Thursday, 7 April 2022

Petitions

Following petitions presented to house:

Greyhounds

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that Victorian law specifies that when in public areas, greyhounds must be ‘under the effective control by means of a chain, cord or leash’. However, greyhounds are not classified as restricted breeds, as defined under section 3 of the Domestic Animal Act 1994 and therefore authorised officers are unable to summarily classify them as restricted dogs, as stated under section 98A of the Act.

Not all greyhounds are retired racing dogs, nor have they all been trained to chase a fake lure. There is no evidence suggesting that an ex-racing dog can possibly mistake a small dog for a stuffed lure.

Greyhounds are not less able to learn various commands such as sit, hold, come here and stop, than any other dog breed. Research suggests that greyhounds are no more likely to be dangerous than any other breed of dog and according to Council reports, they may in fact be less likely to attack other dogs and humans.

The Australian Veterinary Association is opposed to breed-based dog control measures as evidence shows they do not work.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to stop perpetuating the myth that greyhounds are dangerous by default and allow them to be let off-leash in designated off-leash areas, similar to the privileges of other non-dangerous and non-restricted dog breeds.

By Dr RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (546 signatures).

Laid on table.