Homing figures for 2014 should be “within a couple of dozen” of the previous year at around 3,700 writes Floyd Amphlett.
It will be the end of a job well done for Retired Greyhound Trust Chief Exec Peter Laurie who leaves his post on Thursday.
He said: “Things didn’t look good early in the year, numbers were well down, though the weather played a major factor.
“The was plenty of bad weather and floods this time a year ago and it badly hit our numbers. Thankfully, we had a very strong finish to the year.
“In 2013, we homed 3,744, and I am not sure we will quite equal that which is disappointing.
“But asking around the other homing charities I am hearing of significant declines; as much as 20% in some cases.
“We have done our best to expand in certain areas, notably Scotland, France and Czech Republic and embracing social media. We also had a hugely successful advertising campaign.”
Laurie will take over as Battersea Dogs Homes Operations Director on February 2 with responsibility for the charity’s three homing centres at Battersea, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch.
He said: “It is a shame to be leaving greyhound racing, though I have a lot of friends in the industry with whom I will keep in close contact.”
