Alyosha Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 A nice article and pic in today's Canberra Times. Positive news for existing Greyhound owners, and encouraging for potential owners: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/greyhounds-chance-to-go-muzzlefree/2417498.aspx Sorry I can't copy and paste text from iPad... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Canberrans will soon be able to walk pet greyhounds muzzle-free, following an announcement that training courses to provide muzzle exemption will start this weekend. After undertaking a five-week socialisation course, keepers will be allowed to walk their greyhound in a public place without a muzzle, as approved by Domestic Animal Services. David Bullivant, a level two obedience instructor with DogTech, will run the course. He said it was mainly about teaching the animal how to behave in different situations. ''One of the things that people often worry about is small, fluffy dogs around ex-racing greyhounds, but our course will ensure no dog will be recommended for muzzle exemption without passing every aspect of the training,'' he said. ''Really, we are training owners to train their dogs - they still can't have the greyhound off a lead, so it's more about calming the dog in certain situations.'' Mr Bullivant said any animal that showed a sign of aggression throughout the training course would be denied a registration for muzzle exemption. However, registrar with Domestic Animal Services, Peter Dinan, who formally approves the ''recommended'' greyhounds, said the animal was not only given a second chance - but unlimited chances at the training course. ''They [the owner and their greyhound] will be allowed to return, yes,'' he said. Mr Dinan is confident the muzzle exemption is a step in the right direction for the ACT, especially since NSW and Queensland have introduced similar courses in recent years. ''There's no evidence that there have been any issues with un-muzzled greyhounds, and I think it will lessen the stigma surrounding these dogs,'' he said. Ruth Osgood, of Richardson, owns three-year-old greyhound Lola, and said she often feared for the safety of her dog - when it was wearing a muzzle. ''Sometimes I panic because unmuzzled dogs can run at Lola, and there is no way she can protect herself. They really are very placid animals.'' With rangers patrolling areas of Canberra, Mr Dinan was certain greyhound owners who have not completed the muzzle exemption course would be caught. Mr Dinan said the maximum penalty for an owner who was walking a greyhound without a muzzle and who had not undertaken the course was $550. The course is available for $145. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 excellent news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diva Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Great news. Although the comment about rangers patrolling areas of Canberra caused a wry smile - I really wish they'd patrol my suburb, and not for greyhounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pie Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Great news :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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