Re stopping the legalising of greyhound racing in South Korea

[Guest guest]

HI,

 

The Korean website featured in the post re stopping greyhound racing

legalization was

for South Korea? (South Korea is a separate entity to North Korea even

though

the website address says .kr )

 

If anyone isn't aware, the Australian greyhound industry results in many

unwanted healthy greyhounds being euthanased every year.

 

This was recently pointed out on a popular TV series here " Burke's

backyard "

where greyhounds were being promoted as pets (there is a group in most

Australian states which tries to find pet homes for unwanted greyhounds,

many of who are ex racing dogs). Unfortunately, many of these beautiful

dogs (I would guess a large

percentage of them are euthanased and at 20,000 per year (approx) being

deliberately

bred for the racing industry in Australia, imagine how many are killed

per year

and I believe some are given to Universities for experimentation and

vivisection

(one group here has greyhound vivisection photographs taken at a

University Vet School).

 

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2004/archives/2004/roadtests/dog_breeds

/greyhounds

 

Greyhounds

Breed: Greyhound

Temperament: docile, placid

Cost: $150-$220

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Maintenance: low

Recommended for: families

 

Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP)

Within the greyhound racing industry, up to 20,000 new dogs are born

each year. These replace those dogs that have reached retirement age, at

around five years. Retirement for a greyhound is a pleasant sounding

term, but unfortunately, many of these dogs will be destroyed. Only a

small percentage will go to stud, race overseas or retire with their

owner.

 

The Greyhound Adoption Program is a non-profit organisation that aims to

place retired greyhounds into homes, saving them from likely

destruction. A GAP program operates in each state, with some funding

provided by the state's Greyhound Racing Authority.

 

GAP assesses the greyhound's suitability as a pet and educates it to

living in a family environment. Dogs accepted into GAP are first checked

by a veterinarian and are then placed in temporary foster homes to help

acclimatise them to a domestic setting. If the dog is suitable for

re-homing, it's then off to its adopting home.

 

Appearance

 

Greyhounds are bred for strictly racing. Males weigh from 28kg-34kg,

females between 22kg-28kg. The male stands at a shoulder height of up to

65cm (2') and the females are shorter. They come in a variety of

colours, with brindle and fawn the most common. Other colours include

black, white, blue, red and brown or a combination of these.

 

Temperament

 

Retired greyhounds are intelligent, docile, placid dogs that like to

just lounge around the house, making them an ideal house pet. Greyhounds

aren't likely to be aggressive and are likely to walk away from

troublesome children rather than snapping or barking at them.

 

Health & Lifespan

 

One outstanding advantage of the Greyhound is that it is a remarkably

healthy breed. Unlike many other purebreds, they are less prone to

serious genetic disorders. Their selective breeding for performance and

athleticism, rather than the show-ring or appearance alone, precludes

them from suffering many of the serious problems common to other

purebreds. One significant example is hip dysplasia, a condition very

common in many large breeds but almost unheard of amongst greyhounds.

The dogs should be placed on a heartworm prevention treatment and should

be wormed every month in the first year and then every three to six

months following. Greyhounds can average 12 to 14 years.

 

Feeding

 

Greyhounds are quite small eaters and require a balanced diet, including

meat, dry food, pasta and vegetables. It costs around $10 a week to keep

a greyhound well fed.

 

Breeding

 

The retired greyhounds that come through the Greyhound Adoption Program

(GAP) have been de-sexed so they are not used for breeding.

 

Costs and availability

 

Greyhounds cost between $150-$200 each, through the GAP program,

depending on the state of origin. This covers the costs of de-sexing,

vaccinating, worming and other treatments. GAP is always welcoming of

new prospective owners.

 

Space and Exercise

 

The greyhound can live fairly well in a suburban backyard. Despite being

fast dogs they do not need long daily walks because they are sprinters

not endurance dogs. Nonetheless, like all dogs, regular walks are

important. Greyhounds who graduate from the GAP program in Victoria and

South Australia don't require muzzles, but it's still a requirement in

all other states and territories. They are not aggressive, but a strong

prey drive does exist. They should be kept on lead at all times unless

in a secure, safe area.

 

Grooming

 

Greyhounds are quite low maintenance. They have short coats and require

washing about three times a month. Nails should be clipped regularly.

 

Ideal Owner

 

Ideal for families who want a placid animal, or older people looking for

a docile companion.

 

For more information

The Greyhound Adoption Program is independently run in each state.

 

Australia

NSW

Denise Wigney

Phone: (02) 9452 3446

 

Victoria

Larissa Darragh

Phone: (03) 5799 2909

 

QLD SA

Sheree Buckley

Phone: (07) 5465 5170

Shirley Johnson

Phone: (08) 8345 2260

 

WA TAS

Kerry Vernon

Phone: 0408 883 669

June Phillips

Phone: (03) 6253 5771