Greyhounds dumped after failing at the racetracks

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Evening Times

Greyhounds dumped after failing at the racetracks

RECORD numbers of racing dogs are looking for new homes after being kicked out into the cold.

Scotland's biggest greyhound charity, the Greyhound Awareness League, said scores of the dogs were thrown out by owners when they no longer won at the racetrack.

The charity urged people to adopt a dog as it launched an appeal to raise £60,000 for a purpose-built facility to house abandoned animals.

Around 300 dogs had to be re-homed this year after being rescued when they were taken to vets to be put down or simply left in the street, a rise of 50% from last year.

Greyhounds and lur-chers handed into the GAL are housed in rented kennels or foster accommodation while they wait for permanent homes.

But weight of numbers has forced the charity's convener David Melville to seek a better solution.

He said: "We currently have 20 dogs in rented kennels and another 65 in foster homes, when we'd usually have around 30 in total at any one time.

"That is after a year where we dealt with 300 dogs compared with less than 200 last year.

"We need to raise £60,000 in the next three years to build a sanctuary to house the greyhounds cost-effectively until they are taken on by an owner.

"Just now we pay for rented kennels and vet bills separately, which is a drain on our resources.

"Scotland's first purpose- built greyhound sanctuary will allow us to keep the dogs and provide them with care on site."

GAL patron, One Foot in the Grave star Annette Crosbie, is backing the campaign. And people who have already adopted dogs today urged others to do the same.

Carolyn Clark of Crookston adopted five-year-old Buddy three weeks ago.

The 53-year-old radiographer said: "I'd read about the league and seen their appeals. I decided to come along and meet the dogs for myself. I was matched with Buddy and we just clicked. He's a great dog, a gentle giant."

Kathleen Paxton, 47, from Milton, already has two greyhounds but wants four. She is thinking of adopting Connor, who has been with the league for 15 months.

She said: "I've been volunteering with GAL for a few months and I have bonded with Connor.

"I just need to make sure he gets on with my other two greyhounds before I take him. Greyhounds are addictive - you can't have just one."

Jim, 50, and Shirley McWilliams, 44, were at the launch with daughters Lori, 13, Kara, 10, Caitlin, 9, and Catriona, 6, and three greyhounds.

The family from Bridge of Weir only got their first dog in April but they quickly adopted two more.

Shirley said: "They are great dogs and really easy to look after.
"My kids want another one and we're all tempted.

"We live in a normal mid-terrace home but it's no problem to look after the dogs there."

Dave Melville, homing co-ordinator for GAL, has seven greyhounds at his home.

He said: "Greyhounds just need a couple of 20- minute walks a day, but unfortunately they are still not seen as family pets.

"Most dogs that come to us are ex-racing dogs. If they are not running, or if they get too old, the racers don't want them any more."

Anyone interested in finding out more about adopting a dog should call GAL on 0870 888 7277.