PET WELFARE charities have come together to plan for the rehoming of all racing greyhounds, following the Welsh Government’s announcement that it will end commercial greyhound racing in Wales.
On February 18, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies stated that he wanted a ban to come into force as soon as practicably possible, with further information on the government’s next steps expected shortly.
Recognising the major role that rehoming organisations will continue to provide in securing a safe future for many dogs, charities have already started the process of coordinating themselves to support with the rehoming needs of greyhounds leaving the industry.
Having long committed to protecting the welfare of all greyhounds, the co-signed reaffirmed this by issuing a statement highlighting their commitment that no dog is unnecessarily put to sleep or made homeless by the policy change, offering support for care, rehabilitation and rehoming.
Tim Doyle, CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales said: “As a collective we stand ready to support all greyhounds coming out of the industry in Wales.
“We want to reassure everyone that the welfare of racing greyhounds is our priority as work begins on bringing forward a ban of the sport in Wales and we will provide care for any dog that needs us”.
Alain Thomas, spokesperson for the Collective which consists of Almost Home Dog Rescue, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Forever Hounds Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Greyhound Trust South West Wales, Hope Rescue and the RSPCA, said: “We are committed to protecting the welfare of each and every greyhound that leaves the racing industry in Wales.
“We are united by our determination to ensure that no dog is unnecessarily put to sleep, or made homeless, by an end to greyhound racing.
“As a group, we commit to ensuring that there is a rescue space for every single greyhound leaving racing in Wales as a result of the implementation of a ban, and providing a central point of contact for owners and trainers wanting to relinquish their dogs.
“We will ensure that all dogs are provided with veterinary and behavioural support in accordance with their individual needs while in the care of rescue organisations and in preparation for rehoming, regardless of which organisation they are helped by.
“The collective has agreed to coordinate the allocation of dogs to each of our organisations, to make the best use of our collective resources.”
