Mr. William Fitzgerald:

In the process of rehoming these greyhounds, each individual application goes through a process of assessing whether the dog is the right fit for the person or family. This includes home checks and conversations with prospective owners as to whether it is a good fit for them. Their level of experience of owning a dog is assessed as is what having a greyhound in their life would mean and the changes they may expect as a result. This is particularly acute at present. I am quite sure the Deputy has seen reports not only from us but from other rehoming charities, specifically Dogs Trust, on dogs being surrendered. Dogs were taken into homes during the Covid pandemic but surrendered when people returned to work in the office. The transition from being a racing dog to a retired dog is a two-pronged process. It is not only about getting the dog prepared but also that the people who take the dogs in know exactly what they are dealing with.