The Hodgman Liberal Government supports Tasracing’s Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) as a key welfare initiative for the greyhound racing industry.
Tasracing has developed a three-year strategy for the GAP, which includes building a specialised facility to enable increased re-homing of retired greyhounds and promoting ownership of the breed.
In 2016/17 GAP set a record with 111 adoptions, which was a 30 per cent increase on the previous record set in 2015/16 when 85 greyhounds found new homes and we want to see this grow.
A parcel of Crown land at Pontville, surplus to Government requirements, was identified as a suitable location for the re-homing facility.
A lease between the Crown and Tasracing has recently been signed and includes target development milestones.
The Crown has also recently provided consent to Tasracing’s application to the Southern Midlands Council for a combined planning scheme amendment and development application.
The proposed GAP re-homing facility will include a visitor centre to meet and greet prospective foster carers and adopters, a retraining facility for greyhounds and a residence to ensure 24-hour site supervision, security and management.
The GAP has proven to be a successful welfare initiative and one that has industry and community support.
The Hodgman Government has spearheaded the reform agenda for greyhound racing, which has included the introduction of strict guidelines for breeding females and mandatory education units for licensed participants.