About NGR

Britain has a serious problem of dog overpopulation. Every day in this land of so called “animal lovers” about 2,000 healthy good-natured dogs are put to sleep simply because there are not enough homes for them. There are rescues throughout the British Isles trying to reduce this problem by rescuing and rehoming unwanted dogs. Nearly every rescue centre has greyhounds looking for homes, in addition to an assortment of German Shepherds, terriers, collies, crossbreeds etc. It is often the case that the greyhounds remain in the kennels for longer than many of the other dogs. The public perception of this breed is usually the reason they are not chosen.

Many people have totally erroneous ideas about the greyhound as a companion animal. Greyhounds do not need the hours of strenuous exercise that so many people think they require. In fact they are the couch potatoes of the dog world and most greyhounds are perfectly happy with a couple of 20-minute walks daily. Most greyhounds can be left for reasonable periods of time to indulge in their favourite pastime of sofa snoozing. They are also very adaptable, gentle and sedate creatures and love home comforts. They are ideal companions for young families or elderly people. Greyhounds can often learn to live perfectly happily with other animals including cats and even rabbits. People are usually astonished at how easy greyhounds are to have in the home and many of those who adopt a greyhound return to adopt another and become totally addicted to this wonderful breed.

Greyhounds are bred in large numbers (both in Ireland and in this country) for the racing industry. It has been estimated that each year around 10,000 greyhounds retire from the track or are unwanted for racing either due to injury or their inability or reluctance to chase. This is a massive problem and the only national charity addressing the problem is the Retired Greyhound Trust, which is partly funded by the industry. In spite of the tremendous efforts of many dedicated people within this charity, it is quite impossible for them to help more than a fraction of the many greyhounds which are retired annually.

We know the Greyhound to be the most gentle and loyal of dogs; loving and affectionate with those they trust, and it is with this in mind that we continually strive to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home as many as possible each year.

The kennels usually house up to 40 dogs and are manned from 6.30am until 9.30 pm each day. The dogs are housed in compatible pairs or singly - if sharing is not an option for temperament or health reasons. We endeavour to make sure that while a dog is with us he/she is as happy as possible. We are supported by a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers who try to ensure that each dog has a daily walk. Some of the dogs (due to previous neglect and cruelty) are very traumatised and these are given extra special care and attention. Others have behavioural problems to be addressed. Some of our staff spend time doing corrective training and establishing a good relationship between dog and handler making for a happier and more homeable dog.

Our visitors frequently remark on how happy and relaxed our dogs appear to be. Many people visit rescue centres apprehensive of finding row upon row of sad and frightened animals. At N.G.R. they are relieved to be greeted by bright eyes and wagging tails.

We have a policy of non-destruction, unless to prevent incurable suffering. All of our greyhounds remain with us for however long it takes to find them the right home. The majority are placed very quickly; others may stay with us for some months. The staff become particularly fond of our long-staying guests and regard them as very dear friends.

Since December 1999, we have used Kenwood Veterinary Surgery. We are fortunate to regard John Robinson and Ian Fitzgerald as good friends and advisers. They provide a comprehensive veterinary service to all our dogs and we are also very grateful for their support and help over the last 5 years. Every dog is given a basic health check on arrival. The dog is also wormed, vaccinated and given any necessary dental treatment. Some are suffering from previously untreated injuries or illness, in which case the appropriate treatment is given.

Northants Greyhound Rescue is open to the public by appointment every day, including weekends and bank holidays. A newsletter, detailing the work of N.G.R. is produced every quarter. We have a good relationship with the local press, radio and television stations, which have provided vital and supportive publicity. We give talks to interested groups such as Dog Training Clubs, The Women’s Institute, Rotary Clubs, Girl Guides and have stalls at events such as Dog Shows, Country Fairs, etc.. We are grateful for the help of veterinary surgeries throughout our catchment area. Many of these support our work in various ways. This may be by holding collections; donating food or much needed supplies; displaying posters regarding our work and fund raising events and also by displaying our monthly lists of dogs looking for homes.

We are committed to raising public awareness about the necessity of neutering - and that the tragic problem of dog overpopulation, and consequent problems of homelessness and abuse, could be greatly diminished by a sensible policy of neutering. It has been estimated that around 10,000 greyhounds are unwanted by the racing industry every year in this country. It is impossible to find good homes for this huge number of dogs without the additional animals that are the result of irresponsible breeding. At Northants Greyhound Rescue, we pursue a vigorous policy of neutering. Every dog is neutered prior to homing unless our vet advises against it for health reasons.

The N.G.R. team comprises the following: Mandy Hooker who coordinates the running of the rescue, two full time assistants and 4 part-time staff, totalling 84 hours weekly. The team is supplemented and enriched by a small army of dedicated volunteers and we are indebted to all of them.
We are a very dedicated, pro-active team determined to build upon the work started almost 8 years ago. Our commitment is unlimited and we are confident that with continued public support we can do so much for the dogs while continuing to create happy endings out of such tragically sad beginnings. We are confident that with an ongoing programme of education and awareness, we can move towards reducing, and eventually eliminating the problem of homeless and unwanted greyhounds.