Unlawful and suspicious activity in Victoria’s greyhound racing industry can now be reported to Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) through a new telephone hotline at 1300 856 109.

The 24 hour, seven day a week hotline joins an online reporting service at GRV’s main website and its Fast Track and Greyhound Care and Standards websites and connects callers with GRV’s Investigations Unit.

GRV Senior Integrity Manager Charlie Bezzina said all contacts through the new hotline would be handled with complete confidentially and could be made anonymously if needed.

“It’s another way in which greyhound racing participants and the general public can be part of the solution in ensuring animal welfare and integrity are the sport’s key priorities,” Mr Bezzina said.

“GRV’s online reporting function has already generated close to 5000 visits, with many people submitting valuable information that has been acted upon by GRV’s Investigations Unit.”

“Around a third of these reports have involved animal welfare matters with the rest covering issues such as prohibited substances, disqualified people and unethical euthanasia.”

Led by Mr Bezzina, a highly experienced former Victoria Police detective, the Investigations Unit includes several other ex-Victoria Police investigators and intelligence analysts.

The Unit identifies and monitors issues through a comprehensive risk framework that drives preventive measures and triggers proactive investigations and works closely with GRV’s Welfare Unit and Stewards and the RSPCA, other animal welfare bodies and Victoria Police.

“GRV and Victoria’s greyhound racing community are committed to reforming the sport and much has alread been achieved,” Mr Bezzina said.

“GRV and all participants have to work in unity to continue this reform process and make the sport in Victoria a best practice model nationally and internationally.”