Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has released the Greyhound Racing Injury Report for the April 2016 to June 2016 quarter.
The report found the total number of reported greyhound racing injury incidents during the second quarter of 2016 represented an injury rate of 24.2 per 1000 race starts.
In comparison the previous quarterly report recorded an injury rate of 27.1 per 1000 race starts.
Almost 80% of injuries recorded between April and June incurred stand down periods consistent with a classification of 'Minor' (eg abrasions or mild lacerations) or 'Medium' (eg ligament sprains, skin lacerations) in severity.
There were a total of 39 reported greyhound racing fatalities in the three month period which represents a rate consistent with the previous quarter.
While greyhound racing is due to end in NSW by 1 July 2017, GRNSW continues to work on preventing injuries associated with greyhound racing competition and trials.
Due to several Non-TAB tracks having above average catastrophic injury rates, GRNSW has conducted a review of non-TAB track safety and infrastructure, with remedial works undertaken where risks are identified.
In addition, research by the University of Technology Sydney on identifying optimal greyhound race track design for canine safety and welfare continues.
Speaking about the initial findings from the research project the UTS Chief Investigator confirmed that preliminary track modelling indicated that congestion and interference can be reduced by running the lure near the centre-line of the track.
"The UTS preliminary modelling has also confirmed that the transitions on existing tracks place less than optimal loads on the greyhounds," the Chief Investigator said.
To begin to address racing interference GRNSW is also progressing work on introducing hoop arm lures at tracks across NSW, with one already in use at Richmond.
Click here to view the latest Greyhound Racing Injury Report.
