Greyhounds

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Retired and non-racing greyhounds are no longer required to wear muzzles in public.
Changes to muzzle requirements under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 commenced 17 November 2025.
These changes support greyhounds transitioning into life as companion animals and are consistent with other states approaches.


All Greyhounds are required to be on a leash of no more than two (2) metres at all times when outside of the premises they are kept.
Off-leash areas (such as dog parks) do not apply to greyhounds.


Racing greyhounds are still required to wear a muzzle and be on a leash when outside their premises.
A racing greyhound means a greyhound currently registered as a racing greyhound with Greyhound Racing SA, or a corresponding body in another jurisdiction. This includes greyhounds registered as breeding greyhounds with Greyhound Racing SA or a corresponding body. 

Racing greyhounds are exempt from having to wear a muzzle while being raced, trained or exercised on private land with the consent of the owner or occupier of the land.

Download the New Greyhound Muzzle Laws information sheet here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

My greyhound already has a muzzle exemption. Do I need to do anything?

No, these changes mean all retired and non-racing greyhounds in South Australia no longer need a muzzle.
A control order has been issued by Council in relation to my greyhound – does it need to wear a muzzle?

Yes, if the control order requires your greyhound to wear a muzzle, you are legally required to comply with this requirement.
When I adopted my greyhound the adopting organisation advised me to wear a muzzle in public, should I still do that?

If an organisation has recommended your greyhound wear a muzzle, you should contact the organisation for further advice.
Under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, you have responsibilities to ensure your dog safely managed, which all dog owners should be aware of.
If I adopt a greyhound (non-racing greyhound) from interstate, will it need to be muzzled?

No, legally your greyhound is not required to wear a muzzle.
What if my greyhound has never been a racing greyhound?

If your greyhound has never been registered as a racing greyhound it is not required to wear a muzzle. Some greyhounds may be registered as a racing greyhound even if they have never raced. Contact Greyhound Racing SA to check your greyhounds registration status.
Do these changes mean my greyhound can be off leash too?

No, all greyhounds are required to be on a leash of no more than two (2) metres at all times when outside of the premises they are kept.
Off-leash areas (such as dog parks) do not apply to greyhounds, unless the greyhound is attending a Board approved council greyhound off-leash event.