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Important Update: Changes to Greyhound Muzzle Laws 

From 17 November 2025, retired and non-racing greyhounds will no longer need to wear muzzles in public under the updated Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 —a welcome change that supports their transition into life as companion animals and is consistent with other states approaches. 

Racing greyhounds are still required to wear a muzzle when outside their premises.

Further information below


Leashing Requirements
Greyhounds are required to be under effective control by 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 an authorised council greyhound off-leash event.

Racing Greyhounds
A racing greyhound means a greyhound currently registered as a racing greyhound with Greyhound Racing SA, or a corresponding body in another jurisdiction.

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. At any time the racing greyhound is outside their premises, and the exemptions above do not apply, the racing greyhound must wear a muzzle and be on a leash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I have a greyhound with a muzzle exemption, is there anything I need to do?

No, Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) will already show that your greyhound is not required to wear a muzzle. 
I have a greyhound (non-racing greyhound) without a muzzle exemption, does my dog still need to wear a muzzle?

No, from 17 November 2025 your greyhound is no longer legally required to wear a muzzle, and the Dog and Cat Management Board will be updating Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) to reflect this. 
When can my greyhound (non-racing greyhound) stop wearing a muzzle?

The changes commence from 17 November 2025
I have a racing greyhound, are they still required to wear a muzzle?
  • Yes, racing greyhounds are still required to wear a muzzle – see S45C(1a)(a) of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995
  • 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.
  • A racing greyhound means a greyhound currently registered as a racing greyhound with Greyhound Racing SA, or a corresponding body in another jurisdiction.
When I adopted my greyhound they told me to wear a muzzle in public, should I still do that?

From 17 November 2025 your greyhound is not legally required to wear a muzzle, however if an organisation has recommended your greyhound wear a muzzle we recommend you contact the organisation for further advice.
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. However, if an organisation has recommended your greyhound wear a muzzle we recommend you contact the organisation for further advice.
What if my greyhound has never been a racing greyhound?

Your greyhound is not required to wear a muzzle. 
Do the changes to legislation mean my greyhound can be off leash too?

No, all greyhounds are required to be under effective control by 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.