Code of Massachusetts Regulations
205 CMR - MASSACHUSETTS GAMING COMMISSION
Title 205 CMR 12.00 - The Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, And Transportation Of Racing Greyhounds
Section 12.06 - Care

(1) Greyhounds shall be supervised, at all times, while in the turnout areas.

(2) Muzzles shall be lightweight and constructed with plastic or padded wire. Worn, broken, or rusted muzzles are prohibited.

(3) Muzzles shall be used only at turnout. Greyhounds shall not be muzzled in their crates while housed in the kennels unless permission is obtained from the Commission or association veterinarian. Said permission shall be granted only for valid documented medical conditions. In emergencies, or for protection of the greyhounds, muzzles may be applied without prior permission.

(4) Effective control measures shall be used to prevent infestation of greyhounds and premises with external parasites and vermin.

(5) Sick, diseased, or injured greyhounds shall be promptly provided with proper veterinary care.

(6) The outbreak of any communicable disease, that is capable of jeopardizing the welfare of other greyhounds, shall be reported to the Racing Commission within 24 hours of its detection. Willful failure to report such an outbreak shall subject the person(s) guilty thereof to referral to the Commission for such action, as in its discretion, it may determine.

(7) All greyhounds shall be vaccinated for rabies in accordance with the Department of Food and Agriculture's regulations ( 330 CMR 10.00). Copies of current rabies certificates, signed by a licensed veterinarian, must be on file with the racing secretary. In addition, each greyhound shall be vaccinated for distemper and any other disease(s) that the Commission or association veterinarians have determined may be communicable to other greyhounds at their facility.

(8) In accordance with the interest of the health, welfare, and safety of the greyhounds, the judges, upon advice of the association veterinarian, may postpone or cancel any race(s) which, in the opinion of the association veterinarian and/or judges, would be conducted under extra ordinary climatic or track conditions that could unduly endanger the greyhounds.

(9) Whenever, in the opinion of the association veterinarian, extraordinary climatic conditions warrant, the judges may excuse any individual greyhound that, in the opinion of its trainer, as absolute insurer of its condition, may suffer adverse effects or be unable to produce a satisfactory result in a race under those conditions. Scratches occurring under this provision shall not incur any sanctions otherwise imposed by 205 CMR 5.00: Rules of Greyhound Racing.