Australian Dog Lover

Dog Lovers Book Club - June 2022

Here are our top picks for the June 2022 Dog Lovers Book Club with a mix of new book releases and some old favourites to kick off your winter reading season! Time to grab your favourite cuppa to snuggle up under a warm blanket with your dog (or cat, we won't judge)!

HOW TO EAT LIKE A KOBE

by Kobe the Pyr

What exactly does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog from the Blue Mountains of Australia eat?

Find out from Kobe’s first ever published collection of recipes for dogs!

How To Eat Like A Kobe features 50 of Kobe’s favourite foods, compiled from many years of eating with great gusto.

From dinner recipes to snack recipes, from soups to meatballs to baked goods, from sensible meals to party fare, How To Eat Like A Kobe is what a dog’s belly dreams of.

In fact, some of the recipes are so tasty that a dog’s human may even steal a bite, and every recipe includes a Share-O-Metre to rate how enjoyable the recipe is likely to be to a human!

While filling dog bellies with good food is the primary aim of this cookbook, it also has a more serious objective – to help reduce food waste in Australia.

For every copy of How To Eat Like A Kobe sold, 10% of the sale price will be donated to OzHarvest. OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. Every $1 they receive can deliver two meals, and Kobe the Pyr and his hoomum Muriel are proud to support their mission to stop good food going to waste.

Publisher: Kotes by Kobe, 3rd June 2022

RRP: $45.00 (pre-order now) at kotesbykobe.com.au

MABEL GOES TO THE DOGS
by Susan Kimmel Wright

Mabel plans to bring the thrills of volunteering to the masses-if she doesn't go to the dogs first.

When Mabel finds herself sharing a thicket with a dead body while volunteering with canine search-&-rescue, her life has clearly-once again-gone to the dogs!

After her losing her job at age forty-nine, Mabel thought she'd turned things around. Now she's doing good by volunteering, and surely, she'll soon be a successful author, writing about her experiences. After solving two notorious decades-old cold cases while serving as a historical society volunteer, she's already getting invitations to appear on TV.

Her new assignment couldn't be simpler. All she has to do is hide in the woods and let Millie the search dog practice finding her. But to her horror, Millie finds more than Mabel-there's a dead body hiding in the same patch of brush. To make things worse, Mabel's maybe-boyfriend, suspended PI John Bigelow, has a dark history with the victim.

While struggling with maid-of-honour duties for best friend Lisa, a string of disasters created by handyman Acey, and a disagreeable new neighbour, can Mabel solve another murder in time to save John's detective license-if not his neck?

Paperback, 306 pages
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink, 22nd May 2022

RRP: $39.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOUR SOLUTIONS

by Sally Bradbury, Emma Judson and the professional team behind DTAS

The articles in this book are a culmination of responses to behaviour and training questions from group members in the popular Facebook group Dog Training Advice and Support, a group that has been helping dog owners and changing lives for over ten years now.

This collection of over 75 articles is easy to read and based in modern science, using force-free and fear-free methods.

It covers covering all aspects of raising a puppy and living with a dog or multiple dogs, including helping with fears and anxieties, changing unwanted behaviours such as barking, begging, digging, counter surfing, reactivity.

Teaching recall, loose lead walking and other life skills…

This Amazon No.1 best seller is a must for every dog owner.

RRP: $19.45 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS’ CORNER

PLEASE IGNORE SERVICE DOGS
by Catherine Pfeifer

"When it comes to interacting with a service dog in public, it's a simple enough proposition. Please ignore service dogs "

You'll find this and other rare gems of advice in this entertaining book on a little-known but important part of our culture: the trusty service dog. These animals, specifically trained to perform necessary services that allow their human partners to live safely and independently, are often misunderstood.

In Please Ignore Service Dogs, you'll learn why these guidelines ought to be followed:

✔️ Do not distract the dog.
✔️ Do not touch the dog.
✔️ Do not bother the dog's partner (who is just trying to get through their day).
✔️ If you are a business owner, please limit your questions to "Is that a service dog?" and "What service do they provide?"
✔️ If you see a service dog without a handler, follow it because their partner may need help.

Please Ignore Service Dogs covers what service animals are, what they are not, how they are trained, ADA requirements, and more, told with real-life stories and examples-everything you've ever wanted to know about service dogs. Whether you're considering acquiring one, find yourself regularly interacting with them, or just want to know more about them, you'll find this book a valuable source of information.

Paperback, 102 pages
Publisher: Merganser Press, 14th May 2022

RRP: $31.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE CALL OF THE WILD & WHITE FANG
by Jack London

The Call of the Wild (1903) and White Fang (1906) are two classic American adventure novels by Jack London depicting the evolution of two dogs in the wild, now presented together in this elegantly designed jacketed hardcover edition.

The novels are in fact mirror images of one another, as Call of the Wild depicts Buck's journey from domestic to wild dog, while White Fang recounts White Fang's transformation from wild beast to domestic companion. Both convey powerful themes of redemption and survival that continue to affect readers even today.

These beautifully written stories are a perfect addition to any young adult's library. Anyone with a taste for adventure, who loves the outdoors or camping, or who spends time daydreaming about living self-sufficiently will be enamoured by these adventure stories.

Essential volumes for the shelves of every classic literature lover, the Chartwell Classics series includes beautifully presented works and collections from some of the most important authors in literary history.

Hardcover, 340 pages
Publisher: Chartwell, 5th January 2022
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

RRP: $19.50 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE WAY OF DOG
by Zana Fraillon

A powerful, inventive, sweet and deeply moving novel from the bestselling author of The Bone Sparrow. Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more than a concrete floor.

Scruffity is born into the harsh, grey world of a puppy farm. Taken from his mamma and locked in a concrete cage, what he yearns for most is Family. To belong is The Way of Dog. But no one wants him.

Just as his chances of adoption grow dangerously thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted and lonely as he is.

Outside, Scruffity learns all about The Way of Dog - it is to run, to dig, to howl and, biggest of all, to love. But when tragedy strikes, Scruffity is suddenly all alone.

How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with?

Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: University of Queensland Press, 3rd May 2022

Price: $15.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

HECTOR AND THE TIME MACHINE
by Renata Kaminska

Hector and the Time Machine is the second book by author Renata Kaminska. This sequel to Hector, a Dog’s Story (2020) was launched on May 21 - the World Day for Cultural Diversity. Both titles are available in English and Polish.

This is a fast-paced story about Hector's adventurous journey, sensitive to the diversity of cultures and contemporary issues. This time, Hector travels back to 2020 on a time machine. In his journey around the world, he is an observer of important events and phenomena, including pandemics, climate change, Brexit, multiculturalism and so much more.

Just like a child, he asks questions and looks for answers to understand the complexity of the modern world. The book helps parents engage in conversations with their children on difficult topics based on their own values system and knowledge.

Hardback, 114 pages
Publisher: Renata Kaminska, 21st May 2022
For Ages: 6-13 years old

Use the code HECTOR at www.hectorandfriends.com and receive a 15% discount.

RRP: £19.90 from www.hectorandfriends.com/shop/

POLAR DOGS
Dreams of being on top of the world
by Thurston Jones

A story of three polar dogs who became lost from their pack. Follow these homeless dogs as they dream of being back on top of the world!

Ole, Bjorn and Kwan are friends and are members of the same pack of dogs. The pack of sledge dogs race from town to town in the snow and deliver goods to people who really need them. The dogs become homeless one day as they lose their friends in a snow storm.

However, they have each other's friendship and support and are able to have lots of fun as they explore the beautiful polar lands. When they become tired and huddle with each other to go to sleep, they realise that they do have an imaginary owner who visits them from the stars and allows them to dream far more fun and adventure.

Polar Dogs is an uplifting, rhyming story that explores the importance of natural beauty, friendships and belonging. They wake each morning and fill their days and nights with as much as life can give them.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is a great bedtime read or as a classroom story to encourage discussions on animal kindness and the environment.

'They may not have much; they may not need much but they may want you!' Follow them and their simple beat of life again and again and again.

Format: Paperback, 30 pages
Publisher: Independent Publishing Corporation, 23rd April 2022
For Ages: 4 - 9 years old

RRP: $12.22 at www.booktopia.com.au

Win 1 of 2 Pet-mat Heated Pads for Winter 2022

Our dogs Porthos & Aramis and our cat Arya are heat-seeking missiles and at this time of year, they'll claim 'first dibs' well before anyone else is ready! On those bleak winter days where temperatures struggle to hit double digits, you can never have enough mats, blankets or heating!

If you care for a puppy / kitten, an elderly dog suffering from canine arthritis , a chronic illness or recovering from an injury, it is essential to keep them warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.

A fantastic option is to provide them with their own Heated Pad like The Original Pet-mat™, which uses the latest in Positive Temperature Coefficient Technology.

The Original Pet-mat™ is designed to reach a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius whether it is covered or not. In reality, a more practical heat rise of 20-30 degrees Celsius is usually maintained above ambient conditions.

Since the Pet-mat™ works on dynamic heat transfer, it should maintain a temperature slightly warm to the touch until body contact is made.

It is simply impossible for it to ever overheat ensuring a consistently comfortable use for your pet, even if left on 24/7.

Maintenance is easy! To clean your Pet-mat™ you can wash it under running water or just wipe it off with a damp washer.

** Win 1 of 2 Pet-Mat™ Heated Pads **

(Both Large size; Total Prize Pool: $259.00)

HOW TO ENTER:

1) Like our Post (30/05/2022) and our Facebook page or Instagram account.

2) Like the Pet-Mat Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PetMatAu/ or Instagram page @petmat_au

3) Comment "why does your dog need extra warmth this winter?"

NB: photo or video entries are encouraged via our Australian Dog Lover Facebook page or on Instagram (simply tag us in your post* - your account must be set to public).

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition opened on Monday 30th May 2022 (4:30pm) and closed on Monday 6th June, 2022 (11:59pm, A.E.S.T.). Open to Australian residents only.

Congratulations to our winners: T. Devonport & Issey Thegsp (via Facebook entries). Please allow 2-3 weeks for your prize to be delivered directly from the company.

Our friends at Pet-Mat Australia really loved all your entries so they have generously offered a 𝟮𝟬% 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁-𝗠𝗮𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲!🙏 Simply use the 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 and you'll save $25.90 off a Large or $21.90 off a Medium size. Every little bit helps at present!

2. To Enter, Like both Accounts and our Post (30/05/22) + Tell us "why does your dog need extra warmth this winter?" (photos/videos welcome) via our Australian Dog Lover Facebook page or Instagram @australiandoglover.
3. This Promotion is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner.
The entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team. The winning entries will be selected based on the most creative, informative or useful statement.
4. Please note you MUST LIKE BOTH our Facebook page and the Pet-Mat:Heated Animal Pads pages to be eligible for a prize.

5. Entrants in the competition can only enter once.

6. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.

* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Win 1 of 2 Pet-mat Heated Pads for Cats for Winter 2022 (closing 09/06/2022)

Pet and the cities: where you live matters!

Dressed to impress in Sydney, South Australian couch potatoes, Melburnians pamper pets

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world and it's clear we love our pets, but how we entertain, pamper, indulge and care for them differs depending on which cities they live in, PETstock’s 2022 Pet Parent Survey of almost 1600 Australian pet owners found.

Malinois Aramis & Porthos dressed up for their
8th birthday (accessories by Swanky Paws)

Sydney pets owners take the gold medal nationally for dressing up their pets in costumes!

40 per cent say they have “outﬁts and costumes for my pet” far more than any other city, while Adelaide owners are far less likely to do this (26 per cent).

“The humanisation of pets is a trend that has grown in recent years. Many pet parents enjoy dressing up their pets in a jumper or jacket to keep them warm, especially for Christmas or Easter,” says Animal Behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement.

“Some of these outﬁts are very practical while others are just for fun on special occasions. And with the growth of social media in our lives we’ve seen an increased focus on our pets’ appearance – with some pet parents even dedicating social media accounts to their pets.

“As long as you’re mindful to ensure your pet is comfortable with being dressed up for fun, that’s ok. But it’s best to avoid dressing pets up if it makes them stressed or anxious,” explains Kate.

In Brisbane, 38 per cent of pet owners worry that their pet has anxiety or depression - compared with less than 25 per cent nationally.

“This difference could be due to the warmer weather and pet parents spending more time away from home or perhaps more pets in Brisbane are anxious in response to storms and tropical weather,” says Dr Kate.

Melbourne pet owners are the most likely (80 per cent) to agree that “they pamper their pet as much as they pamper themselves”, compared with Adelaide where only 76 per cent of pet owners say this.

Pampering includes activities such as professional grooming, doggy day care, purchasing birthday or Christmas presents or purchasing special treats such as new toys, beds or premium food.

In Adelaide, people are far more likely to bond with their pets while watching TV together (90 per cent), and this city also leads the nation in pet owners who let their pets sleep on, or in, the bed with them.

PETstock’s 2022 Pet Parent Report also found that 54 per cent of pets in Adelaide came from a breeder, compared with 44 per cent in Perth. Brisbane led the pack as far as having rescue pets at 49 per cent, with the lowest concentration in Melbourne (40 per cent).

Brisbane was also in front on openness to adopting a senior pet (63 per cent), which was far less popular in Sydney (53 per cent).

“We can speculate that this variation could be due to population differences. For example, there are many retirees living in Queensland who might be more open to adopting senior pets compared to younger adults and families living in Sydney who may want more time with their pet. Future research could look into these differences in how we care for and value our pets,” says Kate.

“But one thing that is irrefutable from this survey is that Aussies love their pets! Even though we are world-leaders when it comes to sharing our lives with animal companions, rates of pet ownership are on the increase.”

Double the number (52 per cent) of Brisbane pet owners feed their pets supplements, compared with 26 per cent in Adelaide.

Nationally, 39% of people cook for their pets, yet relatively few pets must follow their human’s diet, with only 4 per cent reporting that they “make my pet eat to my food philosophy” such as a vegetarian or grain-free diet.

“While many people may cook for their pet or feed them their meal scraps, it is heartening to see the majority of people are not subjecting their pets to their own dietary choices which may be biologically inappropriate and potentially harmful,” says Dog Expert and Animal Nutritionist, Lara Shannon.

“Our pets need a species-speciﬁc complete and balanced diet to maintain good health and wellbeing. So, while feeding our dogs some steamed veggies and meat can be a good thing, we need to ensure we aren’t over feeding them and that they are primarily receiving the biologically appropriate nutrition they need at all life stages in their diet.”

In Brisbane, 10 per cent of pet owners say they have a cleaner because of their pet, but only 4 per cent of pet owners say they do this in Perth.

There are more similarities in regional areas across the nation, with pet owners favouring birds and ﬁsh more than metropolitan dwellers.

People who own ﬁsh are also more likely to have other pets, and particularly reptiles.

It is also more common to have more than one dog for pet owners in regional areas across the nation, but Brisbanites also love to have more than one pooch, and also matched the regions when it came to having ﬁsh as pets.

People in Melbourne and Adelaide were more likely to have only one dog.

Other key state-based ﬁndings of the PETstock 2022 Pet Parent Report:

Brisbane:

✔️ 57 per cent of Brisbane pet owners surveyed said they preferred “pets over children” compared with 39 per cent in Sydney

✔️ owners led the nation in giving supplements, reading labels, cooking for their pets, feeding scraps and feeding their pet at the same time as they eat

✔️ owners prefer pet charities over human charities and

✔️ believe their pets have more anxiety

Perth:

✔️ Pet owners agree that pets can mend a broken heart or sense when the owner isn’t feeling themselves

✔️ pets might get a bit more overfed

✔️ pets are in more family portraits and watch more TV

✔️ are professionally groomed more than anywhere else

✔️ have TV or radio left on for them when they are alone

✔️ are the most microchipped and

✔️ owners are most likely to donate to an animal charity

Melbourne:

✔️ dogs have eaten more clothing!

✔️ owners can tell when their pet is bored

✔️ are more conﬁdent letting their dog off leash

✔️ 27 per cent would adopt a cat over a dog and

✔️ are most likely to agree that “my kids have built trust and responsibility from having a pet.”

Australian Dog Lover's Aramis (left) & Porthos (right) enjoying a Yappy Christmas!

Sydney:

✔️ pets have way more outﬁts, birthday parties and smart monitors and entertainment devices

✔️ owners are more likely to insist their pets accompany them on holiday and

✔️ owners are more likely to cut hair/nails and brush teeth at home.

2022 PETstock Pet Parent Report

Research was undertaken by PETstock in March 2022. Total sample size was 1583. The ﬁgures are representative of Australian pet owners aged 18+ nationally.

Dr Kate Mornement

Dr Kate Mornement is an Applied Animal Behaviourist, consultant, expert witness, educator and media spokesperson based in Melbourne. She has a PhD in canine behaviour, from Monash University, and a Bachelor of Science with ﬁrst class honours in zoology (Animal Behaviour) from La Trobe University.

Lara Shannon

As a one of Australia’s most well-known animal welfare advocates, Lara is passionate about educating and empowering people to help improve the lives of companion animals. Lara is a certiﬁed pet food nutritionist, dog trainer and behaviourist, TV presenter and Author of ‘World of Dogs’ and ‘Eat, Play, Love (your dog)’.

MEDIA RELEASE, May 2022

Top Winter Warmers for Aussie Dogs in 2022

Nominations Open for Cobber Challenge Relay

Working Dog Challenge now a Team Sport!

For the first time in its seven-year history, the Cobber Challenge is showcasing how farm dogs work together, with nominations calling for working dog teams.

The Cobber Challenge Relay recognises that dogs have different strengths - some excel at paddock work, others shine in the yards. This year it will be the hardest working team that will be crowned winners.

"We are thrilled that our competition is showcasing teams of dogs, reflecting how they really operate on the farm," says Kellie Savage, Cobber's Marketing Manager.

The Cobber Challenge Relay is a unique opportunity for Australian and New Zealand farmers to measure just how hard their dogs work. The competition celebrates dogs' contribution to farms, as well as the connection between farmers and their canine companions.

Twelve teams from across Australia and New Zealand will be selected to compete in the three-week Cobber Challenge Relay.

Cobber Challenge 2020 Winner, Glenda
Rowan with her Kelpie cross, Buddy

To ensure that the work is shared around, the most one dog team member can have their work tracked is 12 days of the competition.

"The Cobber Challenge Relay also lets dogs take a break, which is important when they work across diverse environments and climates, whether that's hot and dry or cold and wet, or anything in between," Kellie says.

The 2022 Cobber Challenge will run from Monday 22 August to Sunday 11 September.

Fans can follow along with competition progress at the Cobber Challenge website. Data will be uploaded daily for each working dog team.

Last year's winner, Victorian Ben Jeffery and his Kelpie Skyblue Jack (images credit: Hamilton Spectator) set a Cobber Challenge record of 1012.6 kilometres over the three-week competition.

Ben loved connecting with other competitors and people from the industry through the Cobber Challenge. Ben thinks the new relay format represents how farmers work with a team of dogs, which are of different ages, training levels, personalities and strengths.

"I currently have eight dogs, and different ones work the yard and the paddock," says Ben.

"Jack happens to excel with both cattle and sheep, and he's handy in the yards. But often times farmers would be switching between different dogs for these jobs."

2021 Cobber Challenge winner - Skyblue Jack

Ben encourages farmers to throw their hat in the ring and nominate for the 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay.

"Make sure you have fun, that's the important part."

As well as the glory of being a Cobber Champion and ample supply of Cobber Working Dog feed, this year's winner will receive $2,000*, the runner-up $1,000* and third place $500* to be spent on their working dogs.

Cobber Working Dog food fuels these dogs during the Cobber Challenge, as it does for thousands of dogs around the country every day.

Ready to show the world how hard your farm dogs work? Fill out the nomination form at www.cobberchallenqe.com.au

Nominations close at 11.59pm on Sunday 3rd July, 2022.

* in local currency, either Australian or New Zealand dollars.

Lead image: Winners of the 2021 Cobber Challenge, Ben Jeffery and his Kelpie Skyblue Jack, courtesy of Hamilton Spectator.

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th May 2022

Related Topics:

Victorian Kelpie wins the 2021 Cobber Challenge

Cobber Challenge Working Dog Competition Goes International

Dog Sports: Herding, the Joy of Working!

Australian Kelpie - Breed Profile

June is National Foster a Pet Month: community Greyhound rescues pick up the pieces

With National Foster A Pet Month in June, it is wonderful to know that there are some people out there who help ensure fewer Greyhounds are euthanased because they weren't treated for racing injuries.

When two-year-old Victorian Greyhound Zoe was offered for free on Facebook, community rescue volunteer Chris swooped in, contacted the trainer and offered to take her so she didn’t ‘slip through the cracks’.

This happens because not one state government in Australia has implemented birth to death tracking of Greyhounds, despite the RSPCA recommending it years ago. Without this, the fate of these dogs can be uncertain when they stop racing.

Meanwhile, Julia Cockram, Director and Behaviour Coordinator for community-run rescue Gumtree Greys, says volunteer Chris has fostered dog after dog while finishing his legal studies – lucky Zoe! (Chris and Zoe featured above)

“All of the dogs Chris has fostered have severe medical issues.”

He is by far our most experienced carer outside of our volunteer co-ordinators and a hero in my mind. We have so many great volunteers, but can always do with more,” said Julia, who like everyone in Gumtree Greys is unpaid.

She and Chris discovered Zoe had suffered a broken toe while racing. The vet record showed Zoe’s wound care wasn’t maintained and she lost the toe as a result, despite all dog racing bodies requiring minimum standards of care on paper.

Rescued Greyhound Zoe suffered a broken toe (shown before surgery)

Before her surgery, Greyhound Zoe also suffered from an ulcer on one foot and dandruff on her coat

“Even though she only has two toes, Zoe has the sweetest, most affectionate and forgiving nature and has you wrapped around her paw within seconds of meeting her,” said Julia.

Zoe can walk and run on the two toes she has left on her wonky foot, but if she dislocates or breaks the remaining toes, her leg will have to be amputated.

“There is a future risk, but we took the chance that Zoe may have many more years with only two toes on that foot to bear her weight. However, If things go awry, ‘tripod’ dogs can live a full and happy life,” said Julia. Watch this video!

Tripod Greyhounds can still lead a good life!

GRV’s regulatory structure is failing

“Why wasn’t Zoe’s injury followed up on? Clearly, there aren’t adequate systems in place to ensure Greyhounds receive the necessary treatment and rehabilitation if they’re injured while racing,” said Julie Cockram.

“Also, we knew we had to take Zoe to save her life. GAP, the Victorian Greyhound industry re-homing arm, wouldn't take her. One of GRV’s own vets said he wasn’t willing to put Zoe through the GAP assessment because of the condition of her foot.

Julia said GAP only wants ‘perfect ex-racers’ to rehome and isn’t willing to go the extra mile for Greyhounds with problems, as do community-based rescues, which are also no kill.

“This is incredibly unfair. GAP Victoria has a budget from GRV of over $4M for both 2019/20 and 2020/21, while community-run rescues operate on the smell of an oily rag,” she said. The Victorian State Government also gave $44M of taxpayer dollars to GRV in COVID funding during 2020!

“So GRV is receiving massive government handouts, spending little on rehoming initiatives and training, refusing dogs that require medical treatment, behavioural support or rehabilitation. When they decide they can’t take any more dogs, it gives trainers our phone number,” said Julia.

“Even if a dog does manage to make it into the GAP program, it also has to go through the green collar assessment and some are rated unsuitable for re-homing. This is how the racing industry fails dogs. Socialisation is a requirement on paper, but it’s not enforced by the authorities.”

Even the racing industry itself has been critical of the GAP screening test and recognises the incredible contribution made by community-run rescue groups.

The industry magazine Australian Racing Greyhound wrote of community-run greyhound rescues in Victoria - “Unlike GRV they do not discriminate, and do not expect dogs to fit a mould, rather taking the approach to rehoming of all Greyhounds while respecting the dog’s individuality.”

CPG’s white paper on rehoming shows about 10 percent of dogs entering GAP Victoria are euthanased, but the data is not verified by an independent regulator, so this figure could be higher.

“All GAPs euthanase Greyhounds deemed to be unsuitable for rehoming, whereas community rehoming groups are no-kill. So why is there such a disparity in approach? As usual, it’s about money, not love, when it comes to the Greyhound racing industry,” said Julia.

“The industry GAPs aim to screen out Greyhounds that have been poorly socialised by industry participants, so that re-homing costs are kept down.”

Meanwhile, the re-homing effort by Victorian community groups has always been stellar – they rehome around 1,500 dogs per year.

By comparison, GAP Victoria’s efforts have been in moderate decline since they hit a high of just over 1,250 in 2016/17. Their latest effort was 951 in 2020/21!

Self-regulation doesn’t work

This inequitable situation exists because GRV is responsible for promoting Greyhound racing in Victoria, but is also the regulator responsible for Greyhound welfare.

This is despite a Victorian inquiry into the dog racing industry which recommended in 2015 that commercial and regulatory functions should be separated.

“When the two functions are held by the same authority, it always creates a conflict of interest,” said Julia.

“There are just so many loopholes within GRV’s self-regulated model. GRV keeps saying that the industry has reformed and that welfare is top priority, but that's not what we’re seeing. These dogs are being let down.”

Happy Zoe on the mend, wearing a paw shoe

She said GAP’s ‘passing of the buck’ means rescue charities are not only facing a bigger burden, but are doing so without the

type of assistance provided elsewhere.

“Why is it that Greyhounds like Zoe end up with, and are better cared for by the unfunded rescues than by the industry? It’s just unethical and racing is a big business which is taking advantage of the public’s compassion,” said Julia.

Fortunately Gumtree Greys has an amazing network of volunteer foster carers - ‘Greyhound guardians’ - who open their homes and hearts to these beautiful dogs, no longer required by the racing industry.

“After years of living in small enclosures, they need to learn how to live life as a family dog. Skills they need to acquire include learning to climb stairs, riding in cars and how to behave when interacting with other breeds of dogs while out walking,” said Julia.

Zoe grinning, soon ready for a furever home!

“Chris and our other carers are unbelievably amazing humans who do everything they can to get these dogs right.

Zoe’s coming along really well and will be ready for re-homing shortly,” said Julia.

CPG recommends several solutions that both state governments and the racing industry could adopt if they want to improve greyhound rehoming. These include:

✔️ Regulators must enforce socialisation requirements by way of checks during kennel inspections – when industry participants have failed to socialise their greyhounds, they should be penalised.

✔️ State governments must stop giving taxpayers’ money to the greyhound racing industry and instead put it towards greyhound rehoming.

✔️ CPG's proposals are part of a five-point plan developed to reform the racing industry. As well as safer tracks, the plan includes whole-of-life tracking of each dog, reduced breeding, sanctuaries and increased penalties for mistreatment.

Ready to welcome one of these beautiful Greyhounds into your home?

Visit www.gumtreegreys.com.au/foster to learn how you can help make a difference.

About Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

CPG is a dedicated group of people across Australia who work together to inform the public about the cruelties of Greyhound racing.

Learn more by visiting Facebook, Website, Instagram, media coverage.

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