Greyhound off-leash area a Tassie first

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The City of Launceston has this week opened Tasmania’s first dedicated greyhound off-leash exercise area at Heritage Forest.

The project involved the redevelopment of the existing off-leash area at Heritage Forest to include a greyhound exercise area, a general off-leash area for other dogs, and an area for ‘vulnerable’ dogs — including smaller dogs, older dogs, or dogs recovering from injury or veterinary surgery — at the discretion of owners.

The construction of the greyhound off-leash area follows a Council-supported motion from Councillor Andrea Dawkins in 2019, and the State Government’s approval of the Dog Control Amendment Bill 2019.

The Bill included provisions for Councils to lawfully provide off-leash exercise areas for greyhounds, something which had not previously been possible.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he hoped the off-leash area would continue to be well utilised by Launceston’s canine population.

“Over recent years we know there has been increasing interest from prospective pet owners in adopting retired racing greyhounds,” Mayor van Zetten said.

“It’s exciting to see this new off-leash area opening to the public and finally allowing greyhounds to enjoy an off-leash area of their own.

“As the first facility of its kind in the State, we’re hopeful it will make a positive difference for the owners of pet greyhounds across Launceston.”

/Public Release. View in full here.