By Emma Butler, Head of Welfare Campaigns Those of us supporting a phasing out of greyhound racing in the UK were eagerly watching the signatures on an online petition creeping up last week. This was followed by the huge satisfaction of watching the total number tick over the magic 100,00 figure, which could trigger a …
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Looking to the future – our 25th anniversary year.
By Jan Lake, Chair of Trustees It’s been a tough year. As I write, Covid regs are preventing us travelling and restricting visitors. This is having an impact across our charity, particularly for those who volunteer at any of our kennels. We must protect those working at kennels and responsible for the care of the …
Please sign petition to phase out greyhound racing
Forever Hounds Trust are asking supporters to sign the petition calling on the Government to bring an end to the unnecessary deaths and suffering of racing dogs via a managed phasing out of greyhound racing in the UK. As a charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and homing of greyhounds, Forever Hounds Trust knows only …
Poole greyhound racing closes – third track closure this year.
By Emma Butler Yesterday evening the permanent closure of greyhound racing at Poole Stadium was announced. This marks the third greyhound racing stadium closure this year – with Peterborough and Belle Vue already having closed their doors permanently. Last week it was reported that the future of Henlow Stadium also hangs in the balance, after …
Uncertainty over the future of Henlow Stadium could bring the end of greyhound racing in the UK one step closer
By Emma Butler The Greyhound Star has reported that outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the Henlow greyhound racing stadium has been granted. This could see an end to greyhound racing on the site altogether. Audience figures for greyhound racing have been falling across the globe for several years, and some UK greyhound racing …
GBGB data gives us more questions than answers
By Emma Butler The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has released their annual injury and retirement data for 2019, and despite their claims that “significant progress” has been made, the data makes for unhappy reading for anyone who truly prioritises greyhound welfare. The data shows: An INCREASE in the number of dogs injured compared …
Minimising separation related issues as lockdown eases
If your dog has enjoyed having you at home more than usual during lockdown, you may be concerned about how they will cope once things return to normal. Dogs can become used to new routines very quickly, so if you have been spending all day with your dog they may struggle to adjust to your …
The coronacoaster of the greyhound racing industry
By Emma Butler Coronavirus has had an effect on every industry, so that of course has included the greyhound racing industry. The word ‘coronacoaster’ has been bandied about a lot on social media to describe the highs and lows of the journey we are all on, and it’s one that could also be used to …
Deaf Awareness Week, 4th – 10th May. Adopting and living with a deaf dog
It’s Deaf Awareness week, and dogs can be deaf too… Meet Bella, who was found as a pup wandering the streets in her silent little world. Even after being rescued, the homing process was very confusing for her, and it quickly became apparent that adopter and adoptee needed to help each other adapt to the …
Why it shouldn’t be ‘business as usual’ for greyhound breeders
By Emma Butler Forever Hounds Trust is dismayed to read reports of ‘business as usual’ in greyhound breeding in Ireland, despite the Covid-19 crisis, with demand in England being cited as positive for the industry. The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) have published an article on their website quoting Newpark Stud proprietor, Sean Bourke as saying …
Boredom busters for hounds at home!
Measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus are affecting hounds as well as humans – our Senior Behaviour Support Adviser, Rachel Cartwright, has come up with some DIY dog entertainment ideas! DIY Dog Entertainment If your dog is used to getting more than one walk per day, you might be finding they have some excess …
How will Covid 19 measures affect racing greyhounds?
By Emma Butler All greyhound racing at GBGB licensed racecourses has been suspended in order to meet the guidance from the government on social distancing. For those of us campaigning to bring an end to greyhound racing on welfare terms, the news that greyhounds won’t be racing should be welcome. However, ending greyhound racing in …