QRIC Calls on Trainers to Assist Greyhound Rehoming
8 February 2024
The Queensland Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is calling on trainers to assist in a new program the Commission is implementing to rehome retired racers.
The Participant Rehoming Program is new to Queensland after a similar program has gained traction and support from the industry in New South Wales and Victoria.
The aim of the program is to ensure that as many greyhounds are rehomed as possible and with the help of a new GAP Regional Coordinator employed in South East Queensland and North Queensland, greyhound trainers will be able rehome their dogs from their own kennels with support from GAP.
If your retired greyhounds have been de-sexed, vaccinated, dental checked, and are heartworm and hookworm free, they will be eligible for the Participant Rehoming Program.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner said that the Regional Coordinators would visit the kennels by appointment and assess eligible retired greyhounds.
“Our Regional Coordinators from GAP in Southeast Queensland, and officers in Townsville will bring their assessment dogs to the trainer’s property, put the dogs through their paces and decision will be made about whether to dog is ready for rehoming or whether it needs more work,” she said.
“In the meantime, GAP will upload photos and a description of your hound to the GAP website and we will start looking for their retirement home.
“The retired green-collared greyhound then stays with the trainer until it’s rehomed.
New Southeast Queensland Regional Coordinator Terri Dossetto said her assessment program aims to determine rehoming readiness and includes determining the personality of the dog, its social skills both with people and other dogs and its current level of training in readiness for a new home.
“I get a really good sense of how the dog will be suited to family life and what type of family would be best suited for that dog,” she said.
“I call it the steps to success which includes manners on the lead, manners at home and the ability of the dog to focus on the handler.
“We also look at the dogs’ willingness to learn as we interact with it using food and toys.”
Ms Conner said the Commission and the GAP team would do all the leg work and marketing to find the perfect family for these dogs.
“We will add their photos and profiles to our website and social media channels and canvas our list of potential adopters who are waiting for the perfect greyhound,” Ms Conner said.
“This pathway to adoption supports our industry which has always been prepared to take responsibility for rehoming their retired racers. With the help of GAP, we can work together to ensure positive rehoming for every greyhound and that provides whole industry benefits.
“We all know the positive benefits of greyhound rehoming to the industry; it puts everyone in a good light when the community can see how we care for our dogs from birth to retirement.
“The Participant Rehoming Program will help us get more dogs rehomed as we all work for a more sustainable greyhound racing industry where animal care is paramount.”
If you would like to take part in the Participant Rehoming Program and we want as many trainers as possible to take part, please contact GAP on 1300 087 021 or email GAP@qric.qld.gov.au for more information about how this program can work in your best interests.