Subscribe to RSS @
There has been much talk and indignation in the media about David Smith who allegedly earns his living by killing racing greyhounds after their retirement from the track. It is reported that as many as 10,000 dogs have met their fate via the bolt-gun of Mr Smith and he is now the subject of a hate campaign and death threats.
The question really is what the hell did people think happens to greyhounds after they retire – or worse still – are not up to scratch to be racers in the first place or are early victims to injury? Do people think there is a nice little corner of England reserved for them to grow old in where they can romp and play and chase rabbits to their hearts content?
About 11,000 greyhounds are registered for racing every year in the UK. Many fall victim to injury, many don’t make the grade and have a short ‘career’ and a few keep racing until they are 5 or 6. Then what? Don’t blame Mr Smith – it is the endless and continual breeding that is at fault – owners and trainers desperate with greed to get a dog that can run just that little bit faster and for a little bit longer.
The Retired Greyhound Trust has re-homed about 35,000 dogs since it started in 1974. Many other dogs find homes through other channels and volunteer groups. Many owners are responsible and keep their dogs after retirement. But do the maths – that’s a hell of a lot of dogs that nobody wants.
We have kept retired greyhounds since 1994. They make fantastic additions to the family. Contrary to what most people think they need very little exercise – a couple of 20 minute walks each day although more if you can manage it, they are basically lazy, docile, friendly and passive. And it is an absolute joy to watch them run – for the pure fun of it – their grace and elegance turns heads.
And bless your heart for it too, Andy. Had I the wherewithal to do so, my home and yard would shelter as many cats and dogs as I could take in…
I absolutely agree that it is the greed of breeders (and in the case of purely domesticated “house” animals/pets) the laziness or carelessness of those who have pets and do not spay or neuter them. They look to us for love, with trusting and faithful hearts…and get…what? “Putting them down,” is just a fluffed-up euphemism for slaughter.
(And I’d save the poor cattle and other livestock too…carted about and killed for their meat and hides. But alas, I cannot save the world. And yes, I do eat meat, but I wish there were another way of feeding the people.)
As my wife reminded me after I had written this, there is abominable overbreeding of many dog breeds just to try and get the perfect ’show’ dog. What happens to the ‘rejects’ is swept under the carpet. But I wont get started on this one or I’ll start to get hate mail.
Excellent report, I must say; the second I move into my house, and out of my tiny apartment, I will be adding another dog to my family. I’ve more than decided that it will be a rescued greyhound. I know there’s no way to stop this completely on my own, but I hope I can eventually give just one of them a loving home for once. Thanks for making this open news to many of the public.
@Matthew: Excellent! hope you find the right one for your ‘extension’.