More needs to be done to protect greyhounds, say animal charity, as Tilly looks to be re-homed

The Government has just missed a perfect opportunity to improve the welfare of racing greyhounds.

Both Battersea Dogs Home and Dogs Trust describe themselves as very disappointed.

Disappointment centres round a Review which the government has just published of the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 which gave the government the opportunity to considerably improve the welfare of racing greyhounds but which fell short of its potential.

Welfare concerns regarding racing greyhounds include welfare standards at trainers’ kennels where greyhounds spend 95% of their time, lack of regulation of independent race tracks and lack of information relating to injuries, euthanasia and rehoming of greyhounds.

Battersea says the disappointing review means the racing industry can continue to operate shrouded in secrecy and lacking the transparency that should be expected of a sporting industry where animals generate millions of pounds in bookmaker receipts.

Rehoming centres such as Battersea Dogs Home and Dogs Trust deserve to be heard.

It is centres such as these which pick up the pieces of failures of the dog racing industry.

So far this year Battersea has taken in 62 greyhounds.

Last year Dogs Trust took in 200 ex racing greyhounds and said they had the capacity to take in more but need the industry to make the dogs available to them.

Dogs Trust believe approximately 3,500 racing greyhounds are unaccounted for each year.

The gorgeous ex-racer Tilly is lucky, she has found herself in the care of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

She is lots of fun and loves scooting around Battersea’s paddocks with her favourite people, other dogs and tennis balls.

She is good with children and, if they are confident with dogs, she can live with children over the age of eight. She could potentially live with a medium-large dog.

As she is an ex-racer, she needs to be kept on a lead and muzzled in public areas.

If you would like to home Tilly, she is currently in foster care but can be brought to Battersea if you would like to meet her. See details at battersea.org.uk or phone 0843 509 4444.

On a lighter note, for those who want a good night out in London, Humane Society International is organising a Stand Up For Animals Comedy Night on Monday October 24 at London’s Comedy Store, 1a Oxenden Street, SW1. Tickets are £14 from thecomedystore.co.uk.