AU: Greenhounds Hits 100th Milestone

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From www.thedogs.com.au

Greenhounds Hits 100th Milestone

Written by: GRNSW

Description: Greenhounds

The Greenhounds program has reached a significant milestone with the 100th
greyhound being approved for a muzzle exemption in NSW.

Angel, owned by Julie Elven and Ashley Wright at Wiseman's Ferry, holds the
distinction of being the 100th Greenhound after she passed her assessment
last month. As a Greenhound, Angel is now exempt from muzzling laws in NSW.

Greenhounds is administered by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and Chief
Executive Brent Hogan said reaching 100 Greenhounds was a terrific
achievement for a program that is less than a year old.

"The Greenhounds program has helped the retiring opportunities for racing
greyhounds as it has allowed the breed to be re-trained and assimilate into
a family household environment," Mr Hogan said.

"For too long owners of former racing greyhounds, as well as adopters, have
battled the stereotype that the breed is an aggressive animal because it has
had to wear a muzzle at all times while in public. The Greenhounds program
has changed that perception and has encouraged more pet lovers to choose a
greyhound as their pet of choice.

"The Greenhounds program is part of GRNSW's ongoing commitment to improve
the transition of greyhounds from racing to life as a companion animal.
GRNSW is committed to educating our participants that there is life beyond
racing for their greyhounds."

The Greenhounds program was launched by the NSW Division of Local Government
and GRNSW in October 2011, following amendments to the NSW Companion Animal
Regulations.

To be granted a muzzle exemption, greyhounds must successfully complete a
six week in-home retraining program, including passing a temperament test
conducted by an authorised Greenhound assessor. They must also be de-sexed,
microchipped and lifetime registered with their local council.

Once an approved "Greenhound", the pet greyhound is required to wear a
special green collar at all times when in public places. The collar is
affixed with a Greenhounds tag that carries the greyhound's individual
microchip number, allowing members of the public and council officers to
easily identify exempt greyhounds.

The 100th Greenhound coincides with GRNSW's Greyhound As Pets program
becoming officially approved by the NSW Government as the first Greyhound
Re-Training Program. The approval means GRNSW's Greyhound As Pets can now
re-train retired racing greyhounds in order for them to be assessed for
muzzle exemptions through the Greenhounds program.

More information on the Greenhounds can program can be found at
www.greenhounds.com.au <http://www.greenhounds.com.au>

Watch a Dogs TV production on the 100th Greenhound here
<http://www.thedogs.com.au/tv/?id=356>