Question On Notice No. 3380 asked in the Legislative Council on 3 November 2020 by Hon Alison Xamon
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Racing and Gaming
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) program, and I ask:
(a) how does the GAP program ensure the suitability of potential families to be greyhound owners:
(i) what, if any, family life/work arrangements or housing space/fencing would lead to a family not qualifying as a suitable placement for a GAP greyhound; and
(b) where a greyhound enters the GAP program via the Greyhound Injury Full Recovery Scheme, at what point of recovery will a greyhound be permitted to be adopted:
(i) if the greyhound is still needing medical attention or care, what information is provided to the adopting family; and
(ii) does GAP ensure that they follow-up that medical care is completed?
Answered on 26 November 2020
(a)Through a combination of the following:
· Assessment of the applicants’ comprehensive application to adopt,
· Desktop-based research verifying the applicants’ particulars,
· Adoption counselling on the telephone and in person, including observations made during the family’s meeting of a greyhound; and
· Sighting of required documentation for tenants.
(i) Significant undertakings are made by trained Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) staff to ensure that each greyhound is placed in a suitable environment. Each application requires comprehensive details with respect to the applicant, their living arrangements, ability to secure the greyhound properly at their premises, other animals present etc.
Given the array of variables it is not possible to definitively identify every scenario where a family may not qualify as a suitable placement for a GAP greyhound, however, every reasonable effort is made to ensure all necessary requirements are satisfied taking into account the family, its circumstances and the specific needs of the greyhound in question.
(b)(i-ii) Greyhounds entering GAP via the Greyhound Injury Full Recovery Scheme progress through GAP’s standard rehoming procedures when the contracted veterinary clinic indicates that no further re-visits are required thereby clearing the greyhound for adoption. The duration prior to adoption varies on a case by case basis depending on injury severity and progress.
GAP informs the adopting family of the nature of the injury that the greyhound has been treated for. GAP has standard follow-up procedures within the first six months post-adoption where contact is made with the adopters and all matters pertaining to the greyhound are discussed.