Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. It has specific powers conferred on it by the Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, S.I. 302 2007, which set out the detailed rules under which greyhound racing is conducted.
Bord na gCon has informed my Department that more than 6,000 samples were taken from greyhounds that competed at licensed stadia in 2014, for the purpose of detecting prohibited substances. To date 31 samples have been returned as positive, with four samples awaiting final confirmation.
Bord na gCon has stated that all samples analysed are subjected to a range of tests to detect a variety of performances enhancing stimulants, substances that act as “stoppers”, substances such as Anabolic Steroids (Nandoral and Stanozolol) as well as controlled substances such as EPO and cocaine.
I am informed by Bord na gCon that anabolic steroids such as Stanozolol have been controlled substances for male greyhounds since 1st May 2007 and for females since 1st October 2014. Bord na gCon has indicated that since the implementation of these provisions, there have been no confirmed cases of Stanozolol reported in samples taken on its behalf.
In the past year Bord na gCon has significantly augmented its regulatory function with the appointment of a Director of Racing Governance and Compliance. Bord na gCon reports that since this appointment, it has undertaken a considerable review of all regulatory functions with a view to achieving the highest standards in greyhound racing integrity.
Standard Operating Procedures for all areas of regulation are being reviewed and revised with a view to improving regulatory effectiveness and withstanding any subsequent challenge. Bord na gCon notes that within the past year, sample testing at trials and in-competition testing within heats has commenced as it has moved to an “intelligence led” approach to deliver more effective testing.
A new regulatory “Resource Centre” has been established on the Bord na gCon website where industry participants can apprise themselves of all developments and requirements concerning greyhound welfare, anti-doping and medication control, rules and guides, reports and statistics and licensing arrangements.
Bord na gCon has also recently completed a public consultation on proposed regulatory reform. In addition, it has launched a Review into Anti-Doping and Medication Control, which is being led by Professor Tim Morris (School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham), with a view to advising it on any strengthening of regulatory systems that might be required, including in relation to sampling and testing for doping and medication.
This review, which is on-going, will make recommendations which I expect Bord na gCon to take into account in determining whether any amendments are required to legislation, practices or policies, to ensure both the advancement of the Board's commitment to the welfare of the greyhound and to underpin the integrity of the Irish greyhound industry.
In addition my Department is reviewing current legislation with a view to identifying any changes required to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Indecon report into Bord na gCon.
It is clearly in the best interests of the greyhound sector to ensure that its integrity systems are robust, and kept under review, in order to maintain effectiveness in line with evolving practices and technologies. The Indecon report has made a number of recommendations in relation to the processes around the control of prohibited substances. I am satisfied that Bord na gCon's commitment to its implementation, together with the review currently underway, will ensure that the regime for the control of prohibited substances operates to the very best international standards.
