Leash and Muzzling Requirements for Greyhounds
Owning a pet greyhound in Victoria comes with unique responsibilities- and some important legal requirements every owner should know.
Greyhound owners in Victoria must follow state and national laws that apply to all dog owners, including those around pet care, public safety, and responsible ownership. These laws help ensure greyhounds - and the community around them - stay safe, happy, and well cared for.
Muzzles
Effective 1 January 2019, all greyhound pet owners in Victoria can choose to have their greyhounds muzzle free in public. Prior to this, only greyhounds who had been adopted through GAP and wore a special GAP Green Collar were allowed to go without a muzzle in public. GAP greyhounds will continue to have temperament assessments to ensure they are safe around small dogs and are safe to go un-muzzled in public. For more information about the removal of the muzzling requirement, click here. Further information about legal requirements for owners of pet greyhounds in Victoria can be found here: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/greyhounds
While there is no longer a legal requirement, there may be times when a muzzle is appropriate and necessary. For example, GAP recommends that greyhounds are fitted with a muzzle when being introduced to other pets and to small children for the first time. The greyhound should also be leashed during these introductions. In addition, some greyhounds may display a level of predatory behaviour (also known as prey-drive) towards small animals. If you have adopted your greyhound from GAP, your greyhound will have been assessed for predatory behaviour. As this assessment is conducted at a point in time however, it is possible that predatory behaviour may present at a later date. As such, it is important that greyhound owners understand the signs of predatory behaviour and contact GAP for assistance if any of these signs are observed. Further information about recognising and managing predatory behaviour can be found here: https://gap.grv.org.au/understanding-managing-prey-drive/.
Leash requirements
It is a legal requirement that all greyhounds (including greyhounds with a GAP Green Collar) are kept on leash and under effective control at all times when away from their home property. This applies to any public area, including off-leash dog parks. GAP does not recommend taking greyhounds to off-leash dog parks (even if kept on leash as required by law), as dog-on-dog related incidents are more likely to occur due to lack of control by other owners. This is a risk in relation to all breeds of dogs, not just greyhounds.
Greyhounds are sighthounds and run at speeds in excess of 60km/h. Many have poor recall skills and often won’t come when called if they see something that takes their attention. Even a greyhound with great recall could see something in the distance and run off to try and reach it. A sighthound in this mode can easily run into a busy road or fence without realising the danger. Therefore, for their safety, all greyhounds must be leashed in public at all times.
Should your greyhound be off-leash and become involved in an incident with another dog, not only could you be fined by your council, but you may also be liable for any injuries or veterinary bills incurred by the other party. In addition, Victorian laws regarding dangerous dogs, may result in you being taken to court and your greyhound being declared dangerous.
For more information on dangerous and menacing dogs please visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/dogs/dog-attacks-dangerous-and-menacing-dogs
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Tiger
Audrea
Maui
Indy ARP
Indy is a pretty girl with a gentle, easy-going nature that makes her a pleasure to be around. Quiet, calm and polite, she is sweet, friendly and affectionate, with a lovely habit of seeking eye contact and looking to her people for guidance. Confident without being over-the-top, Indy is easy to handle, walks nicely on lead and is always eager to please.
While Indy enjoys canine company, she prefers polite and placid dogs who respect her space, particularly male dogs. She is not a fan of boisterous dogs rushing up to her and may also be perfectly happy as the only dog in the home. Indy may suit a family with children aged 10 years and older who can appreciate her gentle nature. With her kind heart, good manners and loving personality, Indy is sure to make a wonderful companion.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Chief ARP
Chief is a handsome, solidly built boy with striking light-coloured eyes and a personality to match. Friendly, outgoing and full of confidence, he loves meeting new people and is always happy to make new friends, especially if treats are involved! Chief is a personable lad who enjoys being part of the action and brings plenty of charm wherever he goes. One of Chief's most entertaining quirks is his hilarious response to being patted down his back, his tail pops up momentarily, a talent that had staff in fits of laughter! With his affectionate nature and easy-going attitude, Chief may suit a home with or without a canine companion of a similar size and is likely to do well with children aged 10 years and older. This lovely boy is sure to bring plenty of fun, companionship and smiles to his future family.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home. If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Boysenberry ARP
Boysenberry is a beautiful girl with a lovely soft coat and an even lovelier personality. Sweet, friendly, affectionate and full of confidence, she adores people and is always ready to share her enthusiasm with those around her. An outgoing extrovert, Boysenberry loves attention and has a charming habit of jumping up for cuddles whenever the opportunity arises. She has some experience in a home, is toilet trained, can confidently manage stairs, and even knows how to shake hands on command before receiving her dinner.
Active and personable, Boysenberry would thrive in a home with a secure backyard where she can run, play and enjoy family life. She will likely suit a home with or without a canine companion of a similar size and is expected to do well with children aged 10 years and older. With her affectionate nature and fun-loving spirit, Boysenberry is ready to become a much-loved member of a lucky family.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Ruffus ARP
Ruffus is a sweet, friendly boy with a happy waggy tail and a big personality to match. Outgoing, confident, and affectionate, he loves treats, seeks eye contact, and is always keen to please his people. With his puppyish enthusiasm, playful nature, and quirky charm, Ruffus is sure to keep you smiling. He's a good traveller and a wonderfully goofy boy who enjoys being part of the action. Ruffus may be suited to a home on his own or may be suitable to live with robust small, medium, or large dogs. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 years and older.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home. If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Little Man
George
Hercules