Greyhounds
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (17:55): (1811) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Agriculture and is in relation to the leashing requirements for non-racing pet greyhounds. Currently in Victoria letting your greyhound play with other dogs in a dog park makes you a criminal. Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all greyhounds are required to remain on leash when in any public place; this includes in designated off-leash dog parks. The only places greyhounds can run freely is in council-declared greyhound-only sites, but just seven of these exist across the whole of Victoria. This is despite the fact that greyhounds are among the most placid, docile and non-confrontational dog breeds. International research consistently ranks greyhounds as one of the least aggressive breeds towards both humans and other dogs. They are known for being calm, gentle and highly sociable, particularly when properly rehabilitated and adopted into pet homes. There is no evidence at all to suggest that pet greyhounds pose any greater risk than other breeds in off-leash settings. In fact, many greyhound owners report that being unable to legally let their dogs run freely causes unnecessary stress and restricts the dog’s ability to socialise and exercise, key factors in ensuring positive behaviour. These are not dangerous dogs. They are beloved companions, adopted in huge numbers following their exit from Victoria’s cruel racing industry. The community should not be penalised for doing the right thing and giving these animals a second chance at life. Across the border in New South Wales and in the ACT all greyhounds can run freely. Section 5 of the Domestic Animals Act allows for the government to create exemptions from certain provisions. It was by using this power that the government exempted non-racing greyhounds from the requirement to be muzzled at all times, back in 2019, and so the action I seek is for the minister to once again use section 5 of the act to gazette an exemption to allow non-racing greyhounds to be off-leash in designated dog parks.