Leash and Muzzling Requirements for Greyhounds

Laws & Regulations
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

Related Resources

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Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Lee

2 years old

How handsome is this young chap! Mr Lee here is a stunning, sleek, shiny boy that is just as sweet as he is handsome. Lee is still a young one getting to know the ropes so he can be a bit silly and on the go but he does sometimes step back and take it all in. He can be a little shy in new situations but soon forgets what he was worried about and is back to his usual playful self. We think Lee may suit living with children 10+ and maybe another medium or larger companion. He has requested a backyard though please as he wants to show you his epic zoomies and play till its nap time!

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Empire

3 years old

Well they all say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but perhaps you want to bring an Empire into your home and make it a kingdom of fun, laughter, cuddles and play time. Empire may suit many homes and living with children 10+ or maybe even another medium or larger canine buddy.

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Pickles

5 years old

Meet Pickles with his big floppy ears that makes him look like a cross breed! In new situations and environments, he can be a little unsure but doesn't take him long for his true colours to shine through and is super friendly and affectionate and if you're lucky he may even jump up for a cuddle! Pickles may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10 years and older. This big playful boy will likely do best in a home with a backyard.
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Magpie

5 years old

Magpie is a lovely boy with a puppyish and playful nature. He's confident, social and outgoing, and loves to be the life of the party! This charming boy would likely be ok in a home with full time workers, and children aged 10 or older. He is looking for a backyard he can run and play in. Come meet this cool dude today!
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Emily

3 years old

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Meet Emily, a sweet and personable greyhound who's sure to capture your heart! This affectionate girl loves being around people and will shower her owners with love and attention. With her gentle nature, Emily's a perfect companion for families or individuals looking for a loyal friend. Emily's got a unique charm - one of her adorable ears flops forward, making her all the more lovable! She's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog. If you're looking for a loving and laid-back companion to bring joy to your life, Emily might be the perfect fit!
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Chonk ARP

2 years old

Don’t be fooled by his name, he isn’t a “Chonky Boy” but we think the name still suits him. Mr Chonk does however love a little treat or two so this should make training a breeze, as long as he doesn’t give you those puppy dog eyes for too many! Chonk is a confident and enthusiastic boy and we think that he may suit homes with children 10 and over and possibly another dog of any size.
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Ronnie

4 years old

Meet Ronnie, a charismatic and outgoing greyhound who's the life of the party! This confident and enthusiastic boy is an extrovert who loves being the centre of attention and making new friends. With his bold and adventurous nature, Ronnie's perfect for an active family who loves the outdoors. Ronnie's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where he can thrive in an active home with a backyard to run around in. He's happy to be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog, but he's not suited for apartment living or elderly owners who can't keep up with his energetic personality. If you're looking for a lively and adventurous companion to join your active lifestyle, Ronnie might be the perfect match! Ronnie has an old hock fracture prior to entering GAP
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Scarlett

4 years old

Meet Scarlett, a sweet and pretty greyhound who's a total sweetheart! This affectionate girl loves being around people and adores a good scratch behind the ears - she's a total pampering princess! With her gentle nature, Scarlett's a perfect companion for families or individuals looking for a loving friend. Scarlett's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can be the only dog or live with a medium to large dog. She'll need a backyard to stretch her legs and get some exercise. If you're looking for a beautiful and loving companion to bring joy to your life, Scarlett might be the perfect fit! Scarlett has a low-grade heart murmur and an old hock fracture. Neither of these affect her day-to-day life.
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Sophie

4 years old

Meet Sophie, a stunning and sweet greyhound who's sure to capture your heart! This pretty and outgoing girl is a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and making friends. With her affectionate nature, Sophie's always looking for someone to shower with love and attention. Sophie's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can thrive as the only dog or live harmoniously with a medium to large dog. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation, Sophie's gained valuable skills and confidence, but she's not suited to homes with small dogs or cats. If you're looking for a beautiful and loving companion to bring joy to your life, Sophie might be the perfect fit! Sophie has an old Hock fracture with some arthritis in it. This doesnt affect her day-to-day life.
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Zoe

5 years old

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