Greyhound Trust Statement on Exportation of Greyhounds to Asia

The Greyhound Trust remains gravely concerned about reports concerning greyhounds that have been exported to countries where their welfare is severely compromised. We have been assured by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the regulatory body of licensed greyhound racing in England, Scotland and Wales, that they are investigating the most recent allegations and we look forward to seeing the relevant action taken if reports relate to greyhounds under their jurisdiction.

Racing or retired, all greyhounds deserve to have their welfare protected. To secure the best outcomes for both retired and racing greyhounds, we work collaboratively with all relevant partners to ensure that greyhound welfare is a top priority.

We strive for a day when all racing greyhounds retire to loving homes and are treated with compassion and kindness, as such we are always deeply saddened to hear of any greyhound who does not get the loving home they deserve when their racing career is over. The Trust strongly condemns the exportation of greyhounds to countries where their welfare is at risk.

Lisa Morris – Tomkins, the Greyhound Trust Chief Executive said “As a charity, we take great pride in our commitment to securing safe and loving futures for retired greyhounds.  If racing or retired greyhounds are being exported to countries where their welfare is compromised this is absolutely unacceptable. We are active members of the UK Greyhound Forum and the International Greyhound Forum and we continue to work with partners and stakeholders to improve the welfare of greyhounds in wider society.”

The Trust is an active member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Greyhounds, alongside the industry regulatory body and other animal welfare charities. We have raised our concerns on this matter with both Andrew Rosindell MP and Ian Lavery MP, who have both committed to continue working with the Trust on this issue, and the many other challenges we face to find homes for retired racing greyhounds in the UK.

Andrew Rosindell MP, Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group for Greyhounds and Vice-President of the Greyhound Trust said: “Like all animal lovers I was shocked and appalled to hear about the plight of greyhounds being exported to Asia to often live in squalid conditions, with little or no animal welfare laws to protect them. As chairman of the greyhound all party parliamentary group I aim for the group and all its stakeholders to address this matter and do all we can to stop this horrendous practice. The Greyhound Trust continues to have my full support in their continued fight for the welfare of greyhounds.”

Ian Lavery MP, Chair of the Labour Party and Vice President of the Greyhound Trust said: “It is deeply disturbing to hear of greyhounds being exported to countries where their welfare is at grave risk. As a passionate supporter of the breed, I strongly urge anyone with knowledge of this happening to report it to the GBGB, and to continue supporting the work of the Greyhound Trust to ensure that there is a safe and sustainable pathway for greyhounds when they retire in the UK”

We are doing everything that we can to care for and home retired racing greyhounds, but our kennels are always full and our waiting list filled with hundreds of greyhounds waiting to come into our care. Finding homes for these greyhounds remains our primary goal. Demands on the Trust’s resources continue to exceed our capacity and it is a testament to the volunteers and supporters of the Greyhound Trust that we continue to find homes for around 4000 greyhounds in the UK every single year.

We always want to do more, so if you are able to come forward and home a retired racing greyhound, you secure the future not only for the greyhound you share your home with, but also the one that comes into Trust care from the waiting list. Please consider a retired racing greyhound as their nature and adaptability make them fantastic pets.