 2m, Depth: 2.3m, Width: 1.5m |
| Bedding Provisions | Bed Size: 1sq m, Elevation: 20cm |
| Bed to Kennel Front Spacing | At least 1.25m |
| Quarantine Provisions | Precautions in place for ill dogs |
| Utilities & Resources | Access to clean water, electricity supply, telephone |
| Vermin Control | Measures in place to control vermin |
| Kennel Inhabitants | Only Greyhounds |
Kennel Unit Requirements for Greyhounds
Each kennel unit must meet certain size and design requirements to ensure the comfort and well-being of greyhounds. The notions of space and overall layout depend on providing greyhounds enough room for basic movements and to facilitate their distinct behavioural patterns.
Kennel Unit Dimensions
Minimum size: Each kennel unit should be sufficiently large to allow each greyhound to walk, turn around, wag its tail without touching the kennel sides, stand on its hind limbs, stretch, and lie flat without touching another dog or the kennel’s sides.
Functional areas: The unit should incorporate space that allows each greyhound to interact, defecate, and have individual access to feeding and water bowls.
Recommendation: While minimum dimensions are provided for kennel sizes, wherever possible, larger kennels should be employed to enhance animals’ comfort levels.
Bedding Area Specifications
Furnishing: Each kennel, regardless of being a single or double unit, must include a removable, elevated bench.
Size and placement: This bedding area should be large enough for each greyhound to lie flat on its side without touching any other dogs in the unit. The elevation factor provides protection against drafts and any soiling of the unit floor.
Additional bedding: Consider adding more bedding areas within a kennel to offer a wider range of sleeping area choices to the dogs and reduce competition.
Recommendation: Even though 1 square metre is stated as the minimum bedding size, larger bedding areas are recommended wherever possible for greater comfort and freedom of choice for the dogs during rest.
Kennel Unit Door Specifications for Greyhounds
Unit doors play a critical role in maintaining the safety and comfort of greyhounds. They must be constructed and installed with necessary security features while remaining user-friendly for both the animals and their caretakers.
Door Material and Structure
Durability: Doors should be rigid and robust enough to resist impacts and scratches from greyhounds.
Cleanliness: Able to be cleaned easily, facilitating effective hygienic practices within the kennel.
Safety: The doors must not have any sharp projections or rough edges which might cause harm to the greyhounds.
Door Safety Features
Locking device: A secure mechanism should be incorporated to prevent greyhounds from escaping when the unit door is closed.
Light transmission: The door’s construction should allow both natural and artificial light to enter the unit, promoting well-being and normal physiological rhythms in the greyhounds.
Absence of hazardous gaps: Critical attention should be given to avoid any door designs with apertures or gaps that could trap body parts of the greyhounds. This is especially significant around door handles and locks.
Protection: Any gaps larger than 50 mm should be shielded on the kennel’s interior side using metal plates or wire mesh.
Door Installation
Height Above Ground: Doors should be installed with a reasonable gap from the ground, allowing sufficient room for any fluids to flow out of the kennel. However, this gap must not be so large that it allows for the possibility of the greyhounds escaping or getting injured.
Greyhound Kennel Window Guidelines
The installation and function of windows in greyhound kennels is integral to maintaining a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment for the animals. Windows provide light, ventilation, and thermal regulation for the greyhounds while adhering to safety standards.
Window Construction and Installation
Fixed frames: Window frames should be securely affixed and include transparent in-fills to allow light transmission.
Materials: They must be constructed out of a suitable, durable material to reduce the risk of breakage.
Ventilation provision: At least one-third of the windows should be capable of being opened to provide additional ventilation when needed.
Limitation of hazards: Care must be taken to ensure window construction and placement do not pose a hazard to the greyhounds by making it possible for them to either escape or become trapped.
Window Maintenance and Breakage Protocol
Repair and replacement: Any broken windows should receive immediate attention for repair or replacement in order to prevent potential injuries to the greyhounds.
Animal evacuation: In case of window breakage, all greyhounds should be promptly removed from the affected kennel until all necessary repair work is completed.
Special Considerations and Alternatives
Skylights: In situations where the design of the kennels limits the number of windows, skylights may be employed as a suitable alternative to ensure adequate light and ventilation.
Weather-related protections: Kennel units should incorporate measures to protect against extreme sunlight and temperature variations, such as the installation of blinds on windows.
Greyhound Kennel Lighting Guidelines
Proper illumination plays a crucial role in accommodating the health and well-being of greyhounds in kennels. It provides the necessary visibility for inspections and care, while also contributing to the creation of a comfortable environment for the greyhounds. Lighting in kennels could be supplied through a combination of natural and artificial resources with certain considerations for safety.
Lighting Resources
Natural lighting: It is preferable for natural light to suffice during daylight hours, minimizing the reliance on artificial light.
Artificial lighting: Artificial light should be used to supplement natural light as and when required.
Skylights: In instances where natural light is limited due to architectural constraints on the number of windows, skylights can be installed to increase light penetration.
Lighting Placement and Safety
Location: Light fittings must be strategically placed in areas inaccessible to greyhounds, but effective in illuminating the entire kennel.
Safety Measures: Careful installation is vital to ensure that light fittings do not pose any risks to the greyhounds. Access to electrical wiring must be thoroughly prevented.
Maintenance: All lighting in the kennel, including light bulbs, must be well maintained and kept in good condition. Any broken light bulbs should be replaced immediately to ensure safety.
Recommended type: LED lights are highly recommended due to their resistance to water, cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency.
Lighting Management
Inspection purpose: Kennel lighting must be sufficient to allow for efficient inspection of each greyhound and the entire kennel at any moment.
Circadian rhythm consensus: For the preservation of the greyhounds’ natural sleep cycles, lights must be turned off overnight to present a period of darkness.
Motion sensor lights: If motion sensor security lights are employed around the kennels, it is necessary to orient them away from kennel windows and areas where they may be falsely triggered, such as by branch movements.
Greyhound Kennel Interior Construction
Careful consideration must be given to the materials and construction techniques used when building greyhound kennels. The use of non-toxic materials and adherence to safety standards, as well as the incorporation of design features that facilitate maintenance and biosecurity, are key to ensuring that greyhounds thrive in the kennel environment.
Surfaces and Materials
Interior surfaces: All surfaces used in the construction of walls, floors, partitions, doors, and door frames shall be nonpermeable to liquids and free from hazards.
- Non-hazardous: There must be no projections, rough or sharp edges liable to cause injury, and the interior of the kennels must be well maintained and in good repair.
Partition walls: Materials used for partition walls must prioritize greyhound safety and prevent injury.
- Wire mesh: For example, wire mesh should have a diameter that prevents access to neighboring dogs and protects noses, paws, and claws from becoming trapped or injured.
Non-toxic coatings: All paints and materials applied to the unit and kennel interior should be non-toxic.
- Internal concrete or block work: These surfaces should be primed before painting and have expansion gaps filled with foam backer or equivalent material, then caulked.
Sealing and Waterproofing
Interior walls: Walls in the kennel area that greyhounds might come into contact with should be sealed and waterproofed against damp.
- Rendered walls: These walls should be sealed before painting or treated with a solvent-based, or equivalent, masonry paint.
Cleanability and Biosecurity
Maintainable surfaces: All surfaces must be easily cleanable to prevent the spread of diseases and odors in the kennel environment.
Biosecurity: The interior of all kennels should be designed to enable good biosecurity, as this is essential for protecting the health and well-being of the greyhounds housed within them.
Prohibition of Wooden Sheds
According to these guidelines, the utilization of wooden sheds for constructing kennels on GBGB licensed premises is expressly forbidden.
Reasons for prohibition: This stipulation arises from the unique issues associated with the use of wood in constructing animal housing units. The key reasons include:
- Difficulties with cleanliness: Wood, due to its natural porous properties, can be challenging to keep clean, increasing the probability of potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens being present.
- Require regular maintenance: Wooden structures tend to degrade over time and require frequent maintenance to prevent splintering or rotting, which could cause harm to the greyhounds.
- Unsafe for the Greyhounds: Chewed or splintered wood could present a physical hazard to a greyhound, increasing the risk of injuries.
It is important to consult with the GBGB or a qualified professional when considering the construction materials for greyhound kennels, to ensure compliance with all regulations and guidelines, and to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
Kennel Flooring Requirements and Maintenance
The construction and maintenance of kennel floors and passageways are key components in enhancing the welfare of greyhounds on premises. These surfaces must be designed in a manner that minimizes risks of injury, ensures hygiene, and provides comfort to the animals.
Material Selection for Kennel Floors
The choice of materials for kennel floors should primarily consider hygiene and safety, with a keen eye to the material’s ability to withstand the kennel environment.
- Non-permeability: It’s vital that the floor material is non-permeable to liquids to prevent moisture retention and buildup of bacteria.
- Material options: Certain materials meet these specifications, including ceramic tiles, heavy-duty acrylic resin, sealed or painted concrete, or suitable screed.
Characteristics of Ideal Kennel Flooring
Beyond material selection, the finished quality of the kennel floor plays a significant role in animal safety and welfare.
- Smooth surface: The floor finish should produce a smooth surface to prevent the risk of injury.
- Non-slip: However, the floor surface should also offer sufficient grip to avoid slipping.
- Cleanability: The kennel floor should be easy to clean and disinfect, aiding in maintaining optimal hygiene conditions.
Maintenance and Repair of Kennel Floors
Ensuring the constant upkeep of the kennel floors and passageways is equally important to maintain safety.
- Damage monitoring: Careful monitoring to detect broken or chipped tiles, or exposed holes, is crucial, as these conditions can cause injury.
- Immediate repair: Once damage is detected, it must be fixed immediately to prevent accidents from occurring and to maintain the hygienic condition of the kennel.
Through careful material selection, optimal design, and diligent maintenance, the kennel floors can provide a safe and hygienic environment for greyhounds, facilitating their well-being on the premises.
Importance of Drainage in Kennel Infrastructure
In the design and construction of kennel buildings, suitable drainage is a crucial factor in maintaining hygiene and promoting greyhound health. Effective drainage helps prevent the passage of liquids between units or pools within units or buildings, averting the risks associated with the accumulation of such liquids.
Potential Risks of Poor Drainage
The accumulation of liquid residues could lead to a number of issues, presenting challenges for health and maintenance.
- Pathogen harbourage: Liquid pooling can provide a conducive environment for the growth and spread of dangerous pathogens.
- Air quality degradation: Standing liquids, particularly those containing waste material, can contribute to poor air quality within the kennel building.
- Skin conditions and disease: Greyhounds exposed to standing liquids are at risk of skin conditions due to wetting or urine scalding. Moreover, the increased humidity can lead to the survival and spread of pathogens, increasing the risk of conditions such as respiratory disease.
Drainage Design and Installation
The design of the drainage system must be well-thought-out. To optimize liquid and waste disposal flow, consider the following:
- Slope of kennel floors: Floors should ideally be sloped towards drainage channels, directing liquids to flow easily into external waste systems and preventing wastewater from passing between adjacent kennels.
- Drainage destination: Drainage channels should flow into a main drain or a properly constructed cesspit located away from the kennels. This arrangement assures that waste products are disposed of efficiently without compromising the hygiene of the kennels.
Maintenance of Drains
In addition to the proper design and installation of the drainage system, regular maintenance is essential.
- Regular inspection and cleaning: Drains need to be checked regularly and cleared as necessary to ensure a smooth flow of waste material and prevent potential blockages.
- Drain cover: All drains should be covered with suitable covers to prevent injury to the greyhounds and to block potential access points for pests.
By taking these steps, kennel operators or owners can ensure that their facilities remain clean, hygienic, and safe for the greyhounds in their care.
Temperature Management in Residential Kennels
The temperature and humidity in residential kennels significantly affect the comfort and health of greyhounds, requiring careful regulation and monitoring. Establishing ideal temperature ranges and insulation measures are crucial aspects of maintain such an environment.
Optimal Temperature and Adjustments
Maintaining the temperature is pivotal for the comfort and wellbeing of the animals.
- Ideal range: Ideally, kennel temperature should be kept between 15°C and 25°C, with an absolute minimum of 10°C and maximum of 26°C.
- Fall in temperature: If temperatures decrease below the ideal range, warm coats should be provided to the greyhounds to ensure their comfort.
- Persistent variation: Should temperatures persistently exceed or fall below the ideal range, changes such as improved insulation, additional heating, or air management/air-conditioning should be considered.
Measurement and Monitoring of Temperature and Humidity
Appropriate tools should be in place to measure, monitor, and record temperature and humidity.
- Monitoring tools: Residential kennels should have means to measure, monitor and record both temperature and relative humidity in the bedding area of each unit.
- Humidity considerations: Special attention should be given to maintaining humidity within an acceptable range, to avoid detrimental health effects on the pets.
Infrastructure Design Considerations for Temperature Control
The design and build of kennels should incorporate features that aid in maintaining temperatures within acceptable brackets.
- Insulation installation: Insulation between walls and roofing areas can help retain heat during the colder months and prevent overheating in hot weather. It can also help reduce noise transmission between kennels.
- Temperature control unit placement: These units should be installed out of reach from greyhounds. They should not force concentrated cold or heat directly onto the greyhounds. Protection against direct drafts should also be provided, ensuring optimum comfort.
Precision in managing temperature and humidity, along with thoughtful design and build considerations, can make residential kennels healthier and more comfortable environments for greyhounds.
Kennel Ventilation
Ventilation is a crucial aspect of kennel design, needed to maintain optimal air quality, manage humidity and smells, and reduce the risk of airborne diseases. The implementation of ventilation must carefully balance the needs of temperature control and providing a pleasant, safe environment for greyhounds.
Ventilation Requirements and Recommendations
Proper ventilation can be aided by addressing various elements, including appropriate moisture control, cleanliness, and kennel construction.
- Moisture control: Minimizing moisture in kennels is critical for improving air quality. This can be achieved through proper drainage and regular removal of soiled or wet bedding.
- Cleaning: Ensuring good cleaning practices, including dust removal, can help maintain air quality and reduce airborne risks to the greyhounds’ health.
- GBGB recommendations: GBGB (Greyhound Board of Great Britain) recommends 16 air changes per hour during summer and 4 air changes per hour in winter as the optimal standard.
Windows as Natural Ventilation Sources
Windows are advantageous for providing natural light and ventilation when placed strategically in kennel units.
- Adjustability: Windows are beneficial because they can be adjusted to provide more or less ventilation as needed.
- Orientation: In new kennel construction, the orientation of windows in relation to prevailing winds should be taken into account to ensure adequate ventilation without creating excessive draughts, thereby helping to maintain warmth during colder months.
Forced Ventilation Systems
In certain cases, natural ventilation sources such as windows and doors may be insufficient to provide the necessary air exchange.
- Consideration: When natural ventilation proves inadequate, the installation of forced ventilation systems should be considered as an option for maintaining cleanliness and air quality in residential kennel units.
By making the informed decisions related to kennel ventilation, the air quality and health aspects of the kennel environment can be improved, contributing to a safer and more comfortable experience for the greyhounds.
Kennel Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance and repairs are essential for the kennel’s upkeep, ensuring a clean and safe environment for greyhounds and staff. Failure to maintain a kennel can lead to breaches of GBGB Rules of Racing and may result in penalties such as suspension or withdrawal of trainers’ licenses.
Maintenance Requirements
Trainers are responsible for carrying out regular maintenance and ensuring standards are met.
- Stipendiary Steward satisfaction: Maintenance and repairs must be performed regularly and to the satisfaction of the local area stipendiary steward.
- Consequences of noncompliance: Failure to maintain a kennel correctly is a breach of the GBGB Rules of Racing, which may result in the suspension or withdrawal of a trainer’s license.
- Financial assistance: Assistance for welfare-related or capital improvement projects may be available through the Trainer’s Assistance Fund. Trainers should contact their local Stipendiary Steward for advice before completing an application.
Documentation and Procedure Templates
Having proper documentation is crucial to maintain facilities and equipment in good working order.
- Documented maintenance procedure: All kennels should have a documented maintenance procedure in place to ensure a clean and safe environment for greyhounds and staff.
- GBGB templates: Templates for maintenance procedures are provided by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) to ensure compliance with their standards.
Adhering to proper maintenance and repair processes, as well as documenting them, can ensure that kennel environments remain safe and comfortable for greyhounds and staff alike.
Additional Tips to Enhance Kennel Setup
When establishing a kennel, there are several additional considerations to improve the overall environment and functionality of the space. Following these suggestions will help ensure the well-being of the dogs and contribute to a professional kennel operation.
Bed Design Considerations
Front height: Avoid making the front of the bed too high. Installing a metal rim over the top edge can prevent dogs from chewing on wood.
Partition: Design a removable partition to slide down the center of the bed which can be useful in separating aggressive dogs from others.
Ease of cleaning: Construct the bed to be easily disassembled for cleaning both the bed itself and underneath it.
Door Construction
Gap at bottom: Leave a 5cm (2in) gap at the base of the door to prevent injuries to dogs’ paws.
Closing gap: Ensure a small gap is left when the door closes to avoid tails being caught and damaged.
Flooring
Floor material: If kennel floors are made of concrete, lightly coat the floor with sawdust or shavings since cold concrete can lead to chills.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Ventilation: Kennels should be well ventilated to prevent dogs from overheating in warm conditions.
Sunlight: During summer months, cover windows with light material to block out some sunlight in order to keep kennels cooler.
Heating and bedding: Supply adequate heating and bedding during winter months to maintain a comfortable temperature for the dogs.
Kitchen and Food Preparation
Cleanliness: Ensure an adequately spacious kitchen with a strong focus on cleanliness, including sanitizing worktops, bowls, mincers, and fridges regularly to prevent illness and disease.
Food storage: Store food in containers or in the fridge to protect against flies and vermin.
Pest Control
Fly prevention: Implement measures to prevent flies from entering the kennel and destroy any flies that have gained access, as they can spread germs and disease.
Vermin control: Address potential infestations of mice and rats by using traps as an initial tactic. If using poison, ensure it is placed where dogs cannot access it and maintain vigilance to ensure the safety of your dogs.
Turnout Runs
Turnout runs are small concrete paddocks used primarily for allowing dogs to tend to their toilet duties while residing in kennels. By properly designing and regularly maintaining these runs, handlers can ensure cleanliness and minimize the risk of injuries or cross contamination among dogs.
Design and Construction
Shape and drainage: Configure turnout runs with a slight camber and a proper drainage system to facilitate easy washing without leaving surface water.
Walls and fencing: Design the surrounding walls or fences in a way that prevents dogs from jumping up or over and injuring themselves.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Disinfection: Clean and disinfect turnout runs between each use to minimize cross contamination and prevent dogs from eating others’ feces.
Grass paddocks: In addition to small turn-out runs, kennels should also have larger grass paddocks for dogs to utilize. These paddocks must be fenced with suitable fencing and include a concrete area, preferably near the gate, to counter muddy conditions.
Daily checks: Regularly inspect paddocks for objects that may cause injury, filling in any holes to avert serious leg injuries.
