One of the recurring issues with greyhound racing is what happens to the dogs once their racing career is over. A number of greyhound racing owners take their dogs in as pets once they come to the end of their racing career but a number of these animals struggle to find homes.
Fortunately, there are some excellent organisations that care for retired greyhounds until they can find the dogs a home. These greyhound adoption groups do some wonderful work and their existence means that ex racing greyhounds no longer need to be euthanized as was the case in the past. Greyhound rescue groups mean that around 90% of these animals are now looked after and well treated.
Greyhounds do make great pets because they are pack-oriented. This means that they will quickly adapt to humans and have no problems with children or other pets in the home. Some greyhounds do suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time but the addition of a second greyhound can often be the solution to this stumbling block.
You may imagine greyhounds would need a lot of exercise being so slender and with their racing ability but this isn’t the case. They are built for short sharp burst of speed and don’t enjoy very a long distance walks or too much exertion. They can therefore actually be less work than other dogs.
Although there is already some wonderful work being done, it is important for the future of greyhound racing that those involved with the sport support the rescue and re-housing of retired greyhounds. If this doesn’t happen, the future of dog racing could be in doubt.
Below are details of the leading greyhound rescue organisation, the Retired Greyhound Trust.
Retired Greyhound Trust
The Retired Greyhound Trust
RGT Head Office
Park House
Park Terrace
Worcester Park
Surrey
KT4 7JZ
Phone: 0844 826 8424
Fax: 0844 826 8425
Registered Charity No: 269668
Website: www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
If you are interested in adopting a retire greyhound or would like more information, please use the details above to get in touch with the Retired Greyhound Trust.