Delight at dog welfare pledge

Walthamstow Greyhound Racing / Editor / 04 June 2008 / Leave a Comment

Walthamstow Owners and Welfare Association are overwhelmed by Betfair's generosity

Walthamstow Owners and Welfare Association's plans to help re-home the track's greyhounds have been bolstered by a £13,000 contribution by Betfair.

"Dog-mobile" is a purpose-built vehicle where dogs are kennelled in spacious air-conditioned surroundings. Masterminded by Barrie Clegg, chairman of the re-homing association of Walthamstow Stadium, the vehicle will bring the greyhounds to the public, rather than vice-versa, in an environment where, crucially, dogs and public are safe.

But more funds are still needed.

The vehicle is set to cost £66,000, and the Kennel Club Charitable Trust have pledged half of those funds. So, even with Betfair's financial commitment, the project still needs a further £20,000 to get out of the traps.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin said: "When Barrie approached us, it was immediately apparent that this project was worthy of support and thankfully our Charity Committee agreed.

"But it still needs extra funding, so I would urge to fellow bookmakers, or any wealthy individuals or owners out there, in joining us to make this happen."

Clegg explained: "I am firmly of the opinion that a Dog-mobile will be a great tool to re-home greyhounds.

"It will take the dogs to the public at supermarket car parks, town centres and the like. There are still so many public misconceptions about greyhounds as pets that this vehicle will help to alleviate.

"It also has a proven track record with the Dogs Trust using two Dog-mobiles, and finding them to be very successful.

"It is intended that our Dog-mobile will be visually stunning, therefore acting as a great advert for greyhounds as pets, even when it is on the road. When it is stationary, the public can view the dogs in comfortable surroundings.

"LCD or plasma screens will show films of the dogs to entertain the public, and show them in the home environment. Subject to funding, the Dog-mobile will be run by paid staff whose job depends on its success, so it is kept operational as close to 24/7 as possible.

"I am overwhelmed by Betfair's generosity and their willingness to support this new re-homing initiative, and I cannot thank them enough. The vehicle will clearly show Betfair's name and brand as synonymous with the re-homing of greyhounds.

"I must also thank Clarissa Baldwin and the Dogs Trust for helping us get this project to this stage and the Kennel Club for the faith they have shown in this project - truly amazing considering they are not directly linked to greyhound racing."