(a) To ensure the health and safety of each greyhound, the commission veterinarian shall monitor the condition of the greyhounds and inspect each kennel on association grounds where greyhounds are housed.

(b) On each race day, the commission veterinarian shall monitor the condition of the greyhounds. Factors the commission veterinarian shall evaluate include, but are not limited to:

(1) the general physical condition of the greyhounds;

(2) the general manner of handling the greyhounds;

(3) the management of bitches in season;

(4) the management of sick greyhounds;

(5) the medication in use; and

(6) the presence of ectoparasites.

(c) If the commission veterinarian determines that an unsatisfactory condition exists, the veterinarian shall advise the kennel owner or trainer of the unsatisfactory condition. If the unsatisfactory condition persists, or if the unsatisfactory condition requires immediate corrective action, the commission veterinarian shall advise the kennel owner or trainer of the unsatisfactory condition and shall report the condition to the judges.

(d) At tracks that operate year-round, the commission veterinarian shall conduct kennel inspections semi-annually as directed by the executive secretary. At tracks that do not operate year-round, the commission veterinarian shall conduct a kennel inspection at the beginning of each race meet.

(e) The commission veterinarian shall file a written report on each inspection with the executive secretary, on a prescribed form. The report must include, but is not limited to, a statement of the kennel conditions or practices regarding:

(1) the food and the food storage;

(2) the sanitary conditions of the kennels;

(3) the maintenance of the kennel buildings;

(4) the maintenance of the turnout pens;

(5) the maintenance of the sprint path;

(6) the maintenance of the lockout kennel;

(7) the maintenance of the paddock area; and

(8) other matters that the commission veterinarian considers necessary for corrective action by the kennel owner or the association.

Source Note: The provisions of this §319.203 adopted to be effective August 14, 1989, 14 TexReg 3805; amended to be effective October 11, 1990, 15 TexReg 5714; amended to be effective July 16, 2007, 32 TexReg 4386