** Strictly embargoed until Thursday 4 July 2024 **
Thursday, July 4, 2024
A RECORD 2,806 retired NSW racing greyhounds were assisted to pet life as a part of Greyhound Racing NSW’s rehoming programs and pathways in the past 12 months.
Leading the way, Greyhounds As Pets NSW facilitated 801 domestic greyhound adoptions through public and private events in 2023-24 - a remarkable 31% increase from the previous year which surpassed all targets and expectations.
Additionally, 664 retired greyhounds were welcomed into the care of United States families through our landmark ‘Aussie Mates in the States’ program.
Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Macaulay said:
“We have never had so many rehoming pathways for our retired NSW greyhounds, and to reach a final number of 2,806 greyhounds assisted to pet life is a phenomenal achievement.
“The numbers reflect our industry’s collective dedication to rehoming efforts and the growing affection for greyhounds as pets in the United States.
“One of the pillars of our welfare programs is GRNSW’s Homing Assistance Scheme, which covers the costs of desexing, dental care and essential treatments for retired greyhounds.
“In the past 12 months we graduated 2,305 greyhounds through the scheme, ensuring they were healthy and ready for their new lives as pets.
“Beyond supporting our Greyhounds As Pets and US rehoming pathways, the Homing Assistance Scheme supports participants who choose to keep their retired racers as pets, or rehome them through their own networks. This helps retired racers transition to pet life, enjoying the same companionship as any other beloved pet.
“These achievements demonstrate the unwavering commitment of GRNSW’s people to animal welfare and the cultural transformation of the industry,” Mr Macaulay said.
GRNSW provides financial support above and beyond the Homing Assistance Scheme, including grants to third-party rehomers and independent greyhound adoption agencies.
The grand total of 2,806 greyhounds assisted to pet life is a collective triumph for the NSW industry, encompassing figures reported by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.
For more information: media@grnsw.com.au
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