National Adoption Day A Huge Success

Greyhounds as Pets NSW (GAP) has celebrated the most successful weekend in its history, with a record-breaking 80 greyhounds adopted as part of its National Greyhound Adoption Day (NAD) events held across the state.

The new milestone was achieved through a series of adoption events in Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Kembla Grange, Bathurst, and a flagship event in Sydney at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. 

The number would have been even higher had torrential rain not forced another scheduled event at Speers Point, Lake Macquarie to be postponed.

Of the 80 greyhounds which found new homes through the NAD events around NSW, 41 were adopted at the Moore Park event. That Sydney figure equals the best single adoption day event held in NSW, alongside the 2018 NAD held at Wentworth Park.

“There were so many pleasing aspects to arise from our National Adoption Day events held around the State over the weekend,” Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said.

“Naturally to see 80 greyhounds find new homes as pets around NSW is a tremendous result and it’s evident there continues to be genuine desire in the community for the greyhound breed.

“But the numbers are just one marker on the success of National Adoption Day. People who have been in the organisation for a long time remarked that they had never seen such a large crowd attend the Sydney event, despite far from ideal weather conditions and the threat of more rain.

“But perhaps most importantly was the raising of awareness around greyhounds being wonderful pets." commented Steve. Crowds flocked to meet the Greyhounds, learn about the breed, and experience firsthand the gentle, affectionate nature of these adorable dogs. 

“Through strong media and marketing campaigns, the hard work of our teams, and our ambassadors Ryan Papenhuyzen, James Tedesco and Todd McKenney, National Adoption Day and the joy of adopting a greyhound has never received so much positive publicity.

“We also had so many people attending events for their first experience with greyhounds and the feedback I received at Moore Park was that having seen for themselves what amazing pets greyhounds are, many will be returning ready to adopt.” stated Steve.

In a heartfelt moment that brought together the spirit of community, and compassion, Greyhounds as Pets NSW also donated $20,000 to the Mark Hughes Foundation, a charity committed to brain cancer research. The donation was part of a light-hearted charity challenge between Papenhuyzen and Tedesco (which Paps won), drawing smiles from fans and underlining the importance of giving back.

The rehoming program continues to go from strength-to-strength; to all staff, volunteers, ambassadors, attendees, participants, foster-carer and adopters, a huge thank you and well done.

The postponed event which was to be held at Lake Macquarie will now be rescheduled to later next month.