Donate
Membership
Get Involved
A Long-Overdue Step Towards Letting Greyhounds Run Free
Thanks to sustained advocacy from Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, Victoria’s outdated greyhound leash laws are now being examined by a government Taskforce.
For years, greyhounds in Victoria have been treated differently from other companion dogs, even after leaving the racing industry and being adopted into loving homes.
In Victoria, under section 27(1)(b) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, greyhounds must remain under effective control by a chain, cord or leash when outside their owner’s premises. This applies even inside designated off-leash dog parks.
As a result, a greyhound guardian can be penalised for letting their dog run and play in the very spaces created for dogs to exercise off-leash.
The creation of this Taskforce is an important step toward recognising that greyhounds deserve laws based on behaviour, welfare and responsible guardianship, not outdated assumptions about their breed.
Keeping the Pressure On
While the Taskforce is a welcome step, the Animal Justice Party will continue advocating for clear reform.
Laws should support responsible dog guardianship, rather than punish people for adopting greyhounds and giving them a second chance at life.
Without pressure from animal-focused voices in Parliament, outdated laws like these can remain untouched for years, even decades.
The creation of the Taskforce shows that persistent advocacy can move animal welfare issues onto the political agenda.
How you can help
The Taskforce is due to hand their report with recommendations to the Minister soon, and it’s vital we show her the support to end this breed-specific legislation ahead of her making a decision.
Visit our campaign page here and use our template to email the Minister for Agriculture and call for an end to blank leash laws for greyhounds.
It’s time to end breed-based discrimination, and finally let greyhounds run free.
