Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is urging industry participants to remain vigilant following recent information regarding alleged approaches to acquire greyhounds for export outside approved regulatory processes.

GRV is aware of claims made by Yangang Wang regarding the export of greyhounds to China, including the circulation of alleged communications with industry participants. Mr Wang was previously issued with a warning off and is prohibited from attending any greyhound racing venue or having any involvement in the sport.

Under the Rules of Racing, any registered participant who associates with or provides greyhounds to a person who has been warned off for greyhound racing purposes may be subject to disciplinary action.

GRV is strongly advising participants to exercise extreme caution in responding to any unsolicited or suspicious approaches seeking to purchase greyhounds, particularly from individuals unknown to them.

Providing greyhounds that are subsequently exported outside the Greyhounds Australasia (GA) passport process may constitute a serious breach of the Rules of Racing and may result in regulatory enforcement action.

GRV remains vehemently opposed to the export of greyhounds to jurisdictions that do not have strong regulatory frameworks and welfare protections in place.

“The welfare of greyhounds is our highest priority, and we have zero tolerance for any activity that puts that at risk,” said GRV’s Executive General Manager of Integrity and Welfare Shane O’Connell.

“Exporting greyhounds outside approved processes undermines the safeguards that exist to protect these animals and poses a serious risk to their wellbeing.

“We are reminding all participants that engaging with, or facilitating greyhound transfers involving warned-off persons or unregulated export pathways, will be treated as a serious breach of the rules.”

The GA passport system is designed to ensure that any greyhound exported from Australia or New Zealand is sent only to destinations with recognised regulatory oversight and appropriate welfare standards.

Greyhounds exported outside this process present a significant animal welfare concern and risk, as well as a reputational risk to the integrity of the greyhound racing industry.

GRV continues to work closely with interstate regulators, including the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (NSW) and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, in relation to this matter.

Participants who are approached in relation to the sale or transfer of greyhounds under suspicious circumstances are encouraged to report the matter to GRV Integrity and Welfare – [email protected]

As this matter is the subject of an ongoing active investigation, GRV will not be commenting further at this time.