Retired Greyhound Trust

Retired Greyhound Trust (Commonly known as RGT) is a national charity, founded in 1975 with the primary objective in finding loving homes for retired greyhounds when their racing days are over. The charity strives for the day where every greyhound that retires from racing has a good home to go to.

The RGT is governed by a Board of nine Trustees, chaired by Dr Andrew Higgins MRCVS, registered with the Charity Commission. The Trust operates a network of over 70 branches across Britain, currently run by over 1,000 volunteers. Many branches have kennels with retired greyhounds that the public can meet and that are available for re-homing. The branch network is supported by a team of eight staff who operate from the Trust's Head Office in Surrey ^[1]

Charity History

Each year approximately 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing. In 2002, the Retired Greyhound Trust found 2,030 homes for greyhounds. This figure has increased progressively and the Trust now finds around 3,700 homes for greyhounds a year (3,744 in 2013).

In 2013, Retired Greyhound Trust was proud to re-home its 60,000th greyhound.^[2]

Funding

RGT receives its funding from the general public, through various channels in the greyhound industry (including a grant from the British Racing Greyhound Fund (BRGF)) and from organisational supporters such as CVS (UK) Limited, OLBG.com and Satellite Information Services.^[3] In 2010, 33% of the Trust's income came from donations and gifts, 40% from BRGF and 27% from branches.^[4]

History of the Greyhound

The Greyhound is one of the oldest breeds in existence, and has been traced back thousands of years to early cave drawings. It is also the only dog mentioned in the Bible.

The greyhound was the dog of the pharaohs in Ancient Egypt, the dog of the kings of Ancient Greece and of the landed gentry and nobles in England. According to H Edward Clarke, greyhounds can be traced back 4000 years. Originating in Southern Arabia, the greyhound was introduced to Britain via the Romans.^[5]

Greyhounds as Pets

A greyhound is the original low-maintenance companion animal. Despite their well-deserved reputation as formidable athletes, they do not require large amounts of exercise: the vast majority are perfectly content with two short walks a day and they just love to relax on a comfortable bed.

They are short haired dogs and require little grooming. Many people who suffer from an allergic reaction to dogs in general may find that greyhounds do not have this effect.

Greyhounds are placid animals and therefore are particularly good with children; they also make excellent pets for the elderly because they do not require large amounts of exercise.

Contrary to popular belief, some greyhounds can live with cats and other small animals.

Older dogs, whilst perhaps not as appealing as younger dogs, still make excellent pets, and are even more grateful for your love and attention.^[6]

References