OBJECTIVE: To optimise rehoming outcomes for greyhounds that are retired or otherwise unsuitable for racing.

Retirement and preparation of greyhounds for rehoming

9.1 Where a greyhound owner does not wish to retain a greyhound, the owner must ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, that the greyhound is prepared for rehoming as a companion animal. R.

Requirements for rehoming of greyhounds

  9.2 Greyhounds must be desexed prior to being rehomed as a companion animal. R.

9.3 Participants must not transfer a greyhound to a person who is under the age of 18 years. R.

9.4 It is an offence for a participant to transfer a greyhound in circumstances where the participant knows, or ought to know, or has reason to believe, that the greyhound may be euthanased. R.

Euthanasia

9.5 It is an offence for a participant to euthanase a greyhound, or cause a greyhound to be euthanased, other than in emergency circumstances where:

1. delaying euthanasia would result in the greyhound experiencing unacceptable pain and suffering; and,
2. a veterinarian has been consulted but is unable to attend in a timely manner, and,
3. transporting the greyhound to a veterinarian would unreasonably prolong its suffering; and,
4. the euthanasia is performed using humane methods. R.

Note: Participants who keep retired greyhounds are required to comply only with those standards marked “R” in relation to those greyhounds.