FAQ
What is Go The Pink Dog! and how does it work?
Go The Pink Dog! is a month long campaign that has been developed in support of the McGrath Foundation. The two key fundraising objectives for Go The Pink Dog! are; 1. Raise awareness of the campaign and 2. Support the McGrath Foundation. The campaign concept is that every time a greyhound wearing the pink number 8 rug wins a race in Victoria or Tasmania during February, $500 will be donated to the McGrath Foundation. It is hoped that over $65,000 will be raised through the month of February for this cause.
What is the pink dog?
Each greyhound race has 8 dogs in coloured vests, of which number 8 always races in a pink vest and runs from the outside box.
Why is the greyhound racing industry aligning itself with the McGrath Foundation?
Former Chairman of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Jan Wilson tragically succumbed to cancer in March 2010. Her Board had strongly encouraged the Go The Pink Dog! campaign to demonstrate support for women living with breast cancer, to highlight that breast cancer crosses all social backgrounds and to give something back to the wider community. In 2012, Greyhound Racing Victoria and Tasracing have again aligned with the McGrath Foundation because of their belief in the Foundation's work, and the ability to assist the McGrath Foundation to reach a different section of the community affected by cancer.
Where can I learn more information about the McGrath Foundation?
Click on the following link to visit the McGrath Foundation website:
Who are your campaign ambassadors?
Go The Pink Dog! 2012 is proud to have the involvement of Jonathan and Kylie Brown. Kylie is thrilled to be supporting Go The Pink Dog! in which she has learnt a great deal through her husband Jonathan’s relationship with Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV). Jonathan has been an ambassador with GRV for over 3 years and has a very strong connection to greyhound industry and his family still races greyhounds in Warrnambool, Victoria. They encourage everyone to cheer on the pink dog in February and help raise much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation to place additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia.
I want to help this campaign - what do I need to do?
The donation to the McGrath Foundation is made by Greyhound Racing Victoria and Tasracing. You do not need to take any action for this donation to occur, however you may follow the progress of Go The Pink Dog! by visiting the home page which will be updated daily throughout February 2012. The donation to the McGrath Foundation is not based on wagering and will be made regardless of the amount bet on Victorian or Tasmanian greyhound races. Alternatively, to donate directly to the McGrath Foundation, please visit the McGrath Foundation website link below:
I would like to know more about the concerns raised over animal welfare.
Animal welfare is the number one priority for the greyhound industry and there is a major focus on ensuring our key stakeholder – the greyhound – is humanely cared for. All industry participants are responsible for the health and welfare of their animals, and to the quality and integrity of greyhound racing. It is Greyhound Australasia and its governing states who encourage participants to embrace this responsibility through the establishment of policies, practices and rules. To view the current Code of Practice for the greyhound industry please click the link below:
Who can I contact regarding animal mistreatment?
Each state racing body is responsible in monitoring the life cylce from birth to the retirement of a greyhound. However, should you have any knowledge of animal mistreatment in your community, we encourage you to report it by contacting the police, your local greyhound racing body or the RSPCA.
Who is Greyhound Australasia?
Greyhounds Australasia (GA) comprises representatives from jurisdictional controlling bodies in Australian States and Territories, and New Zealand (the GA Directors).
The charter of GA is to support these jurisdictions via encouragement of a holistic approach to the Australasian greyhound racing industry and creating uniformity with the brand.
GA provides its stakeholders with value-added services and industry practices that support industry integrity, maximise returns and ensures a sustainable future. For more information please visit the website below:
What is the industry doing to help greyhounds that have retired from racing?
Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) ensures that all greyhounds are monitored through their entire career, from before their birth with breeding registrations, right the way through to when they are no longer racing via retirement notifications. In this way all greyhounds must be accounted for throughout their lifecycle. Due to a vast majority of industry participants being classified as hobby participants, the number of greyhounds kept at each property is on average quite low; yet despite the hobby nature of the sport, each participant must understand the responsibilities they have for the care and maintenance of their property and their greyhounds. GRV has the regulatory responsibility to provide education for the participants to ensure they are aware of the retirement options available to them once the greyhound finishes racing and as such conducts regular industry forums to educate the participants on the best ways to care for their greyhounds and to ensure understanding of the rules associated with being involved in the sport.
What about the slow greyhounds - what happens to them?
Over the last twelve months, GRV has introduced a new class of racing for older or slower greyhounds that cannot quite make it to the top grade anymore. This provides a prolonged racing career for the greyhounds and ensures they have further opportunities to continue racing.
Does it hurt a greyhound to race?
Greyhounds are sight hounds and are born to run; they thoroughly enjoy it, and as such they will take any opportunity to break in to a full gallop whether on the race track, in their training facilities or in a secured private yard. This is generally the case for current racing greyhounds or the retired racers who simply enjoy their natural ability to be quick!
What is the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP)?
In 1998, Victoria was the first state to introduce the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP). From relatively humble beginnings, the program has grown to be a major component of the racing industry. You may visit the Greyhound Adoption Program websites through the below links:
I have a question about the campaign, which has not been answered. Who do I contact?
Please fill in the FAQ section on the left with your details and question. Greyhound Racing Victoria will respond to your question within three business days.
