Kirty Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8210139 Non-racing greyhounds will no longer have to wear a muzzle once they complete an approved retraining program, the NSW government says. The amendment was announced on Saturday to encourage the adoption of more ex-racing greyhounds, Local Government Minister Barbara Perry said on Saturday. Many greyhounds are unable to find a home due to the muzzle requirement once their racing days are over. The opposition and Australian Veterinary Association welcomed the move, which will bring NSW policy in line with Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT. "The decision will mean that many more greyhounds will now be rescued and placed with families rather than facing death row at the end of their racing career," Ms Perry said in a statement. Greyhound owners will still face tough dog control laws, even if their dog passes the suitability test, with greyhounds required to wear bright green collars in public. Opposition intergovernmental relations spokesman Chris Hartcher said the exemption would give "a far better outcome" to greyhounds and their owners. "Greyhound pets bring joy and happiness. They are affectionate and non-aggressive," Mr Hartcher said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 that's good news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 about time too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniek Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) great news - but - could be a disaster waiting to happen - they are allowed off lead in NSW Edited February 12, 2011 by anniek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paula- Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Have they decided on what an 'approved retraining program' means? Because they haven't in the ACT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 I'm guessing its the GAP program, because it mentions green collars (which are a GAP thing). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graysmum Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I hope they do it fairly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissMolly Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 about time too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniek Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I'm guessing its the GAP program, because it mentions green collars (which are a GAP thing). It should be interesting though, as GAP NSW (greyhound adoption program) is the private non industry group who issue the green collrs, whilst GAP (greyhounds as pets) is the industry funded group - I think they got something $150,000 funding last year and adopted out 46 dogs), but I don't think they issue the green collar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 OK, I am really confused. I was imagining it would be like GAP in Victoria who issue the green collars, and who are (I believe) linked with the industry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniek Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 OK, I am really confused. I was imagining it would be like GAP in Victoria who issue the green collars, and who are (I believe) linked with the industry. Yes GAP in Vc is part of Greyhound Racing Vicroria's marketing department - the racing control board - the government..lol. I think it was quite simple in the "old days", but as there are now over a dozen greyhound adoption groups in Australia, well .............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow_wolf Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 They should never have had to be muzzled in the first place. Nothing wrong with greyhounds at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBL Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Fantasic news and I will be looking to get my guys assessed. Of course mine never go offlead in public and I hope others still do the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Snow Wolf, that is not entirely true. Most Greyhounds are very lovely, however they were muzzled for a reason. Training methods and socialisation of Greys was very different 30 years ago. Greyhound organisations in this country have worked very hard to only rehome dogs that are safe to be pets. It would be a huge shame if the level of what is acceptable was to drop, resulting in poor-temperamented Greyhounds being released to the general public. Some Greyhounds do have VERY high prey drive and are not suitable to walk without a muzzle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBL Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Gap nsw website is saying there are 2 green collar assessment days planned (may and June) but both days full. Guess there may be a wait to get assessments done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Fantasic news and I will be looking to get my guys assessed. Of course mine never go offlead in public and I hope others still do the same Ilive in Vic and have seen a few off leash in public parks, no muzzles and no green collar. I have little dogs so left the park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensgreys Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 GAP Victoria is a department of Greyhound Racing Victoria and there for funded by GRV. By the reading of the latest media release NSW program will be run the same as GAP VIC is at the moment but it will be interesting to see if they change the NSW industry group's name from Greyhounds As Pets as it is known now. http://www.thedogs.com.au/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsId=2182 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow_wolf Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Snow Wolf, that is not entirely true. Most Greyhounds are very lovely, however they were muzzled for a reason. Training methods and socialisation of Greys was very different 30 years ago. Greyhound organisations in this country have worked very hard to only rehome dogs that are safe to be pets. It would be a huge shame if the level of what is acceptable was to drop, resulting in poor-temperamented Greyhounds being released to the general public. Some Greyhounds do have VERY high prey drive and are not suitable to walk without a muzzle. Every racing greyhound i've ever come across has been fine. I just never believed they should be singled out like that. Every breed has a few dogs that are likely to bite someone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Well good for you. That doesn't mean that there aren't racing Greys out there who are NOT suitable as household pets. I love Greys and own one myself, but I still wouldn't want to see every racing Greyhound given the green light to not wear a muzzle. Most Greys are fine with people but some are VERY keen on anything smaller than themselves. Would you want an un-muzzled, un-leashed dog like that heading for your SWF? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensgreys Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) That is a very rash statement to say every racing greyhound is fine because it's just not true. Edited February 12, 2011 by jensgreys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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