There are no shades of grey when it comes to greyhounds making great pets with the Victorian Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) significantly breaking its annual adoption record.
Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, and member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, were on hand at the GAP facility in Seymour today to announce that the program had achieved a record number of adoptions in the 2014/15 Financial Year with 847 adoptions processed.
It is the second consecutive year that GAP – which is run and operated by Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) – has broken its annual record with 536 adoptions processed in the 2013/14 Financial Year. The result for the 2014/15 Financial Year represents a further 58 per cent increase in adoptions.
“This year’s record number of adoptions is testament to the wonderful nature of greyhounds as pets. GRV and GAP should be congratulated on their work and I look forward to many more of these great dogs finding homes,” Minister Pakula said.
“This year’s record number of adoptions is testament to the wonderful nature of greyhounds as pets. GRV and GAP should be congratulated on their work”
Ms Symes added: “Having grown up with greyhounds all my life I can attest to how wonderful they are as family pets. The GAP program is a wonderful initiative and a lovely way for greyhounds to start the second phase of their journeys.”
Racing Minister Martin Pakula and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes meet some playful greyhound pups at GRV’s Greyhound Adoption Program in Seymour.
The popularity of greyhounds can be seen throughout Victoria with all regions – or ‘Grey’ areas – represented in the adoption numbers. The lazy, loving and docile nature of greyhounds has led to them becoming one of the most loved pet options in Victoria.
GAP Manager, Larissa Darragh, said that the record was the result of the hard work and determination of the GAP staff. Ms Darragh added that the prevalence of more greyhounds in the community leads to greater awareness of the breed’s suitability as a pet.
“There is no better feeling in the world then when you see a greyhound walk away with its new owner and this year we were able to see that 847 times,” Ms Darragh said.
“Everyone involved with the program is just so happy that we get to work with these beautiful animals on a daily basis and seeing the happy faces of the owners makes it even better.
“As more greyhounds go into more homes they are more prevalent throughout public places and that’s one of the main reasons we believe the numbers have increased so significantly. Once you meet a greyhound you will fall in love with the breed, there’s no doubt about it.
“Our partnerships with the Dogs Country Club and Kennel Resort in Baxter and the collaborative adoption scheme operating at six RSPCA shelters across Victoria have also played a role in growing adoptions.
“We are hoping we can reach 1000 adoptions next year as the public continue to see how amazing greyhounds are as pets.”
“Once you meet a greyhound you will fall in love with the breed, there’s no doubt about it.”
The Casey area provided the most number of adoptions with 81 greyhounds finding new homes. Greater Geelong (39) Campaspe (36) and Wellington (34) were also large adoption areas with greyhounds finding homes throughout the breadth of Victoria.
GAP and GRV also introduced a number of ‘Adoption Days’ in 2014/15 where people were invited to metropolitan areas to adopt a greyhound. This proved to be a successful venture with more than 100 greyhounds being adopted from the five adoption days that were held.
GAP’s headquarters at Seymour also recently underwent a $1 million upgrade that has allowed more greyhounds to enter the program, and for the greyhounds to be moved through the program more efficiently. The upgrades include a ‘backyard’ where prospective adopters can interact with their greyhound, and can even bring their existing pets to meet their new family member, an on-site veterinary facility, and improved day yards for the greyhounds.
GAP hopes to build on the record number of adoptions processed this year and break the 1000 barrier in 2015/16.
You can meet some of the wonderful greyhounds that have gone through the program at the GAP stand at the Royal Melbourne Show this year. Click here for more information.
