A change to the state’s dog ownership laws has been welcomed, and long fought for, by the greyhound adoption community.
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This week, the government released its draft changes to the state’s dog control laws, which will go on to impact dog owners across Tasmania.
The changes included exempting greyhounds that have graduated from Greyhound Adoption Program from having to wear a muzzle when in a public place.
In the current laws, the owner of a greyhound must ensure their dog is muzzled, secured and restrained when in a public area.
Tasracing, which funds GAP, has said it had first sought a change to the dog control laws in 2011.
“We obviously therefore welcome the change as proposed that exempts greyhounds that have graduated from the Greyhound Adoption Program from wearing a muzzle in a public place,” a spokesperson said.
"It is an important change that helps to reinforce the suitability of greyhounds as companion animals.”
Other changes in the draft legislation included allowing councils to permanently ban dogs from certain areas, requiring owners to inform their council of a dog’s microchip number and when a dangerous dog is transferred into the area.
The changes would also see clarifying laws on court appeals about the destruction of dangerous dogs, and allowing authorised officers to take DNA samples from dogs suspected of being involved in attacks.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein said it was important to get the right balance between public safety and responsible dog ownership.
Submissions into the new laws are now open to the public, for more information visit the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.
Submissions close April 7.