Lucky the greyhound definitely lives up to his name.
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He is one of the lucky ones who has found a home following NSW Premier Mike Baird’s decision to ban greyhound racing.
With the greyhound racing industry set to wind up on July 1, 2017, the Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) program is looking to re-home as many greyhounds as possible over the coming months and raise more awareness about their suitability as pets.
Dapto husband and wife team Darryl Murphy and Nerida Margrie jumped at the chance to adopt Lucky.
The family were without a pet for a time earlier this year after their previous greyhound passed away from cancer.
The family cat also lost her battle with cancer.
‘’My husband has been involved in greyhounds for many, many years,’’ Ms Margrie said.
‘’Greyhounds were just the most wonderful pets. They're beautiful, gentle and so full of character that when we decided to get another pet we decided to rescue a greyhound and invite a greyhound into our family.’’
The animal lover supports anything that improves the welfare of animals but feels it is ‘’too simplistic’’ for the Baird Government to suggest their decision to ban greyhound racing was about protecting the welfare of animals.
‘’In terms of the welfare of the animals there is so much more that can be done other than just closing the industry down ad hoc. It is a really arrogant decision I think,’’ Ms Margrie said.
‘’My husband and I know quite a lot of people and families who are and have been involved in the greyhound industry for generations. Their families and businesses will be devastated.
‘’I think if we are going to outlaw the breeding of greyhounds then the government needs to take that further and do something about managing the breeding of other animals so that animals are only bought from a registered breeder...so that there are ways to improve the welfare of all animals not just greyhounds.’’
The Dapto woman though was full of praise for the GAP program which led to her family fostering and then adopting Lucky.
Lucky also successfully passed GAP’s re-homing and retraining green hound program and is officially exempt from wearing his muzzle in public.
Those interested in adopting greyhounds should visit www.gapnsw.com.au