Charity wins BVNA backing
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has named the Retired Greyhound Trust as its official Charity of the Year for 2012. It is hoped that BVNA backing will boost the Trust's ability to raise funds that will support its efforts to care for and rehome greyhounds that are abandoned at the end of their racing careers.
Eight thousand greyhounds retire from racing each year, mostly between the ages of three and five years. However, greyhounds can live up to ten years past this point and unscrupulous owners who deem them surplus to requirements often abandon them. The Trust cares for such dogs until they can be rehomed with families searching for a pet dog with the calm and peaceful nature of a retired greyhound.
Commenting on the news, Chief Executive of the Retired Greyhound Trust Peter Laurie said: “This partnership makes perfect sense. The lives of BVNA members revolve around animals. They have a great appreciation and understanding of what it takes to care for so many retired greyhounds around the country while we are trying to find them loving new homes. I am delighted that we have been invited to partner with an organisation whose members will really care about what we do. We look forward to working with you to raise lots of money for the charity throughout 2012.”
President of the BVNA Claire Fraser said: “We chose the Retired Greyhound Trust because of the great work its volunteers undertake for the welfare of the dogs. The Trust has hundreds of volunteers around the country who work tirelessly – fundraising and looking after homeless greyhounds. We are delighted to be able to offer a little help and support to make their lives just a little bit easier throughout 2012.”
“Our members know that greyhounds make wonderful pets and we are delighted to have the opportunity to spread the word and tell everyone all about the joys of owning a greyhound,” she added.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
