AFL games record holder Brent Harvey has put his name to the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) in Tasmania.
The newest GAP Tasmania ambassador, who played a record 432 games with the North Melbourne Football Club, said he was pleased to provide his sporting profile to promote the activities of the adoption program in the state.
“I think the more people who know about the work GAP Tasmania does, the better,” he said.
“Educating the community that greyhounds make wonderful pets after their racing career is over is a great thing.
“Through my involvement, particularly given the strong relationship NMFC has with Tasmania, I am looking forward to introducing this fantastic program to as many new people as possible.”
Under the arrangement, Harvey will feature in GAP Tasmania and greyhound racing promotional content that will be developed locally, be available for multiple local speaking appearances and multiple digital promotional posts.
Harvey’s playing career statistics speak for themselves – other than being the AFL games record holder with 432 games, he is a four-time all Australian, record five-time Syd Barker Medal winner and a member of North Melbourne’s team of the century.
The former club captain sits second on North Melbourne’s all-time goal kicker list with 518 goals, trailing and only two-time premiership captain Wayne Carey in that stat.
GAP Tasmania, which is funded by Tasracing, has been operating since 2009 and at its Managlore home since 2020.
GAP was established to give permanent homes to greyhounds when they have retired from racing.
The GAP facility can house 27 greyhounds at a time and there are plans to expand with a new kennel block that will double the capacity. Ninety eight greyhounds were adopted in 2020/21.
Tasracing is working hard to transform the program into a best practice rehoming organisation when compared to other adoption programs interstate.
For those who are interested in adopting, it all starts with an application form available on the GAP website (gaptas.org.au).
The cost to adopt a greyhound is $300 if it has been through foster care, or $250 if it is a self-foster to adopt agreement, and this includes post-adoption support for the life of the dog.
Every greyhound that enters the GAP Tasmania program is temperament assessed, de-sexed, has up to date flea and worm treatment, current C5 vaccination , microchip registered to the new owner, and has their teeth polished and nails trimmed.