The heatwave currently gripping NSW has led to warnings from the Rural Fire Service that catastrophic fire danger could develop in the Hunter and Central West regions this weekend.
As a result, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) is working with RSPCA NSW to ensure all participants located in both regions have options to relocate their greyhounds in the event that their properties are at risk of bushfires this weekend and require evacuation.
The Gosford, Maitland and The Gardens greyhound clubs are all on stand-by to house any greyhound who are required to immediately evacuate is located at a property that requires to be evacuated due to bushfire risk. This is a temporary measure that has been agreed to by the GBOTA and The Newcastle Greyhound Club at the request of GRNSW and trainers should consider a longer term solution in the event they are affected by bushfire.
It is requested that, where possible, participants who have had to evacuate to contact the club nearest to them prior to their arrival at the respective track.
Contact numbers for the evacuation service at each club is as follows:
- The Gardens – Garry Brown 0434 314 027
- Gosford – Rachel Harrington 0418 230 304
- Maitland – Tony Edmunds 0472 842 690
Participants in the Dubbo region who are impacted by bushfires are advised to take their greyhounds straight to the Dubbo Greyhound Club - there is no requirement to contact the club in advance.
GRNSW and greyhound clubs have worked hard during the recent heatwave to protect the welfare of all greyhounds while accommodating racing where possible.
Numerous meetings have been moved to night or morning timeslots to avoid racing in extreme temperatures. A number of meetings have also been abandoned due to the extreme temperatures.
Under GRNSW's Race Day Hydration and Hot Weather Policy, stewards may abandon a race meeting where the temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius.
Participants are reminded that a greyhound can be withdrawn from an event without penalty where the Bureau of Meteorology official forecast temperature is 32 degrees Celsius or higher.
Click here for more on how to care for greyhounds and other animals in extreme heat,
