12 ICRAV 2026 Maintaining Social Licence: The Implications of Public Scrutiny Dr Michelle Ledger graduated as a veterinarian from Pretoria University in 2001. She completed her Master’s degree in International Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Law (IAWEL) with the University of Edinburgh in 2021; and obtained her Animal Welfare Memberships to the Australia New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, in 2024. She is currently employed by Racing Queensland as General Manager Greyhound Welfare, having previously held roles as a racing regulatory veterinarian for over 15 years in thoroughbred racing in South Africa, and at Racing Victoria; as well as the inaugural Chief Veterinary Officer of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) in NSW; and as a contractor to Greyhound Racing New Zealand. Dr Ledger is currently the President of the Australian Greyhound, Working and Sporting Dog Veterinarians (AGWSDV) special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association, and serves on several government advisory committees for animal welfare and animal ethics. Dr Ledger is passionate about animal welfare and the ethical use of animals in sports. Social licence to operate (SLO) is the intangible, community-granted approval that enables an industry to function with public trust and minimal regulatory intervention. In the context of racing, SLO reflects society’s confidence that the industry aligns with evolving animal welfare expectations and ethical standards. SLO is an inherently dynamic and fragile social contract, yet critical to the long-term sustainability of racing industries. This paper examines the interplay between animal welfare, public scrutiny, regulatory responses, and transparency through case studies from greyhound racing in New South Wales, New Zealand, and South Australia. It identifies current threats to SLO and explores how sustained media scrutiny can compound negative public perceptions and reputational damage. Loss of SLO can result in government reviews and regulatory changes; increasing legislative restrictions; and outright bans. Maintaining SLO requires credible evidence that animal welfare is safeguarded at every level. The paper outlines proactive strategies for racing authorities to engage with community concerns, build transparency, and foster enduring public trust. ABSTRACT Michelle K Ledger Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare, Racing Queensland, Deagon, Queensland, Australia
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