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

Watch a Dogs TV production on the 100th Greenhound here