Section 41 (1) of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 makes it an offence to keep, on any premises at or on which greyhounds are kept, trialled, trained or raced any animal reasonably capable of being used as a lure in connection with the trialling, training or racing of greyhounds.

Section 41 (2) provides that the Commission may, on application by any person, make an order (an exemption order) authorising the person to keep an animal of the kind specified in the order.

Participants need to apply for an exemption order for any animal that could be used as a lure, such as cats, small dogs, guinea pigs, ferrets or chickens.

An exemption is not required for large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, pigs or goats (though you do need to apply for an exemption for lambs, piglets, kids).

An exemption order can specify any kind or number of animals except for possums or rabbits.  The Act does not allow the Commission to grant an exemption order for a rabbit or possum. This means that participants cannot keep these animals at all.

Applicants are to provide the following information:

• Type and number of animals kept, and purpose for which animals are kept
• Number and age of greyhounds kept
• Greyhound training facilities on property (if any)
• Animal housing arrangements

For more information on animal exemptions, please refer to our fact sheet or assessment guidelines.

How can I apply for an animal exemption order?

A copy of the application can be downloaded here.