Barking Muzzles

 About

The Office of Racing Integrity will limit the use of Barking Muzzles* on greyhounds and indicates

the intention to phase out use in due course.

Background

In May 2022 rules relating to the use of barking muzzles were implemented:

Greyhounds Australasia Rules

Rule 30 Use of Barking Muzzles prohibited

For the purpose of this rule “Barking Muzzle” means a muzzle of such description or other

gear, equipment, apparatus or device, which in the opinion of the Stewards, was designed

or intended to be used, in a manner that prevents or limits barking by restricting the ability

of a greyhound to open its mouth.

(2) An offence is committed if a person uses a Barking Muzzle at any time, on any

greyhound, unless:

(a) in circumstances approved by a Controlling Body; or

(b) used by a veterinarian for the sole purpose of examination or treatment.

(3) A person who breaches subrule (2) of this rule may be penalised.

L30.1 An offence is committed if a person has in their possession a Barking Muzzle without

the prior written approval of the Director.

The use of Barking Muzzles poses greyhound welfare risks that include:

• Limitation to panting and heat exchange

• Insufficient monitoring of muzzled greyhounds

• Preventing the dog from opening its mouth and risking aspiration of vomit or suffocation.

• Failure to manage underlying reasons for barking.

* Barking Muzzles include any gear, equipment, apparatus, or device which, in the opinion of Stewards, is designed or intended to be used in

a manner that prevents or limits the barking of a greyhound by restricting its ability to open its mouth.

A moratorium on the application of these rules was granted by the Director of Racing. This

moratorium ends on 30 September 2022.

From 1 October 2022, the use of barking muzzles will be prohibited UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE

WITH THE POLICY.

2

Owner/Trainer Responsibility

A registered person may only use a Barking Muzzle in accordance with a documented retraining

or behavioural modification program (Documented Program).

The Documented Program must be specific to a particular greyhound and be directed, detailed

and approved by a veterinarian or qualified dog obedience trainer and included on the

greyhound’s record.

It is important for you to identify and address the trigger/s of excessive barking that lead to the

use of barking muzzles.

Ensuring greyhounds are provided with enrichment throughout their lives reduces the risks of

developing barking behaviour and leads to improved racing success and general wellbeing.

I would like permission to use a barking muzzle – what do I

do?

• Seek advice from your veterinary surgeon or a qualified dog obedience trainer about your

greyhound’s barking.

• If they consider it appropriate, have them create and approve a ‘Documented Program’

which:

1. Is specific to the greyhound which must be identified.

2. Is for the sole purpose of managing excessive barking.

3. Identifies the probable cause of excessive barking being addressed.

4. Identifies behaviour modification techniques.

5. Specify the duration that the approved barking muzzle may be used – noting that this must

not exceed 30 minutes at a time or 60 minutes in a 24-hour period.

6. Specify the type of muzzle that is to be used – noting that a muzzle must:

o Not completely close the greyhound’s mouth to ensure that it does not limit panting

o Be appropriately sized and properly fitted so as to not cause pain, injury or distress;

o Only be applied under constant supervision.

• Forward the Documented Program to admin@racingintegrity.tas.gov.au requesting the

Director of Racing for a permit.

If you have any questions about whether a type of Barking Muzzle meets the approved

requirements for use, please contact the Office of Racing Integrity on (03) 6777 1900 or by

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