Greyhounds and lurchers donned their finest festive attire to attend a special candle-lit carol concert held in their honour. The service was also attended by international actor, Anthony Head, who gave a reading at the event in Bath City Centre Church, St Michael’s Without, on Wednesday 9th December. Watch the video to find out what happened and hear Anthony Head make an appeal on behalf of Forever Hounds Trust.
The carol concert provided Forever Hounds Trust with an opportunity to celebrate the fortunes of the rescued dogs who have found homes, and raise awareness of those still in need of a home.
Martha Walker, volunteer for Forever Hounds Trust (Forever Hounds Trust) and organiser of the event, said: “St Michael’s Without was suggested as a venue to us by Anthony Head, who is an Honorary Friend of Forever Hounds Trust. The church very kindly agreed that concert goers could bring their dogs to the carol concert and we were delighted that they were part of our Christmas celebration!”
Over the last three years, the number of dogs Forever Hounds Trust has been able to home has fallen significantly.
The charity believes that the economic situation and a decrease in home ownership in Britain, with tenants often not allowed to keep pets, is part of the reason for t this reduction in home offers.
However, the number of greyhounds and lurchers in need of rescue by the organisation has not changed, meaning there are now more dogs in need of homes than ever before.
Emily Burns-Sweeney, Director of Homing, Kennelling and Welfare at Forever Hounds Trust explains: “Around 9,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year but only an estimated 5,300 find homes via rescue organisations. We have grave concerns about the fate of the remaining 3,700 greyhounds.
“Lurchers face a similarly precarious fate, with many thousands finding their way in to dog pounds each year. Our kennel spaces are always full. We operate a ‘one in, one out’ policy, meaning we have to find homes for the dogs we have before we can take in any more. We are forced to turn dogs away on a daily basis, knowing that for some of them that will mean they are put to sleep.”
Forever Hounds Trust now urgently need people to come forward and offer a home to a greyhound or lurcher in need. Emily adds “Greyhounds and lurchers make wonderful pets. Greyhounds are gentle dogs that don’t need much exercise so they can be perfect for older people, those living in a smaller property or with just a small outside space. Lurchers are more energetic and make great family dogs. They really enjoy interacting with people.”
For more information and to register your interest in homing a greyhound or lurcher, please call 03000 111 100.
Have a happy and safe Christmas