Towcester’s pledge towards re-homing every one of its ex-racers reached a milestone last week when the last runner on the waiting list headed off into retirement writes Floyd Amphlett.
Central to the scheme is their new Owners Benefit Scheme initiative. The track had previously been asking for a £150 bond from the owner(s) of every new greyhound registered, which the track have then matched. That has now been increased to £200.
However, for every £200 handed over, the track offer a series of benefits which include:-
– Four free meals in the restaurant (worth £150),
-2 tickets the English Greyhound Derby Final (worth £50),
-20% off restaurant, bar, food outlets and VIP boxes,
– a digital copy of the greyhound’s races
– access to owners and trainers exclusive bar
– access to live video footage of all trial sessions
– emails of all advanced cards and trial sheets
The racecourse have reached deals with Hall Green, Dudley and Lincolnshire home finders kennel and have budgeted to re-home over 250 greyhounds per year.
Managing Director Kevin Ackerman said: “If there are any surplus funds, the money will be used for other direct welfare projects. It’s also important to note that any owner who re-homes their greyhound themselves, with GBGB green form verification, will be entitled to the return of their bond.
“The ethos behind this scheme is about the track and the owners working together in a shared responsibility to do what is ethically right for every graded greyhound who races at Towcester. We are very thankful to all our owners who have embraced this initiative and supported a vision we all want to see, which is every racing greyhound enjoying a safe, loving home after their racing career.
Ackerman added: “Lord Hesketh is determined to fully implement a policy whereby no greyhound will be put to sleep on economic grounds. The sole criteria for euthanasia moving forward will be that it will only ever take place on humane grounds if, in the view of the veterinary surgeon on duty, it is in the animal’s best interests.”
