This information explains the changes that are happening as part of the Greyhound Racing Legislation Amendments (Phase Out Reform) Bill 2025.
This page is an alternative text version of the Information sheet:
Greyhound Racing Legislation - information sheet (PDF 303Kb)
There are two separate phases which are the:
Transition period
During the transition period the Commissioner's powers include:
The Commissioner, or any person assisting the Commissioner, may issue a notice directing a person to allow the entry, search and inspection of any premises that is used to keep, care, manage or use greyhounds.
A notice must be issued, and the person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with that notice.
Breeding greyhounds
| Breeding of greyhounds for racing purposes is prohibited.
Exceptions:
A greyhound can be whelped or conceived prior to 1 January 2026*. Breeding as domestic pets is unrestricted, including during the Transition Period.
Any greyhound whelped before 1 Jan 2026 can be registered as a racing greyhound.
The 1 January 2026 may be later depending on when the Bill is passed by Parliament and receives Royal Assent.
| Racing Regulation Integrity Act 2024 Amended applies (Part 4 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|
Transfer of greyhounds
| The owner of a registered greyhound may transfer ownership, subject to prior notification to Tasracing where the person acquiring the greyhound:
is registered or licensed as a greyhound owner under the Rules of Racing is authorised to own greyhounds by a greyhound racing body in another state or territory (ie GRV); or manages a greyhound adoption program.
In all other circumstances, Tasracing must provide written consent for the transfer.
| Racing Regulation Integrity Act 2024 Amended applies (Part 4 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|
Interstate or overseas participation
| Tasracing consent is required for an interstate or overseas greyhound to participate in Tasmanian greyhound races. A person or entity holding a greyhound race in Tasmania must not permit an interstate or overseas greyhound to participate in any race in Tasmania without the consent of Tasracing. Tasracing’s consent must align with any requirements of the Transition Plan.
| Racing Regulation Integrity Act 2024 Amended applies (Part 4 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|
Retirement of greyhounds
| Greyhounds that have not raced for a continuous period of 12 months, or any greyhound that is 6 years of age must be notified to Tasracing. Following notification, the greyhound is taken not to be registered under the Rules of Racing and may not be reregistered. Exception: If a greyhound has not raced for a period of 12 months due to an injury and a veterinary surgeon is satisfied that the greyhound has recovered from that injury.
| Racing Regulation Integrity Act 2024 Amended applies (Part 4 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|
Euthanasia of greyhounds
| A greyhound must not be euthanised without the written consent of Tasracing. Tasracing will only consent if it is satisfied that the euthanasia is carried out humanely and is necessary on animal welfare grounds. Exceptions: Written approval is not required if: the greyhound is euthanised by a vet in an emergency situation, to relieve the greyhound of distress due to injury or illness; or the euthanasia is authorised under another Act.
| Racing Regulation Integrity Act 2024 Amended applies (Part 4 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|
*or a later date dependent upon when the Bill is passed by Parliament and receives Royal Assent
Post transition period
Prohibition of racing
| A person must not: conduct, organise or facilitate a greyhound race, or a commercial dog race in Tasmania; permit a greyhound race or a commercial dog race to be conducted on a premises owned or occupied by them; assist with the organisation or conduct a greyhound or commercial dog race in Tasmania.
| Animal Welfare Act (Part 2 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance including imprisonment
|
Participation in racing
| A person must not allow a dog they are in charge of to participate in a greyhound race or a commercial dog race in Tasmania.
| Animal Welfare Act (Part 2 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance including imprisonment
|
Greyhounds as domestic pets
| A greyhound must not be kept for greyhound racing or commercial dog racing. A greyhound can be kept as a domestic pet. A person must not:
sell or supply a dog; offer a dog for sale or supply; or breed, acquire or keep a dog, if the person knows, or ought to know, that the other person intends for the greyhound to participate in greyhound racing or commercial dog racing
| Animal Welfare Act (Part 2 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance including imprisonment
|
Breeding of greyhounds
| Breeding of greyhounds for racing purposes is prohibited Exception: A greyhound can be bred as a domestic pet.
| Dog Control Act (Part 3 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|
Expansion of suitability programs to transition racing greyhounds to pets
|
| Dog Control Act (Part 3 of the Bill)
| Penalties apply for non-compliance
|