Greyhounds


Greyhounds do not require a muzzle in public places. They must follow the rules for all dogs in public places which includes being on a leash (except in designated off-leash areas) and complying with all animal nuisance requirements.

Greyhound racing and trialling is banned in the ACT. It is an offence to conduct, facilitate or take part in a greyhound race or trial in the ACT.

Breeding, training and ownership of racing greyhounds is allowed in the ACT under the Domestic Animals Act 2000.

Non-racing greyhounds

Non-racing greyhounds must be declared on the dog registration form or by declaration to the Registrar of Domestic Animals (Word  45.0 KB).

Existing racing greyhound keepers

People who received the Transition Support Package when racing was banned cannot register a racing greyhound or apply for a racing greyhound licence for the specified period. It is an offence under the Criminal Code 2002 to make false and misleading statements.

Related links

Declare a non-racing greyhound
Register your dog
Apply for a sexually entire permit
Apply to keep four or more dogs

More information about owning a dog

Registration

Dogs must be registered and owners are required to update their registration details annually. Find out more about dog registration.

Breeding

Dog owners must apply for a permit to keep a dog sexually entire (PDF 86KB). This permit will exempt you from the offence under the Domestic Animals Act 2000.

A permit is not required if:

  • the dog is less than six months old, or
  • the owner of the dog has obtained a racing greyhound controller licence.

Temporary change to dog housing address

Please advise the Registrar of Domestic Animals Services via the ACT Government change of address form if your dog is to be kept at the premise of any person other than the registered owner or veterinary housing for more than 28 days.

Keeping four or more dogs

The multiple dog licence (PDF 84KB) is required to keep four more dogs at a residence.

The licence may require a site visit and the licence will only be granted if the requirements are met. This includes a suitable owner with no previous animal welfare offences and a suitable premise with pens/runs for the dogs. Domestic Animal Services also consults with surrounding residents before issuing a licence.

Rehoming

Dog owners can surrender their dog to Domestic Animal Services or RSPCA ACT. Owners will be required to pay a fee and to complete a surrender form which outline the dog's history and assists staff in assessing the dogs for rehoming. Domestic Animal Services works with rescue groups including Greyhound Rescue to re-home as many dogs as possible.

Fees, charges and penalties

Please see fees and charges for more information. Rates are determined under the Domestic Animals (Fees) Determination, Disallowable Instrument D12018-285.

For information on legislation against animal cruelty see Animal Welfare Act part 2 section 7.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.