Thursday 16th May 2002 saw the launch of the Charter. Clarissa Baldwin, Chairperson, Lord Lipsey and members of the
Greyhound Forum are seen here in front of the Houses of Parliament with 16 ex-racing greyhounds who officially unveiled the Charter by “signing” the document with their paw marks of approval. The Charter is an aspirational 16 point plan which aims to encourage the industry to care for the dogs from cradle to grave.
The Charter and accompanying “Guide to Best Practice” have been written by all of the UK and Ireland’s leading animal welfare organisations. Produced as a direct result of a debate in the House of Lords last July, when Lord Whitty said that the racing industry had to get its house in order, the document’s key aim is to ensure the greyhound’s welfare from its birth, through rearing, training racing and into retirement.
The Charter has been accepted by all key players within the racing industry, including the BGRB (British Greyhound Racing Board) and the NGRC (National Greyhound Racing Club), and in Ireland by Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club.
The members of the Greyhound Forum are:
Battersea Dogs Home, The Blue Cross, Bord na gCon, British Greyhound Racing Board, Cavan SPCA, Dog Rescue, Dublin SPCA, Greyhound Rescue West of England, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Greyhound Friends, Greyhounds in Need, Greyhound Trust, ISPCA, ICC, National Canine Defence League, NAGO, National Greyhound Racing Club, NGRC Racecourse Promoters, PAWS Animal Resuce, RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, Society of Greyhound Veterinarians, The Animal Foundation, Veterinary Ireland, Wood Green Animal Shelters.
Read: A guide to best practice – greyhounds
Read: The Greyhound Charter