URGENT: Homes Needed For Stray Dogs, Midlands

Over the past few weeks I have taken to helping at a local dog shelter. Myself and my husband go down to see the dogs there a couple of times a week where possible, and to walk them. There are a few we have started to lead train so that they are ready for a new home as far as possible. However, they are really facing difficulties at the moment, which only looks likely to get worse.

With the credit crunch has slowly but surely come more and more dogs. The warden seems to be picking more and more up as the family budget becomes tighter and tighter. As such, Ian is running out of room and the rehoming of these gorgeous dogs seems to have stagnated somewhat. Although Dun Roamin is a non-euthanise rescue, the lack of room will mean that Ian may have to refuse to take dogs on in the future. If this is the case then may of them will be put to sleep because there is nowhere for them to go.

Ian is a lovely guy and works so hard to get them rehomed but if nobody wants them then there isn't a lot he can do. If you do have any room in your home and want another dog or are looking for your first dog then please consider those here. I can wholeheartedly recommend them because they are all sweet natured and loving dogs. Some need a little work but with time and patience they will give you so much love in return.

Take Buddy for example. He has been there over a year now and is a beautiful dog. He is a little excitable but extremely loving. He has been into a home but the father wanted to teach his son a lesson (that dogs were had work) and retuned him a couple of weeks later. This frankly disgusted me because he is a lovely dog and does not deserve that disregard. I have no picture for him but there is one on the website.

Another example is Moe. He is a Collie and is fantastic on the lead, obedient and just wants a place by the fire in a home. He's 9 years old now but was picked up a few months ago by the dog warden after being left at the bottom of a farm drive. He was tied to a tree with a mountain of dry food next to him.


Then there's Cassie. She's an unusually coloured Boxer/Staffie cross and just wants to be loved. She would be an incredibly loving dog for anyone willing to give her a chance.




And there are many more...

Now I know these dogs are strays and not greyhounds but they all need loving homes... and I have become quite attached! Trust me, I would have them all if I could but with 3 dogs (one of which I will introduce in a few days) already I cannot take them all. My terrier is also a little fickle and that doesn't help! I did get my last greyhound from Ian last week and he told me everything I needed to know in advance so there are no nasty surprises.

If you live in the West Midlands and are looking for a dog, please go to the Dun Roamin website. That link will take you directly to the rehoming page so you can see the dogs from yourself.

If you know of anyone who may be interested then please pass this on to them. You can directly email it to them via the envelope at the bottom of the post. They desperately need homes and Ian really needs the space to take on more of those poor creatures being abandoned. Ian also needs foster homes where possible to take a dog in temporarily until a home can be found. Please please please get in touch if you need any more information or can help at all.

Think Dun Roamin

Greyhound Industry Cover Up Live On TV!

Anyone who follows greyhound welfare issues will know that very little is ever revealed in the press about the cruel and disgusting treatment that some of these beautiful animals face. In actual fact, this may be why many of you read this blog in the first place and spread the word about it. However, the cover up that millions witnessed on a BBC program last week takes the biscuit.

The BBC show "Inside Out London" did a ten minute piece from Romford Greyhound Stadium in the UK. The coverage was supposed to be unbiased, impartial, honest and independent but was in fact the opposite. Although they failed to speak to welfare groups and greyhound rescues, they completely ridiculed those of us seeking better treatment for greyhounds and an end to the needless slaughter many of them suffer every year. In fact, the host (Matthew Wright) actually said "there are those that are glad to see the closure of any greyhound stadium because they claim it’s a cruel sport and it’s the old dogs that suffer. They say that once they stop racing – it’s the knackers yard for them – but it appears this is far from the truth".

The email I recieved pointed out the following:

Clearly the BBC have failed to research and acknowledge the overwhelming evidence of ALL welfare issues such as over breeding, lack of welfare, injuries, destruction of healthy greyhounds, irresponsible re-homing practices and further exploitation of the racing greyhound in retirement.

Had the Inside Out London team remained impartial, they would have addressed not only the concerns of greyhound protection groups but also the concerns contained in the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare Report, the industry’s commissioned Donoughue Report and those of the RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports. All of the aforementioned organisations being highly critical of greyhound racing in its present day form.

This is spot on the truth and exposes the coverage as propaganda rather than unbiased and factual news.

The email also called for the greyhound lovers out there to protest. After all, this is why we are constantly drowned out when trying to create a better world for greyhounds to live and grow old in instead of being brutally killed when they can no longer make their owners money. Even responsible trainers that do treat their dogs well call for better regulation... which is really saying something! Coverage like this can only harm our cause so please take the time to copy and paste the email below and send it to the BBC about the shameless piece that will do greyhounds no good at all:

Dear BBC

I wish to complain regarding the Inside Out London programme broadcast on Wednesday October 15, promoting a night at the dogs at Romford Stadium.

The BBC must surely be aware of the publication of the APGAW and the industry’s commissioned Donoughue reports which concluded there were many areas of grave concern regarding welfare within the industry.

The BBC must also be aware of the further damming of these already highly critical reports by the RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports who in response, demanded even more drastic welfare changes to ensure minimum welfare standards for greyhounds.

More recently the Sunday Times, in exposing this ruthless industry, have published two investigative articles earlier this year, which could not have escaped your attention.

Ironically, the first article exposed a veterinary clinic at an Ockendon greyhound complex, euthanasing healthy greyhounds and then selling their warm body parts to the Royal Veterinary College. This was the very same complex which is home to Romford Homefinders, who you featured in the programme.

The second article exposed the largest greyhound breeder in the UK selling puppies who would not chase or too slow, to Liverpool University for research and dissection.

You only have to read the online comments on both these articles to ascertain the public’s opinion and disgust of greyhound racing.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3466712.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3908388.ece

Why, as a public service broadcaster, who is supposed to be ‘free from commercial influence and answer to its viewers and listeners’ has the BBC chosen to promote an industry which has failed to address very serious welfare concerns, an industry that is dependent on gambling and an industry that is in sharp decline, the promotion of such, being further fuelled by those interviewed on the programme and needless to say, who are financially dependent on the industry - without the airing of any welfare issues?

Astonishingly, the presenter Mathew Wright, remained anything but impartial throughout and gave his firm stamp of approval on this exploitative industry with his closing statement - ‘A night at the dogs – always a good evening’

I sincerely hope the BBC research the facts behind greyhound racing and you give the public, welfare organisations and greyhound protection groups the opportunity in the very near future to address this inaccurate piece of pro racing propaganda you have irresponsibly broadcast.

In meantime, please be advised of the following facts and statements

*For every greyhound puppy that makes it to the track, at least one other puppy will be culled or killed because they won’t chase or are too slow to make the grade – analysis made from APGAW report.
*‘Dogs are generally kennelled for 23 hours a day for their entire racing life, usually two dogs per small kennel sharing one bed and to avoid fighting, dogs are muzzled as a long term solution’ – RSPCA
*The National Greyhound Racing Club processed 18,861 greyhound Retirement Forms last year and refuse to disclose the fate or fortune of those greyhounds – NGRC
*At least 20 greyhounds a day, either puppies which do not make it to the track or ‘retired’ dogs aged 3 or 4 simply disappear, presumed destroyed – RSPCA
*‘Greyhounds suffer through the breeding and selection process, injury and inhumane destruction when they are no longer needed’ – League Against Cruel Sports

Yours sincerely


Please send your emails to :-

dippy.chaudhary@bbc.co.uk – Editor of Inside Out London

david.holdsworth@bbc.co.uk – BBC Deputy Controller English Regions

pov@bbc.co.uk - Points of View (full name and telephone number required)

You can also make a formal complaint to the BBC Trust on this automated complaints form
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/complaints_stage1.shtml

OUTRAGE: Greyhound Abuse Legally Costs Just £650

I received an email last week that horrified and outraged me in equal measure. It detailed the astounding abuse perpetrated by and punishment doled out to a greyhound trainer who couldn't even summon up the guilt that any human being would feel having treated an animal in such a way. Pearly Black was too young to race at 15 months old and yet was effectively murdered in the most horrific way.

This is the email I received, unedited so you can feel the full horror of the situation for yourself:

WELFARE ‘HAS GONE TOO FAR’ CLAIMS GREYHOUND TRAINER

Professional trainer Martin Dowman, formerly attached to Doncaster stadium has been found in breech of NGRC rule 174(xi) in that he ‘has treated a greyhound or caused or permitted a greyhound to be treated with cruelty or in such a manner as to cause the greyhound unnecessary suffering’.

During a routine inspection on 2nd April 2008 by an NGRC Steward, a young black female named Pearly Black aged only 15 months, was found emaciated amongst Dowman’s kennel stock of 28 greyhounds.

According to Dowman, the greyhound had not been eating properly since an earthquake tremor 3 weeks previous and described her as a “very nervous bitch.” Despite being an experienced trainer of 15 years, he saw no need to seek professional help and allowed Pearly Black’s health to deteriorate over the following weeks.

After being forced to seek professional help by the NGRC steward and upon the advice of a veterinary surgeon, Pearly Black was immediately put-to-sleep. According to Dowman, the NGRC believe the puppy should have been euthanased sooner.

When asked about the inquiry and the ‘extenuating circumstances’, Dowman said: “These things shouldn’t happen but we’ve never sought of experienced an earthquake and things like that… I went down to the Inquiry because I thought they were going to crucify me.”

Despite being reprimanded and fined £650 Dowman was “quite happy with the verdict.” And added: “This welfare problem now is in some respects gone too far… It’s hard always for trainers and owners… we all can’t have a Derby dog, if we could it would be brilliant.”

Dowman is the fifth trainer this year to receive a fine and reprimand for causing unnecessary suffering. None of the five trainers had their licenses revoked or were bought before the public courts to face charges of cruelty under the Animal Welfare act.

It appears that not only does the racing industry have a license kill; they also have a license to abuse.

Petition To Stop The Slaughter Of Animals For Pleasure

Just a quick post today. I received an email a couple of days ago about a petition that is currently online and desperately needs signatures. It is designed to end the killing of all living animals for pleasure. We all know that this goes on on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it really isn't highlighted as much as it should be today, largely because the media tend to ignore it. However, it is important that we all recognise that it exists and do something to stop it.

I've visited it today and signed it and there are only 92 signatures. Mine was the 93rd. Although there were only 30 signatures 3 days ago, there are still many more signatures needed to make a difference.

The petition ends on November 5th so please sign it at your earliest convenience and give these animals a voice. It can be found here.

Please link to this post or email it to anyone you think may want to sign. We need to raise awareness now!

2,000 Members For Stop Greyhound Slaughter!

Hi all,

Today I write with happy news - I am massively pleased to announce that we have hit 2,000 members of the Facebook cause, Stop Greyhound Slaughter! In fact, today has been a good day for the cause overall. Since midnight BST we have had 10 members join thus far. Now that may not be a huge number for some of the cancer causes out there but it is for a smaller cause like this.

I am so proud that so many people are getting the message that something has to be done to help these wonderful creatures. Please keep on inviting as mny friends as possible to join so we can continue to grow and make our voices heard.

The petition is also doing just fine at 1,844 signatures although we could do with many more signatures so please sign if you have yet to do so. Also, pass the web address onto anyone you can think of that may want to help our cause. The URL for the petition and the cause it at the bottom of this post.

I am still collecting used postage stamps and foreign coins to help out greyhound rescues facing financial difficulties with the credit crunch in full swing so any and all used postage stamps you could send would be greatly appreciated. We can accept them from all over the world.

The response to this has not been as good as expected in recent weeks so if you can contribute then please request the address to send them to. If you live in the UK then I can send you an SAE to send any used postage stamp and foreign coin contributions in. If you would like to do this then please send me your address. Unfortunately, our funding does not stretch this to abroad but we would still like to accept stamps and coins no matter where you are.

The roll of honour to the side of this blog is going up today so check in to see your name on there after contributing.

Thanks again all! Keep inviting and supporter. God knows, these beautiful creatures will need it this winter and for many long years to come.

***************

If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Pet Insurance And The Credit Crunch

I read quite a disturbing article earlier on today in one of the dog magazines I regularly read. The whole article was about the importance of pet insurance, especially for breeds that are prone to certain injuries and afflictions. Anyone with an older ex-racing greyhound will probably understand just why the breed should be included in this. With old racing injuries and wear and tear on the joints, having pet insurance is a godsend for those individuals that own an ex-racing greyhound. However, the credit crunch may well affet that in a wholly negative way.

The journalist found that more people were likely to see pet insurance as an unecessary expense when they are struggling for money but it is important to take care of your dog as and when possible in this way. After all, how would you be able to pay vets bills if you do not have insurance? What would you do if you could not pay them? This does not bear thinking about.

If you cannot afford your current premiums then get quotes as you would if you were renewing your car insurance or discover supplemental insurance, which would save you money. Whatever you do though, make sure that your greyhound is covered. You never know when you may need it.

Stop Greyhound Slaughter Cause & Stamp Appeal Update

Just a quick note today to highlight how well we are doing with the MySpace and Facebook causes and the petition. I am absolutely thrilled that we are doing well and raising our voices against the cruelty.

Firstly, the "Stop The Greyhound Slaughter" cause is doing magnificently.We are currently at 1,978 members, 366 of which were recruited via MySpace. Of course it is available through MySpace and Facebook so if you are a member of either and wish to join our cause then please do. The petition is also doing OK with 1,839 signatures, although I had hoped that would be doing a little better now. We need 20,000 signatures so if you have signed it and know anyone else that would please send them the URL.

If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Also, the stamp appeal I am currently holding for the Italian Greyhound Rescue is going fairly well. I have tried to raise awareness and the responses have been limited as yet but those people that have sent me stampshave sent an A5 envelope full so it is much appreciated. A roll of honour will be coming soon on here so if you do want to be recognised for very little effort please drop me a line for the address to send the to.

I have also been approached by another greyhound rescue on the back of this appeal and asked if I would like to highlight their plight as well because they need foreign coins (non-UK coins) that people have bought back from their holidays and cannot exchange. If you have any of those lying around then please send those too. Again, please email me for the address.

These beautiful creatures need your help and are in for a long hard winter as their donations are reducing as a result of the credit crunch. Collecting stamps from envelopes at home and finding out one or two coins takes no time at all and yet they need them. Please help them this winter.