Greyhound vet Dr Polly Smith has been appointed by Oxford Stadium to oversee all aspects of welfare and care at the venue when it reopens next year.
The stadium closed in 2012 but earlier this year Kevin Boothby secured a 10-year lease to reopen it.
Greyhound racing will return next year and speedway could also make a comeback.
Dr Smith will lead a team of qualified and experienced veterinary surgeons at each race meeting.
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Earlier this month Oxford Vegan Action’s Jane Magpie said she was ‘deeply concerned’ about the racing of greyhounds and the animals’ wellbeing.
Stadium managing director Kevin Boothby said greyhound welfare was his ‘utmost priority’ and would ensure that ‘every dog lives an enjoyable life before, during and after their racing careers’.
Dr Smith, 42, has worked as a dedicated greyhound vet for six years. She graduated from Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia in 2005, with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery before obtaining a PhD in Epidemiology.
She said: “Greyhounds are magnificent animals and like everyone else in the industry, I feel very privileged to work with them daily.
“Providing a veterinary presence on-site at every race meeting is essential and it’s encouraging to see the welfare measures planned at Oxford Stadium both on and off the track.
“We’re not only there to assist greyhounds who require treatment, but also monitor their health and welfare and work with trainers, kennel hands and stadium staff to ensure high standards of welfare.
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“I’m excited to be part of Oxford Stadium’s regeneration project and look forward to attending the first trial sessions early next year.”
Before any greyhound is allowed to run at the stadium, Dr Smith will carry out a thorough examination.
This includes a hands-on check of each greyhound’s joints and muscles, a visual assessment of overall health and condition and seeing a dog moving at a trot to assess for lameness.
Greyhounds are then weighed before being kennelled ahead of their race.
Dr Smith added: “The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has made significant strides to place greyhound welfare at the heart of its work in recent years.”
Mr Boothby said: “No corners will be cut, and no expense spared concerning the welfare of greyhounds.
“Polly’s experience with greyhounds, as an epidemiologist and a mixed-practice vet means she is the perfect professional to lead our team of dedicated veterinary staff.”
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The venue’s facilities will include a sports bar, a panorama restaurant, track-side VIP suites three dance studios, a community café, office space and a leisure hub.
A charity will also operate a wellbeing centre at the stadium.
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