Comment: Why This GWIC Move Is On The Nose

SO, Greyhound, Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) CEO Steve Griffin claims "GWIC doesn't have the budget to absorb the additional costs" created by their soon to be introduced Nose Print Recognition (NPR) identification technology.

Late last Friday afternoon, the NSW welfare and integrity body flooded participants' inboxes with emails (I got two) claiming "it's time to face the future with Nose Print Recognition".

The downside for participants is that due to the cost of the new technology, it will now cost $310 to register a litter, an increase of $245 or 477 per cent from the current fee of $65. 

READ: GBOTA Lashes Out Over NPR Cost Roll Out

As well as this hike, a newly created $25 annual subscription fee per greyhound for pups born from matings after November 1, 2024 onwards will be applicable.

So, what about all the benefits – according to GWIC?

* Complete greyhound check-ins without leaving home – We still have to have them vaccinated annually don't we?

* Verify greyhound identity wherever you are – because I regularly check my dogs identity when not behind the computer.

* Streamline processes – what processes?

* Will remove the need to fill-out some web forms – other than registering a litter, I can't remember the last time I filled out a form.

* Secondary form of identification – fair enough.

* Fast and simple to use – that's great, it's 2024.

* Integrated with eTrac digital portal – Their ear brands were listed also were they not?

Plenty of pomp and pageantry but what are the real changes for the owner, breeder and or trainer other than a shiny new cost?

In reality, nothing. Zero.

Breeding numbers haven't been as low as they are currently in NSW for many, many years.

Actually, ever.

What do they think is going to happen now with the price hike to register a litter as well as paying for each and every pup annually?

Then, lo and behold, four days after this significant announcement, another shiny new GWIC toy has arisen with the GWIC website receiving a makeover!

"We've been working behind the scenes to enhance your online experience – yes GWIC's website has been given a makeover," my email read.

"The address is the same www.gwic.nsw.gov.au but prepare to be amazed by a fresh and responsive design.

"It's designed to enhance your user experience with improved navigation."

I mean, seriously.

Four days after announcing a huge price hike for a service you manage, you think it's a good idea to announce you've spent more ‘industry' money making the website a different colour?

"Amazed" I wasn't … as I doubt anyone will be other than the web designers that created and got paid for it and those at GWIC that commissioned it.

How much did the ‘makeover' cost participants – please share with us Steve?

And honestly, what was wrong with the old one?

I'd love to know how much traffic the site gets and put that up against the cost of the improvements to see if industry funds have been used wisely.

As an owner and breeder in this industry, I am for the first time starting to ask myself if the decision makers at GWIC really do want this sport to survive, let alone flourish.

Any reasonable reading of the temperature out there would demonstrate how hard participants are doing it.

There seems to be an acknowledgement that the recent announcements will mean more people are lost to the sport.

The way it's going, I'm starting to question if it's time that I might become one of them.

Everyone has their breaking point.