The RCVS have publicly announced that there is a shortage of vets in Great Britain.

This is devastating news for injured greyhounds!

We the undersigned request that greyhounds are given 24hr accessible dedicated veterinary services funded by the Greyhound racing industry itself during this crisis, and as described below.

Greyhound trainers each have access to the track vet who is primarily present during race times to check that dogs are fit to race, and provide emergency/'temporary' relief using medication for any injured dogs. Track vets are also available to provide euthanasia where agreed with the dogs owner. 

The RCVS vet shortage means that there is a real possibility that injured dogs could in some cases be left suffering with untreated broken bones after leaving the Greyhound track, unless the greyhound trainer is able to find emergency treatment/surgery for their dog. 

One 'now former' greyhound trainer told us, he almost regretted not euthanising his dog after having to drive for 4hrs to get help, following his dog suffering a broken limb during a race at a licensed Greyhound track. It was a small bonus, that he was able to have someone watch over the dog whilst he drove the distance, to try and keep her as comfortable as possible. This trainer told us that he was so upset by the incident that he gave up his trainers licence. 

One RCVS professional claims that the veterinary shortage is partially due to vets suffering burn out due to the stress the pandemic has caused as well as the effect Brexit has had, with a reduction in foreign vets joining the register, especially whilst there has been an increasing number of new owners who have taken on pets during the pandemic. 

So where does this leave badly injured greyhounds when all is available, are painkillers or euthanasia?

Will some trainers feel it is easier to euthanise their injured dogs rather than have to prolong any suffering, whilst trying to access the full appropriate treatment? 'emergency operations etc'.

We the undersigned ask that the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and Defra take urgent action during the RCVS veterinary shortage, and hire a minimum of 4 private emergency vets, each one to be located within reasonable distance of Greyhound stadia, and on standby to perform emergency treatment/operations etc. 

We ask that this new much needed service is made accessible 24hrs per day on race days, and funded by the Greyhound racing industry profits earned by the dogs. This service should be at no additional cost to the licensed greyhound trainer, other than them paying standard veterinary fees for the treatment. This would hopefully reduce the risk of prolonged unnecessary suffering caused by racing injuries; or that dogs may be unnecessarily euthanised due to distress caused by injuries whilst there is a serious lack of access to full veterinary treatment across Great Britain. 

We ask that this service is made completely accessible with immediate effect, until the RCVS veterinary shortage is completely resolved. 

Please note: Photo is for example purposes only.