Greyhounds in NSW
Greyhound owners have particular responsibilities to comply with
The below information applies to owners of pet Greyhounds. Enquiries relating to racing Greyhounds should be directed to Greyhound Racing NSW.
The Office of Local Government has released this fact sheet to explain the recent changes in legal requirements for Greyhound owners.
All Greyhounds whelped in Australia after 1 January 2011 must be microchipped.
For further information on the microchipping of Greyhounds visit the Office of Local Government website
As of 1 July, 2019 pet Greyhounds are no longer required to wear a muzzle in public if they have been entered onto the NSW Pet Registry database.
However, all pet Greyhounds must be muzzled in off lease areas if they have not undergone an approved retraining program where the animal is evaluated by an authorised Greyhound assessor. NOTE: exemption does not apply to a Greyhounds that has been declared a dangerous or menacing dog.
See the Office of Local Government website for further details on these changes.
'Greenhounds' is the program in NSW to facilitate the muzzling exemptions for retired racing and pet Greyhounds. Greenhounds is the sole NSW body authorised to manage and issue the green-coloured 'Greenhound' collars, signifying a muzzle-exempt Greyhound, under the Companion Animal Regulations.
Visit the Greenhounds website here.
The owner of an exempt Greyhound must ensure the dog wears either the prescribed 'Greenhound' collar at all times when off-leash in a designated off-leash area OR the owner carries a Proof of Completion card. Failure to do so is an offence and penalties may apply.
Affixed to the collar is a 'Greenhound' tag displaying the dog's microchip number. This allows council enforcement officers to ensure the collar is attached to the correct dog.
There are numerous groups and organisations across Australia that help to rehome and provide foster care for retired Greyhound. It is recommended that prospective pet owners undertake thorough research before adopting an animal from any rescue or rehoming organisation.
Below are some examples of such groups within NSW.
Based on the Central Coast, this large non-profit rescue organisation has a dedicated Greyhound Rescue program whereby dogs are rescued directly from pounds, classifieds, RSPCA as well as directly from trainers.
This adoption group, dedicated to the welfare of Greyhounds, creates public awareness of the Greyhound as a gentle, affectionate dog and an excellent family pet.
A non-profit organisation (non-industry) dedicated to the welfare of greyhounds. They aim to educate the public on the benefits of Greyhounds as companion animals, and how best to care for them.
Established to find homes for the many Greyhounds surplus to requirements of the racing industry. This group is run by a retired couple who have worked in dog rescue for many years.
This group operates mostly within the Tamworth area to rescue and/or rehome Greyhounds from the Tamworth pound and trainers.
This program, known as "GAP", is a Greyhound Racing NSW adoption initiative.