May 16 2002 saw the Launch of the "The Charter for the Racing Greyhound", drawn up as a result of a House of Lords debate on the sport last June prompted by greyhound owner Lord Lipsey. The debate highlighted various areas for improvement and urged the greyhound industry to puts its house in order, and provide more resources in order to ensure the greyhounds welfare from its birth, through rearing, training, racing and into retirement.
The 16-point plan produced by the Greyhound Forum- and made up of the leading UK and Irish animal welfare organisations together with the BGRB, NGRC, Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club-aims to encourage best practice in the industry and covers a wide range of welfare issues.
The Charter and its accompanying 'Guide to Best Practice', will be sent out to all greyhound racecourses who will  be asked to make sure it is displayed prominently so it can be seen by owners, trainers and racegoers.

The 16-point Charter:

* The registered owner and or keeper of a greyhound should take full responsibility for the physical and mental well being of the greyhound and should do so with full regard to the dog's future welfare.

* All greyhounds should be permanently identified, properly registered and relevant records kept by the owner and or keeper.

* All greyhounds should be fully vaccinated by a veterinary Surgeon and provided with a current Certificate of Vaccination.

* All greyhounds must be provided with suitable food and accommodation and have unrestricted access to clean, fresh water.

* Adequate arrangements must be made to allow for exercise and socialisation.

* Breeding and Rearing - over-production of greyhounds through indiscriminate breeding must be avoided. Where a racing greyhound is bred from, the long-term welfare of the bitch and puppies must be paramount.

* Training must be conducted so as to safeguard the long-term welfare of the dog.

* Where destruction is inevitable, greyhounds should be euthanased humanely by the intravenous injection of a suitable drug administered under the supervision of a veterinary Surgeon.

* When transported, all greyhounds should do so in safety and comfort.

* All tracks should appoint a member of staff responsible for animal welfare.

* A supervising veterinary Surgeon must be present whenever greyhounds are raced at tracks.

* Tracks and kennels must be designed and maintained to ensure the highest welfare standards for the racing greyhound.

* Greyhounds must only race if passed fit by a veterinary Surgeon immediately prior to racing.

* Greyhounds must be entitled to receive emergency veterinary care if injured.

* Drugs, which may affect the performance of a greyhound when racing, should not be permitted.

*The Industry must endeavour to ensure that all racecourse have a properly funded home-finding scheme for retired greyhounds in operation. Such schemes should work closely with other welfare and charitable bodies seeking to find good homes for ex-racing greyhounds.