Greyhounds are fast becoming the pet of choice for Victorian’s as evidenced by Greyhound Racing Victoria’s (GRV) Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) achieving a record 536 adoptions in the 2014 Financial Year.

The record number of adoptions was announced today at the Eureka89 in an event titled GAP Reaches New Heights where GAP ambassador and face of greyhound ownership, Ricky Ponting, spoke of his love for the noble breed.

The former Australian cricket captain, who has been involved with greyhounds his entire life, said the valuable work GAP do in re-homing greyhounds and changing misconceptions about the breed is vital in increasing the public’s awareness about the suitability of greyhounds as pets.

“The greyhounds are so competitive on the track that people think they may be a little hyperactive for them at home but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“They are sprint athletes and all they want to do after a little bit of exercise is sleep, they are actually quite lazy and are known to sleep for 20 hours a day.

“Being involved in all parts of the sport of greyhound racing has been awesome for me, I love racing my greyhounds and the fact that they make such great pets once they have finished racing.

“This adoption record shows that people are starting to understand how wonderful greyhounds are as pets.  I’m very proud to be a part of the announcement and involved in breaking down some of the misconceptions about greyhound racing in the general public,” Mr Ponting said.

GRV Chairman, Peter Caillard, said: “Greyhound Welfare a major priority at GRV. We have committed millions of dollars to Welfare at all levels, including an extra $1.4 million to the Greyhound Adoption Program over the next three years.

“Great work has been done by so many people to make this program a success, including the many volunteers, foster ‘parents’ and even inmates of prisons who have cared for greyhounds so that they can be placed with families,” Mr Caillard said.

The record result takes the total number of greyhounds adopted through the Program close to the 5000 mark since it was established in 1996.