Port Adelaide Enfield Council could have off-lead days for greyhounds

Port Adelaide Enfield Council wants to let greyhounds off the leash on designated days, following a similar move at West Torrens.

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Greyhounds could be allowed to run free in the Port Adelaide Enfield district under a proposal for special dishlicker days.

Council staff are investigating how it could run greyhound-only days at parks throughout the council — because they are the only breed not allowed off leash in public.

It follows a similar plan from West Torrens Council to allow greyhounds off their leads at the Kurralta Park dog park on designated days.

By law, greyhounds can exercise off-lead only on private property — the only breed for which this rule is enforced.

There are no public areas in metropolitan Adelaide — including designated off-lead areas or dog parks — where they are permitted to run free.

Greyhound days have been held at Port Elliot with great success.

Greyhound owner Jordan Kostadinov with dog Geoffrey and councillor, Elisabeth Papanikolaou, who supported off-leash days in West Torrens. Photo: AAP/Roy VanDerVegt

Any greyhound days in Port Adelaide Enfield would be subject to the approval of the Dog and Cat Management Board, which would have to grant an exemption to Section 45C of the Dog and Cat Management Act.

Greyhound owner Cr Hannah Evans, who proposed the idea, said she had received more than 300 messages of support since she floated the idea on Facebook.

“We’ve commenced discussions with the Dog and Cat Management Board,” Cr Evans said.

She believed there would be demand across Adelaide and it could encourage other councils to launch similar days.

“If we were successful in holding our own, we will be able to see where these people are coming from and I feel confident they will be able to have a good time and bring it up with their own councils,” she said.

“I’ve had (my greyhound) since last year and she’s been an absolute darling but I’ve got another dog and he’s allowed off-lead, so when I go to the dog park she sits and watches patiently while everyone has fun.”

A report from council staff was expected to be presented to councillors next month.

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