Waikato greyhound lovers and their pets will take to Cambridge Raceway later this month for the Great Global Greyhound Walk.
The group at Cambridge’s Great Global Greyhound Walk 2024. Photo: Black Cat Design
Organised by Jenny Bartlett and the Shoebox Appeal, this marks the third time Cambridge has hosted a segment of the international movement – and this year’s event will also serve as an adoption information day.
Rehoming greyhounds has taken on new urgency following Racing minister Winston Peters’ announcement of a greyhound racing ban from July 31 next year.
A government-appointed Ministerial Advisory Committee will oversee the wind-down of the industry and support the transition of greyhounds into pet homes in the months ahead.
Seven hundred greyhounds have been rehomed in the last year across New Zealand. Homes will be sought for an estimated 2900 greyhounds currently racing at six tracks, including Cambridges.
The annual event started in the United Kingdom in 2010 and went global in 2014.
Jenny Bartlett wants to know how they will rehome 2900 plus greyhounds. Photo: Jesse Wood
“Last year worldwide they had 511 walks in 42 countries and more than 13,000 dogs involved,” Bartlett said. “It happens on the same day throughout the world. That’s what makes it the biggest walk worldwide.
“The idea was to celebrate greyhounds, lurchers and other sighthounds, to show people what great pets they are.
“New owners and owners can come along with retired greyhounds, be part of it and be counted for a great global event
“It’s a fun filled day and people can buy things for their dogs.”
Sighthounds include greyhounds, lurchers, deerhounds, salukis, Afghan hounds, Italian greyhounds, Ibizan hounds, podencos, galeos, whippets, borzoi, Wolfhounds and sloughi.
The Cambridge walk last year involved more than 60 sighthounds and was the second largest in New Zealand behind Christchurch and 36th in the world.
Rehoming agency May Hounds Charitable Trust representatives will be there to address potential owners. The trust is funded by Greyhound Racing New Zealand.
Dogs cannot be taken away on the day as pre approval is needed and home checks completed.
“We want to make sure they go into the right homes. It’s got to be right for the dog. It’s got to be right for the family.”
Great Mates kennels will also be onsite to discuss rehoming.
“When a dog is retired, they go into the Great Mates’ kennels. After assessment for temperament and health they then go to a rehoming agency such as May Hounds. These dogs are retired, not rescued,” Bartlett said.
Harrison Farmer with retired race dog Opal (Stay Rich). Photo: Black Cat Design
