The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) is the official organization responsible for governing licensed greyhound racing activities across Great Britain. Its jurisdiction excludes independent tracks and Northern Irish tracks.
Formation and Administration
The GBGB was established in 2009, serving as a self-regulatory body. The genesis of the GBGB was a product of the consolidation between the British Greyhound Racing Board and the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC).
The two key departments to which the GBGB reports are:
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS): This department assumes responsibility for the cultural, media, and digital sectors, ensuring they are beneficial and accessible to all.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA): DEFRA is charged with the mandate to secure a healthy natural environment in the UK and worldwide, deliver world leading food and farming industry, and sustain a thriving rural economy.
Regulations and Greyhound Welfare
All greyhound racing stadiums and participating individuals within the registered sector remain beholden to the GBGB’s Rules of Racing and the Directions of the Stipendiary Stewards.
This set of regulations involves:
Rules of Racing: These are stipulations and guidelines enforced by GBGB to ensure fair and clean racing operations.
Directions of the Stipendiary Stewards: The Stewards establish and reinforce the standards for greyhound welfare across the racecourses.
Stewards’ Inquiries are convened both at a local level and at the GBGB headquarters in London, instituting disciplinary action against any implicated party found in violation of the established rules.
COVID-19 Impact and Response
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented decision by the GBGB on 24 March 2020 to suspend greyhound racing within the UK. Subsequently, the board announced financial aid for all retired and actively racing greyhounds within the registered sector.
Later the same year, they presented a 5-step recovery plan geared towards a limited resumption of racing activities, within the constraints of COVID-19 restrictions.
Accreditation and Auditing
Two key aspects of GBGB’s operational credibility are:
UKAS Accreditation: The GBGB boasts independent accreditation by UKAS, necessitating regular audits of their systems and procedures. This underscores a commitment to high professional standards.
Annual Independent Audit: Moreover, an annual independent audit of GBGB’s accounts provides added assurance to both the public and the sport’s funding body, the British Greyhound Racing Fund, in terms of financial transparency and probity.
Greyhound Welfare
In recent years, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has demonstrated a steadfast commitment towards promoting greyhound welfare, as highlighted by the publication of its injury and retirement statistics in 2017.
Engagement with Animal Welfare Groups
The sport of greyhound racing has long been the subject of scrutiny from animal welfare groups. This attention has led the GBGB to participate actively in diverse welfare forums. It has nurtured positive working relationships with key stakeholders such as:
Dogs Trust: This renowned animal charity specializes in the wellbeing and protection of dogs across the UK.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: One of the oldest pet rescue centers in the world, this institution focuses on sheltering displaced dogs and cats.
In addition to these affiliations, the GBGB regularly disburses welfare reports to both the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the All-Party Parliamentary Greyhound Group, ensuring transparency and accountability in the realm of greyhound wellbeing.
However, despite these measures, some animal rights activists maintain a stance of opposition towards the sport due to perceived welfare concerns.
RSPCA Position and GBGB Response
In 2022, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) raised a motion to ban greyhound racing altogether. The call prompted a swift reaction from GBGB’s CEO, Mark Bird, who expressed concern about animal rights extremists wielding influence within animal welfare charities.
Regulatory Powers
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) possesses regulatory authority over any person within the registered sector involved in greyhound racing.
Rules and Enforcement
All individuals involved in the registered sector are obliged to adhere to the GBGB Rules of Racing and the Directions of the Stewards, which encompass:
Greyhound Welfare: Standards are set for kennel conditions, racecourse facilities, and care during the retirement of greyhounds.
Racing Integrity: These regulations ensure fairness and safety across all aspects of the sport.
The GBGB conducts Stewards’ inquiries and proceeds with disciplinary action against any party found to be in breach of the established regulations.
A notable example of such enforcement occurred in 2022 when the GBGB conducted an inspection on the kennel run by trainer Rebecca Perkins, uncovering violations of the Animal Welfare Act. After reporting the case to the RSPCA, Perkins was sentenced to jail and given a lifetime ban in 2023.
It is important to note that the GBGB’s regulatory powers only extend to those individuals and greyhounds registered with the organisation. Consequently, the board’s authority does not cover unregistered parties or Irish racing and breeding activities.
Oxford Stadium and the GBGB Collaboration
Enforcing Rules and Regulations
Oxford Stadium works closely with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) to enforce the Rules of Racing and Directions of the Stewards during greyhound racing events. The GBGB oversees licensing and training of professionals, track facilities and conditions, and ensures the ethical treatment of greyhounds at the Oxford venue.
Inspections and Assessments
The GBGB carries out regular inspections at Oxford Stadium to evaluate safety standards, track conditions, and adherence to welfare protocols. These assessments aim to maintain a racing environment that prioritizes the well-being and safety of the greyhounds participating in the events.
Retired Greyhound Care and Rehoming Programs
Oxford Stadium collaborates with the GBGB to provide care and support for retired greyhounds. They work together to ensure efficient rehoming programs and follow welfare initiatives to give retired greyhounds a good quality of life after their racing careers.
Shared Commitment to Greyhound Welfare
The partnership between Oxford Stadium and the GBGB represents a shared commitment to greyhound welfare, emphasizing the combined dedication to upholding fair and ethical practices within the sport. This collaborative effort ensures the standard of greyhound racing and care at Oxford Stadium remains exemplary and contributes positively to the sport’s reputation.
In summary, the collaboration between Oxford Stadium and the GBGB is instrumental in maintaining the standards and integrity of greyhound racing events, fostering a safe, fair, and respectful environment for the greyhounds involved.
Frequently Asked Questions about GBGB
GBGB Registration Process
Q: How can I register as a greyhound owner, breeder, or trainer with the GBGB?
A: The GBGB manages registrations for owners, breeders, or trainers within their licensing department. Contact the GBGB directly or visit their website to understand the process and any required documentation. If registered, you are required to comply with the established Rules of Racing and Directions of the Stewards of the GBGB.
Care for Retired Greyhounds
Q: What happens to greyhounds after they retire from racing?
A: The GBGB prioritizes the welfare of retired greyhounds significantly. The organization conducts rehoming programs and often collaborates with affiliated rehoming partners and racing owners to make sure retired greyhounds are well-cared for.
Upholding Welfare Standards
Q: How does the GBGB ensure that trainers and kennels are maintaining welfare standards?
A: The GBGB conducts regular inspections and checks compliance of trainers and kennels with welfare standards. Any identified non-compliance can lead to disciplinary actions against the guilty party. The GBGB stands committed to upholding high welfare standards for greyhounds in the racing sector.
Safety and Fairness of Racecourses
Q: How are racecourses inspected for safety and fairness?
A: Regular inspections and evaluations of racecourses are carried out by GBGB to ensure they adhere to safety and fairness standards. They inspect racecourse conditions and enforce compliance with their established Rules of Racing and Directions of the Stewards.
Betting on Greyhound Racing
Q: Can I bet on greyhound racing?
A: Yes, greyhound racing betting is legal in the UK. Various betting shops and online platforms allow wagers on greyhound races. However, it’s vital that you ensure you’re placing bets through a reputable platform and gamble responsibly.
Education and Training for Greyhound Professionals
Q: Are there educational or training courses available for greyhound professionals?
A: Yes, the GBGB offers a range of educational and training courses for those involved in the greyhound racing industry. These courses cater to trainers, assistant trainers, kennel hands, and other professionals to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide a high standard of care for greyhounds. The curriculum typically covers topics such as greyhound health, nutrition, and welfare.
Greyhound Racing Integrity Measures
Q: What integrity measures does the GBGB enforce to ensure fair play in greyhound racing?
A: The GBGB enforces strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the integrity of greyhound racing. These measures include extensive monitoring of trainers and professionals, conducting regular kennel inspections, and upholding stringent anti-doping measures. Additionally, the GBGB ensures adherence to their Rules of Racing and the Directions of the Stewards, securing transparency and fairness throughout all aspects of the sport.
Volunteering at Greyhound Rehoming Centres
Q: How can I volunteer at a greyhound rehoming centre?
A: Volunteering at a greyhound rehoming centre is a great way to get involved in supporting the welfare and well-being of retired greyhounds. Many centres affiliated with the GBGB are happy to welcome volunteers who are compassionate about animal welfare. To get started, research and contact nearby rehoming centres to inquire about their specific requirements and procedures for volunteers. You may be required to complete an application or attend an orientation before beginning your volunteer work.
Financial Support for Retired Greyhounds
Q: How does the GBGB ensure financial support for retired greyhound welfare programs?
A: Financial support for the welfare of retired greyhounds is an important aspect of the GBGB’s commitment to their overall well-being. The organization receives funds from various sources, including the racing industry, sponsors, and fundraising efforts. These funds are allocated to greyhound welfare initiatives, including rehoming centres and other affiliated programs. This financial support ensures that retired greyhounds receive proper care, attention, and suitable homes after their racing career.
