Greyhound FAQs

Can my adopted greyhound go out in public without a muzzle?

Yes, if your greyhound

has been through an adoption program that has been approved by the Director of Racing

is wearing an approved collar that shows it can go without a muzzle

is on a lead

How will I know if my greyhound can go without a muzzle?

Contact the organisation who provided your greyhound to find out if your dog’s adoption program has been approved by the Director of Racing.

Who makes the rules about which greyhounds can go without a muzzle?

The Director of Racing in the Office of Racing Integrity decides which adoption programs can assess whether a greyhound is safe to go without a muzzle in public.

The Director of Racing uses ‘Audit Criteria for Assessment of Greyhound Suitability Programs’ to assess the programs.

Once the Director of Racing has approved an organisation’s adoption program, that organisation can assess each greyhound to decide if it is safe to go without a muzzle in public.

The Director of Racing began assessing adoption programs in September 2018.

Can I exercise my greyhound off-lead?

Adopted greyhounds

Except where they are securely confined to private premises, greyhounds may only be exercised off-leash in areas that have been specifically declared by councils, and where any conditions set by the council in relation to that declared area are being complied with. Please contact your local council if you want to find out if there are any areas in your local municipality where off-leash exercise of greyhounds is allowed.

Racing greyhounds

Racing greyhounds must always wear a muzzle and be restrained by a lead or in an enclosure unless they are racing.

Show dogs

Greyhounds may also be off-leash when engaged in trialling or showing, but they must be close to, and in sight of, a person and immediately responsive to that person’s commands.

What happens if an owner fails to muzzle a greyhound that should be muzzled?

An owner who walks a greyhound on a lead without a muzzle when the greyhound hasn’t been through an approved program will be breaking the law and can be fined.

How can I contact the Director of Racing?

For information about Greyhound Suitability Programs and unmuzzling please contact the

Director of Racing
Office of Racing Integrity
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment:

phone 03 6777 1900
email operations@racingintegrity.tas.gov.au
website dpipwe.tas.gov.au/racing/un-muzzling-information

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