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 http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/dog-attacks-dangerous-and-menacing-dogs

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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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Stella

3 years old

Such a pretty, sweet, polite young girl is Stella! She can be a little on the shy side at times, but we feel that she grows in confidence pretty quickly, especially is there is another dog around to show her the way. Stella may suit living with children 10+ and medium or larger male dogs. Stella would be best in a home with a nice yard to relax in and might also suit living with full time workers if there is a doggy friend around to hang out with.

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Bobby

3 years old

Bobby is a lovely young man, just look at his beautiful light-coloured eyes, they seem to stare into your soul. Bobby is a social, friendly and affectionate boy who is keen to move into his furever home. He may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10years and older.

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Toby

4 years old

Toby knows how to use his ear antenna's very well to listen out for any treat packets being opened! Toby is a quiet, gentle and sensitive boy that loves having his butt scratched and will show you by throwing his legs around in joy as you do it. Toby can be a little gusto on the lead at times but this will settle as he gets into a regular walking routine with his new family. We think Toby may suit a home without another dog but if there is another doggo he would prefer that they are also quiet, calm and respectful of him as he can find them a bit too much and scary at times. We also think he may suit children 10+ and maybe even a home with a cat! Make sure to "ear" mark Toby as your favourite and give GAP a call!
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Conn

3 years old

Beware! Conn WILL steal your heart and maybe a slipper but he also may "Conn" you into giving him an extra treat, claiming that he hasn't had one in days when really its only been hours.. Our Conn is a handsome, laidback and chill guy that would love nothing more than a family to call his own. You may become his accomplices in taking too many naps during the day but who doesn't love a good midday nap? Conn may suit living with another dog of any size and also a cat! He also may suit living with children 5+. So let us 'Conn' you into adopting the love of your life (although he will do that all on his own!).
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Viper

4 years old

Meet Viper, the stealthy greyhound with a cool and mysterious vibe! This quiet and laidback boy is a friendly and personable companion who'll slither his way into your affections. Viper's got a chill demeanour and a relaxed nature that'll make him a great addition to any family. Viper may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can appreciate his calm nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and respectful dog that won't ruffle his feathers. In a perfect strike of luck, Viper might even live harmoniously with a cat! If you're ready for a low-key but loving companion, Viper might be the perfect fit. Strike while the iron is hot and get to know this cool canine!
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Savvy

3 years old

Meet the sweet Savvy! She is a little bit of an introvert who likes the quiet life, however once she feels comfortable and her true colours shine through, she is puppyish and playful and loves to do zoomies. She wants nothing more than to please her people and will have you in fits of laughter too! Savvy may suit living with or without a canine friend of any size, she may even be OK to live with a feline friend! Due to her submissive nature, we feel she will do best in a quiet home with children 10 years and older and will likely do best in a home with a backyard.
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Javin

5 years old

Meet Javin, the charming and charismatic greyhound who's ready to steal the show! This handsome and social boy is an affectionate and boisterous bundle of energy, always looking for his next playmate. Javin loves people and loves to play, but he's still working on his manners - a little patience and training will go a long way with this eager-to-please pup. Javin may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can keep up with his energetic antics and appreciate his playful personality. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a robust canine companion that can match his energy levels. A backyard is a must for Javin, where he can run around and play to his heart's content. No old or frail dogs or people, please - this guy's got a lot of enthusiasm to share! If you're ready for a lively and loving companion, Javin might be the perfect fit!
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Tommy

3 years old

Meet Tommy! Tommy's favourite thing in the whole wide world is treats! He is an independent chap until it comes to treats then he won't leave you alone. We think he will be likely be easily trained due to his food motivation. Tommy may suit living with or without a robust canine pal of similar size and children aged 10 years and older. We believe that Tommy wouldn't be suited to live in an apartment. Tommy is blind in the Left eye. This requires no treatment or medication and is suspected to be from an old injury.
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Jett

4 years old

This boy is ready to Jett his way into your heart and onto your couch! Sweet Jett is an incredibly friendly and outgoing boy with a puppy like nature and loves nothing more than a cuddle and play! Due to his excitement towards life Jett would be best in a home with a family who is experienced with large breed dogs! He may suit a home with another medium or large canine companion who likes to play as much as he does. He may be best suited to a home with children 10+ who can also keep up with him!
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Arlo

4 years old

Power up those ears Arlo and listen in for your new family! One way to describe Arlo is he is a bit "quirky". You think you've met most personalities of greyhound then you meet Arlo and find more things to love about the breed! Arlo is a sleek, shiny boy that is friendly and outgoing, quiet but also will get up and burst out in dance all of a sudden! He has a knack for getting his coat off and will most willingly show you how he does it and expect you to clap and cheer when he succeeds. He tends not to really care about other dogs around him but has spent time doing some socialising at GAP with the Behaviour Team so he understands how to when he does want to say hi. Arlo is a secret cuddle bug and whilst he tends to act like he is totally fine chillin by himself, he does love to have a good cuddle and scratch and be told what a good boy he is. Arlo does has a low-grade heart murmur which doesn't require medication or affect his day-to-day life. We think he may suit living with children 10+ and another medium or larger dog that doesn't need to Arlo to be their "bestie".
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