Although there are many special Racing Rules that apply to people (“registered participants”) who choose to conduct activities related to greyhounds, these rules do not override the state and national laws that apply to everyone, ie laws relating to transport and vehicle safety, laws that dictate what we can and cannot do on our land, and laws that relate to the keeping and care of dogs.
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 is the main piece of legislation that relates to dog ownership in Victoria. It covers the ownership of all breeds of dog, but the greyhound also gets a few special mentions (see below on leashes and muzzles).
People who are not registered participants have to register their greyhounds with their local council, just like for every other dog. Registered participants however are exempt from registering their greyhounds with their local council, but are still bound by all other council requirements around permits etc.
Laws for Greyhounds
There are three separate requirements:
1) Leash
- Once you leave your property (eg are in a public place) all greyhounds must be on a secure leash at all times – even if you are in a council designated ‘off-leash area’
- This law applies to all greyhounds – pups, race dogs, breeding females, old greyhounds, retired race dogs and pet greyhounds
2) Muzzle
- Once you leave your property (eg are in a public place) all greyhounds (except GAP green-collared greyhounds) must be muzzled with a properly fitted muzzle
- GAP green-collared greyhounds have a special exemption is that they do not have to wear a muzzle in public (but they still must be on a leash)
3) Effective Control
- Once you leave your property (eg are in a public place) all greyhounds must be under ‘effective control’
- The Act specifically defines ‘under effective control’ as a person must not walk more than four (4) greyhounds at a time when in a public place
