Renewed call for bookmakers to increase their contributions to the British Greyhound Racing Fund ~
Just over a year since the launch of the Greyhound Retirement Scheme (GRS), MPs have been asked to sign an Early Day Motion (EDM) recognising the success of the Scheme’s first year.
The EDM, which was tabled by Andrew Rosindell MP and can be found here, notes the success of the first year of the GRS. In particular, it notes that nearly 9,000 greyhounds were enrolled in the scheme in the first year and that GBGB – through funding primarily from the bookmaking industry – has contributed over £1 million.
Importantly, the EDM urges all UK bookmakers to build on their existing commitment to greyhound welfare by contributing at least 1.5 per cent of turnover to the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF).
Finally, the EDM ‘congratulates families and dog lovers across the country on their choice of retired racing greyhounds as pets, giving these amazing, athletic dogs a forever home’.
GBGB has this week written to all MPs with one of the 126 approved homing centres in their constituency to ask them to sign the motion.
Mark Bird, Managing Director of GBGB, said: “We are grateful to Andrew Rosindell MP for tabling this motion. The GRS enjoyed an excellent first year and it is encouraging that its success is being recognised by MPs. Its success, however, would not have been possible without the participation and support of our homing centres and I very much hope MPs will take the time to visit the homing centres to see the fantastic work underway by the teams of volunteers.
“Whilst, through the BGRF, we have been able to make a significant contribution to the Scheme, this funding is not sustainable for the long term and we urgently need UK bookmakers to increase their contribution. Without the very highest welfare standards, we have no sport and everyone involved needs to work together to ensure there is sufficient funding to safeguard and promote greyhounds’ health and wellbeing.”
