Greyhounds and their owners from around Alexandrina and beyond are at the ready for the much-anticipated return of off-leash greyhound only events at the Port Elliot Dog Park.

The Dog and Cat Management Board has granted Alexandrina Council a continued exemption for greyhound off-leash events to be held fortnightly from Sunday, 21 June between 9am-11am. The events are open to all greyhound dogs and their humans.

The events were initially due to re-start earlier in the year but were postponed due to COVID-19.  Easing of some restrictions means they can now go ahead with some modifications.

The park will be closed to other dog breeds during the two hours of greyhound off-leash power. These events will allow greyhound owners to spend time together and enjoy watching their beloved dogs play and run freely, off-leash in the dog park, just as other breeds are allowed to.

In South Australia, greyhounds are not ordinarily permitted to be exercised off-leash in a public place. These fine-tuned, leggy giants are restricted to being walked on-leash only, restricting their natural instinct to stretch out and run freely. 

These events are a proud collaboration between Alexandrina Council, Friends of the Port Elliot Dog Park, Greyhound Racing SA Adoption Program and the Dog and Cat Management Board.

Council staff and volunteers from the Friends of The Port Elliott Dog Park will be on board at the events to assist with any questions and support.

Greyhound Run-Around events will limit the numbers of dogs to 20-30 greyhounds at any one time so they can continue without incident.

Bookings for one-hour timeslots are essential, and can be made online, or through council’s Community Safety team on 8555 7000.