GWIC To Absorb Nose Print Recognition Costs

IN a boon for participants, GWIC will step back from imposing fees on participants for the implementation of Nose Print Recognition (NPR) from November this year.

The decision comes following a whirlwind 72 hours after the Greyhound, Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) announced on Friday a series of costs would be passed on to owners and breeders to subsidise the revolutionary technology.

The costs included a hike in litter registrations from $65 to $310 while an annual subscription fee of $25 would also be in play for greyhounds whelped and owned in NSW from November onwards.

The proposed move created a firestorm among industry participants, many of which were left pondering their future involvement in the sport.

It also led to the NSW GBOTA issuing a stern response on behalf of its members and participants, concerned about the ramifications it would have on the viability of the industry for a section of the participant base.

But on Tuesday afternoon there was a ray of light, with GWIC CEO Steve Griffin saying that following significant industry consultation in recent days, the fee structure would not be introduced from November as first planned.

"We've listened to participants and following extensive discussions with stakeholders, including the clubs, the fee structure around NPR (Nose Print Recognition) will not be introduced in November," Mr. Griffin said.

"In retrospect we haven't afforded participants a whole lot of lead in time so for now the commission will explore ways in which it can absorb the costs.

"It's not to say that it's not something that we will look at in the future, but for now, those particular costs won't be passed on to participants.

"GWIC understands and appreciates that there's a number of challenges currently facing breeders, many of which have arisen at the same time.

"We are sympathetic to that.”

On Monday, Mr. Griffin spoke glowingly about the technology which has a range of benefits and will serve as a secondary identification process after the cessation of ear-branding in November.

It's understood other states and territories are advanced in plans to take up the technology also.

Following the announcement by GWIC, NSW GBOTA CEO Daniel Weizman and Advocacy Manager Fiona Geary were full of praise for the commission's move.

“The NSW GBOTA thanks GWIC for listening to the breeders of the industry on this issue,” the statement read.

“The Association looks forward to working collaboratively with GWIC on finding a solution moving forward to help assist with the rising costs of the sport.”