Northern Grampians Shire Council has slammed Greyhound Racing Victoria’s claims three impounded dogs at Stawell were destined to be euthanised when GRV stepped in to adopt them.
Images of three greyhounds seized by the Stawell pound circulated social media and claimed the dogs were on “death row”.
But GRV’s adoption program (GAP) intervened and adopted the dogs.
GRV general manager of Animal Welfare Gavin Goble said they immediately intervened when the greyhound racing body heard about the three dogs.
“Over the weekend it was brought to our attention that the Stawell pound had exhausted all avenues to re-home three greyhounds in their care and these greyhounds were destined to be put to sleep,” he said.
“GRV immediately intervened and redirected them through its Greyhound Adoption Program.
“GRV does not condone placing greyhounds in pounds when their chances of re-homing are limited.”
But Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive Michael Bailey said council’s local laws team was still continuing to explore possible re-homing options when GRV stepped in.
"We understand that people can be emotional when it comes to matters dealing with animal welfare and it's certainly a cause close to our hearts as well,” he said.
“But to suggest that these dogs were to be euthanised, when we were still actively exploring re-homing options is factually incorrect and extremely misleading."
Mr Bailey said the three greyhounds in question were taken in by the Stawell shelter “a number of weeks ago” and put up for adoption after eight days, as per legal obligation.
“Since then, our Local Laws team have been working hard to find a new home for these dogs,” Mr Bailey said.
“At no stage did we discuss the option of euthanising these dogs, and at the time that GAP approached us, our Local Laws team were still continuing to explore possible re-homing options."
Neglected greyhounds remains a concern across the state, with the figure of estranged dogs on the rise.
Greyhound Rescue Victoria founder Sherree Owen said they rescued between 80-100 greyhounds a year.
“Already we are at 60 this year, the figure is set to blow out of the water,” she said.
“On average 40-50 greyhounds are being surrendered by their trainers a week, this is astronomical.”
Mr Goble encouraged trainers and owners who looked to move a greyhound on to consider the GAP program.
“Animal welfare is a core priority for GRV, there is no place in our sport for trainers or owners who disregard a greyhound’s welfare.”
