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Fact sheet 1: Measuring the Massacre Just how many dogs are put to death by the Australian greyhound racing industry.
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Fact sheet 3: The Importance of Publicity A brief look at why publicity is important and how you can get it. |
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Greyhounds
as companion animals
The most common breed of dogs that are looking for good homes from sanctuaries are greyhounds and lurchers. Most of these dogs are at sanctuaries for years before they are homed, while many others die without ever knowing the affection and stability of a real home. The main reason for the slow pace of greyhound and lurcher rehoming tends to be because of the bad image problem they have. - They are seen not as companions, but as working dogs and racers. GREYHOUNDS The numbers of greyhounds that need rehoming is so large, not because they don't make good companions, but because of the sheer numbers of them that are bred and rejected every year by the Australian greyhound racing industry. Of the estimated 24,000 greyhound pups that are born every year in Australia. Less than 13,000 of these are actually registered, meaning that almost 12,000 "go missing". Sadly, it looks like Australian greyhound breeders are killing thousands of pups they think will fail to come up to racing standard. It
is estimated that over 20,000 greyhounds are "retired"
from racing every year. Many are killed through shooting, drowning
or being sold to vivisection labs or by being abandoned. Many are
exported for racing to Asia were they end up slaughtered in the
dog meat markets. Lurchers are crossbred greyhounds that are mainly used for hunting, poaching and unofficial racing. As with pure bred greyhounds, once they have passed a useful age or do not have enough of a killer instinct, they are thrown out and abandoned, to be taken in by sanctuaries. WHY GREYHOUNDS / LURCHERS MAKE GOOD COMPANIONS Greyhounds are very affectionate, mellow dogs who are at their happiest when in the company of people. Although an affectionate breed they are not demanding or slobbery. They rarely lick, but instead enjoy poking their noses at you, and they are at their best lying on a couch with you, as they love the body contact. Temperaments range from sensitive to very outgoing, with most falling into the middle ranges - sensible, sweet, happy and affectionate. Unlike many breeds there are very few differences between the temperaments of males and females. They are intelligent and independent thinkers - though this means they can adapt quickly to opening gates, rubbish bins and other places that are wanted to be kept greyhound free! An important aspect of taking on a greyhound is that they are clean with no doggy odour. Their coats are short and fine with usually only a single layer ( no undercoat) which means they need little grooming. Most importantly, due to little fur loss they are not a problem like many other breeds around people with asthma or allergies. They are not dogs that are excessively barky unless for a reason. Once settled into a new home they find no sense in barking for no reason. EXERCISE One of the biggest myths about greyhounds and lurchers is that they need large amounts of exercise.This is very simply untrue. They need no more exercise than any other breed of dog. All dogs, no matter what breed, should be walked or exercised and allowed off the lead at least twice a day, with greyhounds and lurchers being no exception. Once given freedom off the lead they tend to wear themselves out as they love to run, whether on their own or after balls. As with all newly acquired dogs, for the first few days greyhounds should be kept on a lead until they get used to you. When being let off for the first time it should be in a large, but fenced off area where there are no obstacles. This is because until they are used to running off a racing track, greyhounds have a habit of running into trees and walls which they simply do not expect to be there. Because of their backgrounds many greyhounds and lurchers have no idea about how "to play". However with encouragement and love they soon get the full enjoyment of chasing a ball instead of just looking at you throwing it as if you were mad! OTHER ANIMALS Although greyhounds and lurchers tend to be good around other dogs they have a bad reputation with small dogs, cats, squirrels and other small animals. This makes perfect common sense when you consider the way greyhounds are encouraged to race to their best ability - using the live bait of cats, chickens and other animals.. While lurchers who are used for hunting have been very much encouraged to chase and kill prey. Despite this however, with time, patience and common sense it is very possible to train a greyhound or lurcher to no longer pose a threat to cats. This training takes on average a couple of weeks and involves keeping the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times while in the presence of the cat. At first the greyhound will tremble and probably drool, but will soon learn to settle. Once relatively used to the cat and no longer jumping after its every movement, the lead or mussel can be removed, and these items alternated, though with great care being taken and the greyhound still being supervised at all times while in the presence of the cat. After a few weeks a dramatic change should have taken place, with your greyhound or lurcher being relaxed and unbothered by the cats presence. Care must still be taken when outside though, as it takes longer to prevent greyhounds chasing a running or fast moving animal. However not every greyhound or lurcher can be converted to be cat friendly. There is no guarantee. At the end of the day it simply depends on the character of the individual dog. HEALTH Greyhounds and lurchers are a very healthy breed and have few genetic health problems. Hip displacia is not a problem as it is with most other large breeds. However as most greyhounds are rejects from racing, some of them have ligament and muscle damage which can lead to arthritis in later life. The life expectancy of greyhounds and lurchers is between 9 - 15 years, with most succumbing to old age. HOUSETRAINING Most greyhounds or lurchers going to new homes from sanctuaries will never have been in a house before. They are used to being in kennels or living outside and therefore it will be slightly confusing to them being in a house for the first time.However, they are very clean dogs and although accidents will sometimes happen, they become housetrained very quickly. Upon arriving home with your new greyhound, he/she should be let into the garden or designated toilet spot until they relieve themselves and then praised. If dogs do have accidents indoors it should be remembered that punishment does not work and can often make the dog worse. Anticipate when your dog needs to go, take them outside and praise them when they get it right. Wash thoroughly any area where an accident has happened with soap or detergent solution, as this takes away the smell of the mess thus stopping them remarking over that spot. It is useless to punish a dog for messing or chewing as unless caught in the act they will not associate the punishment with the crime. If the dog is caught in the act then it can be told off, but violence should not be used as violence only breeds violence. The opposite of reward is not punishment, it is non - reward. Dogs soon learn that good behaviour equates with attention from you and good things happening, while undesirable behaviour gets no reward. It should be remembered that sometimes bad behaviour is actually attention seeking, therefore ignoring the dog will stop the unwanted behaviour. BEDDING Greyhounds and lurchers can be quite lazy dogs and prefer snoozing somewhere warm and comfortable when not going for walks. Because of their long limbs and the lack of fat covering their bodies they find sleeping and lying on floors a lot more uncomfortable than other breeds. For this reason if they are not allowed on the furniture, soft cushions and a padded dog bed should be provided for them. However sofas, armchairs and your bed are the preferred sleeping areas, especially if you are with them. PREPARATION Before bringing a new greyhound or lurcher to your home several steps should be taken and specific items bought in preparation for the new member of your family. >Greyhounds and lurchers are good jumpers, some can jump over six feet, so it is important that the garden or yard is surrounded by a secure fence. >If not already, the greyhound should be castrated or spayed and vaccinated as soon as possible. This prevents more unwanted puppies, as well as safeguarding the health of your greyhound. >Greyhound collars and identity tags to be warn at all times must be purchased, along with a strong clipped lead. >All dogs must have a food bowl and separate water bowl. As with most dogs it is best to feed greyhounds twice a day to prevent hunger and boredom. It should be remember that although slim dogs, greyhounds can out eat many stockier breeds. >Coats for cold or wet weather are important for greyhounds as being thin skinned with only one layer of fur means they suffer from the cold. >Because of their large size greyhounds can reach quite high and are therefore terrible thieves from kitchen work surfaces and bins. Therefore food should not be left within their reach. Having read this factsheet, we hope that the myths surrounding greyhounds and lurchers have been dispelled and you will see these breeds with the same love and respect that the ancient Egyptians did, not the contempt and greed that the racing industry do. A breed that was so cherished and respected for their beauty, companionship and elegant speed that only royalty were allowed to own them. Normal people found with greyhounds could be publicly beheaded for not treating the dogs in the manner they deserved! So please consider giving a permanent home to a beautiful breed of dog that is not hyperactive, aggressive or just "dumb racers", but who are sweet, quiet, clean, intelligent and loyal companions. These are dogs that deserve the chance to enjoy your company. Dogs
that deserve the chance to be able to run out of the sheer joy of
feeling the wind on their faces.......no longer running for their
lives. Greyhound
Action Australasia has been set up to target and expose the ruthless
greyhound industry not only in Australia but also in New Zealand
and Asia.
GA International
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