1. DEDJTR Investigation into animal welfare and cruelty in the greyhound industry Interim report 10 March 2015 PHOTO?

2. Introduction Terms of reference In conjunction with Greyhound Racing Victoria, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Charles Milne will lead an investigation into animal welfare and cruelty in the greyhound industry in Victoria. As part of the investigation’s Terms of Reference, recommendations will be provided to the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Racing for consideration no later than 30 April 2015. The investigation will include: 1.A review of the current industry codes and standards to protect the welfare of animals in the greyhound racing industry; 2.A review of the animal welfare governance systems and compliance and enforcement strategies to ensure compliance in the greyhound racing industry; and 3.Recommendations on how animal welfare standards, governance and compliance could be improved. Once completed, the investigation will deliver a report on greyhound industry governance and compliance with animal welfare legislation, standards and codes and identification of opportunities for improvement. Progress to date Since the terms of reference were issued on the 16 February, the review has made significant progress: 1.Established project plan and resources 2.Four key stakeholders interviewed, with further interviews scheduled 3.Review of current codes and standards well advanced 4.Preliminary lines of inquiry identified to inform the review of animal welfare governance systems and compliance and enforcement strategies Further details on progress is provided below. 2

3. 1. Project establishment Project planning Key personnel have been appointed to project as outlined in the governance structure Ten additional policy and project management staff providing support for the project as required Established contacts with other relevant agencies High level communication strategy developed 3 GOVERNANCE Project LeadSupport Report Writer Project Manager Interagency Liaison Skill-based support from external agencies Department of Justice & Regulation Victorian Auditor-General’s Office – compliance and investigation function Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner – industry compliance and enforcement Internal project support Skill-based support ‘as needed’ from within DEDJTR Project Control Board Responsible for strategic oversight of final deliverable (1)Chief Veterinary Officer/Project Lead (2)Chief Biosecurity Director (3)Director, Biosecurity Major Projects (4)Director, Biosecurity Assurance

4. 2. Consultation Interviews to date Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner Mr Sal Perna, Racing Integrity Commissioner Mr John O’Halloran, Manager – Investigations Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Mr Adam Wallish, CEO Dr Linda Beer, Greyhound Welfare Manager Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne Prof Grahame Colman Animals Australia Ms Glenys Oogjes, Executive Director Ms Lyn White, Campaign Director 4 Interviews planned – 10 to 27 March Greyhound Racing Victoria with Stewards RSPCA Municipal Association of Victoria Australian Veterinarians Association Greyhounds Australasia Also undertaking: Media monitoring analysis Assessment of issues from Ministerial correspondence and unsolicited submissions Second round of follow-up interviews expected from 30 March to 16 April To include: Local council Greyhound club Department of Justice and Regulation GRV follow-up

5. 3. Review of current codes and standards Review focuses on the life of the greyhound from birth to death with respect to welfare, general management and enforcement of legislation and rules Victorian legislation reviewed: Racing Act 1958 Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 Wildlife Act 1975 For comparison, equivalent racing acts from NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand reviewed Codes of Practice reviewed and compared: DAA Code of practice for the operation of greyhound establishments (DAA COPG) DAA Boarding, Training and Breeding, and Rearing Codes GRV Industry Code of Practice and Puppy Breeder Pack Also reviewed Greyhounds Australasia Rules and GRV rules and outcomes of Steward inquiries and disciplinary board hearings Emerging lines of inquiry Enforcement, including Appointment of, and powers afforded to GRV inspectors and stewards Referral of breaches of other legislation to appropriate agencies External review of greyhound establishment operations Welfare, including Coverage of industry code of conduct with respect to care and welfare of greyhounds (GRV refers to DAA COPG which applies to a Domestic Animal Business) Enrichment, socialisation and handling requirements throughout a greyhound’s life Scope and detail for care and management of dogs included in the DAA COPG Management, including consistency between Statutory obligations of GRV relating to welfare Functions of GRV with respect to registration of individuals and dogs within the industry and the DAA that requires registration of premises GRV rules and policies and Greyhound Australasia rules Requirements to manage and care for dogs between the DAA COPG and other DAA Codes of Practice Financial incentives, including Greyhound Owners & Breeders Incentive Scheme 5

6. 4. Review of animal welfare governance systems and compliance and enforcement strategies This component is in its early stages. Subject to review of codes and standards, key questions are expected to cover: Accountability for animal welfare outcomes Transfer of ownership Numbers, experience and training of inspectors Approach to escalating issues or referring to other agencies Dealing with complaints and whistleblowers Use of existing powers by compliance officers Independence of auditing and inspectors Approach to auditing (e.g. risk based? field checks? third party audits?) Protocols for the conduct of inspections or audits Use of a compliance strategy, e.g. how are identified deficiencies addressed? how are complaints investigated? who hears the complaint? who reviews the outcomes of these hearings? is there a hierarchy of sanctions? are serious breaches of legislation reported to the relevant enforcement authorities? Data management, monitoring and reporting Collaboration between enforcement authorities Next steps March – 1.Finalise review of codes and standards and the approach to review of governance and compliance 2.Complete first round of interviews 3.Finalise review of governance and compliance April – 4. Drafting of final report and second round of interviews where required 5. Circulate draft report for comments 6. Finalise report by 30 April 6