Every year Dogs Trust Harefield helps rehome and rehabilitate countless ex – racing greyhounds. Chicken, Tia and Ocean are just three of the most recent arrivals, who came to the rehoming centre with very little information about their pasts. However, all three dogs have clear earmarks – unique ear tattoos which allows racing greyhounds to be identified – confirming their racing history.
Since 2017 more than 4,000 greyhounds involved in the sport have lost their lives despite the industry launching their own welfare strategy during this time. Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue and the RSPCA have come together to publish a new report that has found the industry is fundamentally incompatible with modern animal welfare standards.
The report comes amid growing public and political debate around the industry, following the recent decision in Wales and Scotland to ban greyhound racing. Commercial racing will soon remain legal and commonplace only in England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Australia and the USA.
Key findings from the report include:
Confirmation that a staggering 4,399 greyhounds involved in licensed racing have either died* or were put to sleep since 2017 – with 1,514 euthanised trackside – while over 38,000 injuries have been recorded between 2017 and 2025 alone
Charities are heavily relied on to rehabilitate and rehome “surplus” dogs, despite the associated rehoming costs vastly exceeding any industry contributions
Racing greyhounds spend an estimated 95% of their time confined in kennels
Disciplinary committee cases consistently highlight issues, with substance-related violations making up 83% of all cases in 2025, and persistent welfare violations making up 10% – this includes neglect and cruelty
The number of tracks licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has fallen by 30% in the last decade, with attendance and betting revenues continuing to decline
From racetrack to sofa: Three local greyhounds ready for their fresh start
While Dogs Trust continues to campaign for a phased end to greyhound racing, Dogs Trust Harefield is urging people across West London to help give retired racing greyhounds the future they deserve by offering them a safe, loving home.
Chicken: Three-year-old Chicken is a real people-dog who loves fuss, cuddles and carrying squeaky toys around. Friendly, affectionate and always up for a game or an adventure, this ex-racing greyhound is looking for a home where he can enjoy all the attention he deserves.
Ocean: Two-year-old Ocean is a gentle soul who just wants to be close to his people. This affectionate ex-racing lurcher loves a cuddle and enjoys watching the world go by. He’s looking for a calm, patient home where he can continue to grow in confidence.
Tia: Two-year-old Tia is a happy, affectionate greyhound with a soft spot for cuddles, treats and the occasional zoom around with a squeaky toy. After retiring from racing, she’s now searching for a loving home where she can settle into family life and leave the track behind for good.
Richard Moore, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Harefield said, “The findings of The Case for an End to Greyhound Racing in the UK report are a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a dog like Chicken, Ocean or Tia. They’re all affectionate, gentle dogs with so much love to give, and each deserves the chance to leave their racing days behind. As more people recognise the welfare challenges faced by racing greyhounds, we hope these wonderful dogs can find the families they deserve and start their next chapter as loved and loving pets.”
Chicken, Tia and Ocean are just 3 of the 13 greyhounds and lurchers at Dogs Trust Harefield, all searching for their own happy endings. Could you give one of them the fresh start they’ve been waiting for?
For more information about the dogs currently available to adopt at Dogs Trust Harefield, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/harefield or visit the rehoming centre in person.
Dogs Trust Harefield is open to the public five days a week. You don’t need an appointment to visit, meet dogs looking for homes, get advice, or apply to adopt. For general browsing, the centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–4pm.
