New government transport guidelines

After extensive negotiations with the industry, government is introducing new transport guidelines that will affect trainers.

View the full guidelines.

Download a copy of the government transport authorisation form

The BGRB Trainers Assistance Fund is able to provide all trainers with grants to help them meet the new requirements, however, it is a trainer's responsibility to ensure that they are complying by the deadline of 1st January 2010.

For more information please contact your local NGRC Stipendiary Steward or Peter Laurie, Welfare Officer at the BGRB on 020 7808 7722

Recovering debts through the small claims court

The GTA receives a number of enquiries from trainers that have been left with unpaid kennel bills by owners. Trainers can help reduce the risk of this happening by asking their owners to pay their bills by direct debit or to pay a deposit when bringing a dog into the kennel.

If a debt does arise, trainers should consider the Small Claims Court as a means of recovering up to £5,000 when other attempts to recover a legitimate debt have failed.

Trainers do not require legal representation but need to submit a claim form, a court fee of up to £120 and a statement of truth. When a judgement is entered at court as a result of a hearing or consideration by a District Judge, a Judgement Order will be issued.

Two websites that provide more information:

www.small-claims-court-support.co.uk www.hmcourtsservice.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms

Sometimes the suggestion that you are going to go through the small claims court is enough to persuade the debtor to pay.

Effort put into your evidence is well worth the time so be relevant, accurate and only claim the actual debt and allowable costs. Your own diary evidence is allowed, which, if including specific dates and times adds credibility to your claim.

General advice

The NGRC has produced a series of helpful factsheets that are available on request from the NGRC or can be viewed on the NGRC website www.ngrc.org.uk

These factsheets cover a range of subjects including:

• Buying and training greyhounds
• Registering a racing greyhound
• Seasonal suppression of a bitch

The NGRC provides all new owners entering the sport with a “New Owners Information Pack” that details their responsibilities under Rule 18.

It is very important that all trainers are also aware of the rules so that they can advise owners where necessary.