GREYHOUND advocate Jacq Gallagher has moved to dispel myths about the breed following recent negative coverage of the greyhound racing industry.
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Ms Gallagher rescued Genie from a greyhound racing track about three-and-a-half years ago.
Every since Ms Gallagher has been questioned whether Genie was aggressive, if she was safe to have around children and if she would kill small animals.
She said greyhounds were simply “not like that” and it was important to remember that greyhounds were also victims of the racing industry.
“That stuff that we see on the news about what some owners do to the animals that they’re blooding the greyhounds with, the greyhounds in those situations are victims of that as well,” she said.
“You can guarantee that those greyhounds aren’t treated well.
“The reality of greyhounds is that they do come with anxiety issues and they can be quite traumatised, but, like any dog, if you just give them the time they’re awesome.”
Ms Gallagher said the breed might have also attracted bad stigma as prior to early last year, greyhounds were required to wear a muzzle off the track.
She said greyhounds adopted through animal welfare agencies had been through a rigorous assessment and rehabilitation process.
Ms Gallagher said Genie was not demanding, was easy to handle, placid and “just an awesome dog”.
“People always say to me ‘well done you for giving her a life and saving her’ and I always say to them she’s given me life,” Ms Gallagher said.
“She saves me day after day because it’s really rewarding to have an animal that comes from trauma and then to see that if you love them how resilient they are and you can actually give them a life worth living.”
For more information on adopting greyhounds visit the Greyhounds as Pets website at gapnsw.com.au or phone the organisation on 1800 696 377.