How have Greyhounds become Unmuzzled?
Helping dogs transition…
Owners of Greyhounds in several states including Qld have been given the option that their ex-racing dogs no longer have to wear a muzzle in public once they have completed a prescribed training program. Of course in some cases there may be cause for a muzzle to be worn when appropriate or necessary.
Greyhounds adopted through GAP (Greyhound Adoption Program) can be accredited for wearing a special green collar to distinguish them as completing such an assessment and are not required by law to wear a muzzle in public. GAP still hold the recommendation that a muzzle and leash should be fitted if introducing the dog to small children or other pets. GAP wanted the Greyhounds to be as comfortable as possible by allowing the dogs to be muzzle free where possible whilst at the same time helping owners understand predatory drives of the breed and the fact that some behaviours may not appear until a later date.
Greyhounds are ‘sight hounds’ which means they can easily be incited to chase a moving object. They can run speeds above 60km per hour so for their safety the still required to be leashed at all times.
Ex-racing Greyhounds joining a re-homing program have a wind-down period which helps give them time to adjust to a non-racing life. The official transition period is around 1 month before they are considered for re-homing.
Western Australia and Victoria also agreed that retired Greyhounds need not be considered dangerous and began making changes to their Dog Act as they saw the growing need for Greyhounds to find homes.
Dogs should be considered each on their own merit. The new rules are designed to increase the welfare of these magnificent dogs and to make them more adoptable. Just like any other breed, Greyhounds are individuals and may experience change due to their environment and health factors. GAP carefully assess the dogs for their degree of compatibility with potential ‘forever homes’ which sometimes include children and/or other pets.
Registered racing Greyhounds are still required to wear a muzzle in public places.
Leah & Angela OMeara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)