| Es gibt ein Leben nach dem Walthamstow Greyhound-Stadion |
| Es gibt ein Leben nach dem Walthamstow Greyhound-Stadion Von Jon Land Montag, 2. Juni 2008, 10.17 Uhr Es gibt ein Leben nach dem Walthamstow Greyhound-Stadion. Johanna Beumer mit ihrem Greyhound „Babs“. Über die bevorstehende Schließung des Walthamstow Stadions im August wurde bereits viel geschrieben, aber Louise Clark berichtet vom Geschehen hinter den Kulissen: Wie eine Frau zusammen mit ihrem Team sich um die ausgedienten Greyhounds kümmert und versucht, so viele Hunde wie möglich in einem neuen Zuhause unterzubringen. Greyhounds sind eine oft missverstandene Rasse. Im Gegensatz zur landläufigen Auffassung, brauchen sie nur sehr wenig Bewegung. Sie sind sehr schnell, aber nicht ausdauernd, und zwei Spaziergänge à 20 Minuten pro Tag reichen ihnen völlig aus. Sie sind sanftmütig, liebevoll und absolut treu. „Der Hund, den Sie auf der Rennbahn laufen sehen hat wenig gemein mit dem, der Sie nach Hause begleitet – dort ist er eine echte Couch-Potato und ein absoluter Softy”, sagt Johanna. Das Alter der Hunde, die ausgedient haben, liegt zwischen 18 Monaten und vier Jahren. Und dann werden liebevolle Zuhause dringend gesucht! Johanna fing mit ihrer Arbeit für die Greyhounds an, nachdem sie ihren eigenen Renn-Greyhound „Sailor“ in seinem Zwinger besucht hatte. „Ich dachte, alle Besitzer würden ihre Hunde mit nach Hause nehmen und ich war dann geschockt, als ich herausfand, dass so viele von ihnen einfach eingeschläfert werden oder sogar für die Vivisektion (Sezieren am lebendigen Körper) benutzt werden“, sagt sie. Ich selbst bin Helfer bei „Whittingham Kennels“ und Besitzer zweier ausgedienter Greyhounds und kann Ihnen versichern, wie treu und sanft die Tiere sind! Mein erster Greyhound, „Storm“, kam nicht aus einem Stadion-Zwinger, sondern war aufgefunden worden – er irrte in Suffolk umher und war sehr verängstigt. Aufgrund seiner Ohr-Tätowierung fand ich heraus, dass er zweimal in Irland Rennen gelaufen sein musste und drei Jahre alt war. Obwohl er heute in unbekannten Situationen manchmal noch nervös ist, hat er grundsätzlich Vertrauen gefasst und ist typischerweise gelassen. Im Gegensatz dazu ist meine Hündin, „Fleck“, extrem freundlich zu jedermann. Sie ist so sanft, dass man kaum glauben kann, dass sie die Rudelführerin ist. Beide leben mit meinen drei Katzen glücklich zusammen. Unglücklicherweise und obwohl die Fürsorge jetzt viel größer ist, steigt die Zahl der ausgetragenen Rennen weiter an und das bedeutet, dass immer mehr Greyhounds ein Zuhause brauchen. In Irland werden tausende gezüchtet; allein der Vater meiner Hündin Fleck hat 8.980 Nachkommen gezeugt. Im Durchschnitt werden immer mehr Greyhounds in den Ruhestand geschickt, besonders die Zahl der Ex-Rennhunde, die im ganzen Land von Prominenten wie Angie Best und Amanda Drew über „Whittingham Kennels“ adoptiert werden, steigt. Johanna betont, dass dies zusammen mit dem Orden, der ihr von der englischen Königin im Oktober 2007 verliehen wurde, dazu beiträgt, dass das Ansehen dieser wunderschönen Hunde immer weiter steigt. „Es wäre schön, wenn alle Greyhounds im ganzen Land gerettet und in ein neues Zuhause gebracht werden könnten“, meint sie. Bereits die Pharaonen im alten Ägypten lebten mit Windhunden zusammen und da sie ihre Tiere sehr liebten, wurden sie wie ihre Besitzer mumifiziert und in die Grabkammern gelegt. Im Mittelalter waren Greyhounds den Adligen vorbehalten, aber heute kann jeder dieses Privileg genießen, der ein liebevolles Zuhause bieten kann. Wenn Sie einem Greyhound ein Zuhause anbieten können oder wenn Sie als Helfer arbeiten möchten oder die Pflegestelle besuchen möchten, rufen Sie bitte an (Tel. 0044 208 444 9649) oder besuchen Sie unsere Website: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/greyhounds/ http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/ Update: Verschiedene Organisationen melden sich zu Wort: Alle Schutzorganisationen sollten in Alarmbereitschaft sein, falls sie Greyhounds aufnehmen können, die ausgemustert werden sollen. Bitte kontaktieren Sie Charles Chandler schnellstmöglich unter 01707 644288 (auf der Rennbahn) und/oder schreiben Sie eine E-Mail an Herrn Chandler, der über das Sekretariat der Direktion erreicht werden kann: debbie@wsgreyhound.co.uk Die Direktoren der Walthamstow Stadium Limited haben dem Verkauf der Grundstücke am Walthamstow Stadion an ein Konsortium, angeführt durch Yoo Capital London, Quadrant Housing Association und K W Linfoot plc., zugestimmt. Die Vorverträge wurden bereits unterschrieben, die endgültige Übergabe ist am 1. September 2008 oder früher vorgesehen. Die Rennen werden bis Mitte August weitergehen. Seit der Abschaffung der generellen Wett-Steuern im Jahre 2001 ist es nicht mehr möglich, den einzigartigen Vorteil zu nutzen, den Wetten direkt auf der Rennbahn bis dahin mit sich brachten: Diese waren nämlich komplett steuerfrei! Greyhound-Wetter konnten jetzt nur noch außerhalb der Rennbahn steuerfrei in Wettbüros ihre Tipps abgeben. Dies führte zu einem dramatischen Umsatzverlust von 35 % beim Betreiber der Rennbahn, der Walthamstow Stadium Limited. Seit der Geldfluss stark rückläufig war und die Betriebskosten ständig stiegen, konnte das Unternehmen nicht mehr rentabel arbeiten und ist auf Dauer nicht tragbar. Mitarbeiter und Trainer wurden entsprechend informiert. Derzeit laufen die Verhandlungsgespräche. Zu hoffen ist, dass für alle Mitarbeiter alternative Arbeitsplätze bzw. Positionen gefunden werden können. Aus Sicht des Tierschutzes wird vorausgesetzt, dass die meisten Greyhounds, die derzeit an den Windhund-Rennen teilnehmen, in den Zwingern anderer Rennbahnen untergebracht werden. Wenn jedoch bestimmte Eigentümer beschließen, Ihre Windhunde „in Rente“ gehen zu lassen, werden alle nötigen Maßnahmen getroffen, um für die Hunde ein neues geeignete Zuhause zu finden. Für weitere Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an: Wie Sie vielleicht bereits wissen, soll das Walthamstow Stadion an einen Bauträger verkauft und die Greyhound-Rennen nur noch bis Mitte August ausgetragen werden. Man muss damit rechnen, dass innerhalb der folgenden drei Monate nach Schließung der Rennbahn hunderte Greyhounds in Rente geschickt werden. Charles Lenox-Conyngham erreichen Sie über den British Greyhound Racing Fund: Die Eigentümer von Walthamstow und die „Welfare Association“ erreichen Sie unter
Life after Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium Published by Jon Land Monday 2nd June 2008 - 10:17am Life after Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium. Johanna Beumer with her greyhound Babs. With the closure of Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium just around the corner, Louise Clark writes exclusively for 24dash.com on what happens to greyhounds when they retire from the track. The closure of Walthamstow Stadium in August has been much publicised but behind the scenes, one lady and her team are busily rehoming as many ex-racing retired greyhounds as possible, writes Louise Clark. For 43 years, Johanna Beumer has been rehoming greyhounds, mainly from Walthamstow Stadium, and last year received the MBE for all her efforts. Greyhounds are a very misunderstood breed. Contrary to popular belief, they actually require very little exercise. Capable of speed, not stamina, two twenty-minute walks a day are perfectly sufficient. They are very gentle dogs, lavishing affection and loyalty upon you to the maximum. Johanna says: "There is no comparison to the dog you see racing around the track to the dog going home with you, who is a real couch potato and an absolute softy". Retirement age ranges from 18 months to 4 years and they then desperately seek loving homes. Johanna started rehoming greyhounds after visiting her own racing greyhound, 'Sailor', at his kennels. "I mistakenly thought all owners took their dogs home with them and I was shocked to find so many were being put down or even going for vivisection" she said. Johanna now owns Whittingham Kennels in Waltham Abbey, dedicated entirely to the retired greyhounds. Whittingham Kennels has capacity for 48 dogs, but originally, the rehoming started on a small scale when the Chandler family who run the track allowed two double kennels (capacity four dogs) to be used for rehoming. It escalated over the years! With over 13,478 greyhounds leaving the racing industry nation-wide annually, centres such as Whittingham Kennels are essential for the welfare of these elegant creatures. Every home found guarantees another dog accessto the homing kennels, meaning when you offer one dog a home, you are actually helping another also. As a volunteer for Whittingham Kennels and owner of two retired greyhounds myself, I can vouch for the loyal and lazy nature of greyhounds! In my working life, I was involved in the campaign for further increasing greyhound welfare and it is great to be involved hands-on with the dogs. My first greyhound, Storm, had not come from the stadium, but been found wandering and terrified in Suffolk. From his ear tattoos, I have discovered that he had raced twice in Ireland and was three years old. Although still nervous in new situations, he is very faithful and typically placid. My other dog, Fleck, by contrast, is extremely friendly with everyone. So gentle, you hardly know she is on the lead. Both live happily alongside my three cats. Unfortunately, although, thankfully welfare is much greater now, the number of races has increased meaning that there are so many greyhounds that need homes. Thousands are bred in Ireland; the father of my own dog, Fleck, producing 8980 offspring. However, the profile of retired greyhounds is increasing, especially with ex-racing dogs being adopted by many celebrities around the country, including Angie Best and Amanda Drew from Eastenders adopting from Whittingham Kennels. Johanna remarks that this, together with the MBE which she was honoured and surprised to receive from Her Majesty in October 2007 "highlights the greater esteem in which these beautiful dogs are now held". "It would be nice to think that greyhounds all over the country could be aved and found homes," she said. Greyhounds were originally owned by Ancient Egyptian Pharoahs, whose most beloved dogs were mummified with their owners. In the Middle Ages, greyhounds were the dog of the aristocracy, but now anyone willing to provide a loving home can have the privilege! If you are able to offer a greyhound a home or would like to volunteer or visit the kennels, please ring 0208 444 9649 / website: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/greyhounds/ or to find a kennel near you, contact the Retired Greyhound Trust: 0844 826 8424 http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/ Update: apologies if you have received this from another source. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Greyhound Crusaders <greyhoundcrusaders@googlemail.com> To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com Sent: Sunday, 18 May, 2008 2:04:37 PM Subject: Walthamstow greyhound stadium goes to the dogs PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY TO ALL GROUPS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL WALTHAMSTOW GREYHOUND STADIUM CLOSES ITS DOORS PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION BY SEEING THE APPEAL BELOW FROM GREYT EXPLOITATIONS.They are appealing to you today, to email Mr Chandler and the British Greyhound Racing Fund and request that this near half a million pounds be returned and used to ensure the welfare of greyhounds forced into retirement and who presently race at Walthamstow. All rescue centres please be on red alert if you can rescue any of the greyhounds that will be retiring please contact Charles Chandler asap on 01707 644288 (at the track) and/or email Mr Chandler who can be contacted via the Directors Secretary debbie@wsgreyhound. co.uk No greyhound should be euthanased as a result of this track closure, please do all you can to help. Many thanks Greyhound Crusaders/SWAP teams PRESS STATEMENT Agreed Sale of Company’s Land -16 May 2008 The directors of Walthamstow Stadium Limited have agreed to the sale of the Company’s freehold property at Walthamstow Stadium to a development consortium led by Yoo Capital and K W Linfoot plc. Formal contracts have been exchanged and completion is expected on or before 1st September 2008. Racing will continue until the middle of August 2008. Since the abolition of General Betting Duty in 2001, with the consequent loss of the unique advantage of tax-free betting only on-course, greyhound punters have been able to bet tax-free off-course, and with betting offices and exchanges open throughout the evening to accommodate them, attendances and betting turnover on-course have declined dramatically. Walthamstow’s totalisator turnover alone has fallen by some 35% during the period. With all of the principle income streams in sharp decline, and general running costs rising relentlessly, the company’s operations have become unsustainable. Staff and trainers have been notified and now enter a consultation period. It is hoped that all will find alternative positions after operations cease. From an animal welfare point of view, it is anticipated that most of the greyhounds currently racing at the Stadium will be accommodated at other racecourses. If, however, certain owners choose to retire their greyhounds, every effort will be made to support them in finding suitable homes. For further information, please call: Charles Chandler 01707 644288 Appeal from Greyt Exploitations PLEASE FORWARD FAR AND WIDE CLOSURE OF WALTHAMSTOW STADIUM As you will probably now be aware, Walthamstow has announced that they have sold the stadium to property developers and greyhound racing will cease by the middle of August. It is anticipated the closure will lead to 100’s of greyhounds being retired in the next 3 months. Mr Charles Chandler is a director of Walthamstow Stadium, and the stadium has received no less than two ‘Stadia Improvement Grants’ from the British Greyhound Racing Fund in 2006 and 2007, amounting to £438,826. These grants were awarded whilst Mr Chandler was also a director of the British Greyhound Racing Fund. We are appealing to you today, to email Mr Chandler and the British Greyhound Racing Fund and request that this near half a million pounds be returned and used to ensure the welfare of greyhounds forced into retirement and who presently race at Walthamstow. I hope you will agree that the responsibility of these greyhounds lay firmly with the industry, who have made huge profits for the owners of Walthamstow. As the RGT is greatly under funded and has enormous waiting lists, Greytexploitations will be suggesting that the returned monies should be made available by ALL re-homing centres, independent and RGT, who can offer to kennel and re-home an ex Walthamstow greyhound. Please contact Charles Chandler at Walthamstow Stadium reminding him of the industry’s responsibility towards these greyhounds. Please also contact Charles Lenox-Conyngham, Chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Fund, urging him to either recover the Walthamstow grants or to allocate funding specifically for the retirement of these greyhounds. Charles Chandler can be contacted via the Directors Secretary debbie@wsgreyhound. co.uk Charles Lenox-Conyngham can contacted via the British Greyhound Racing Fund info@bgrf.org. uk Walthamstow Owners and Welfare Association can be contacted here http://www.wsretire dgreyhounds. co.uk/ Please remember to be polite in all correspondence and thank you for your time. Info@greytexploitat ions.com Details of the grant awarded to Walthamstow in 2007 can be seen here, section 9. ‘Related Party Transactions’ http://www.bgrf. org.uk/files/ BGRF2007. pdf Details of the grant awarded in 2006 is no longer available online. If you would like a copy of the British Greyhound Racing Fund financial statement for that year, detailing the £284,892 grant awarded please email info@greytexploitat ions.com __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail. A Smarter Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html CLOSURE OF WALTHAMSTOW STADIUM As you will probably now be aware, Walthamstow has announced that they have sold the stadium to property developers and greyhound racing will cease by the middle of August. It is anticipated the closure will lead to 100's of greyhounds being retired in the next 3 months. Mr Charles Chandler is a director of Walthamstow Stadium, and the stadium has received no less than two 'Stadia Improvement Grants' from the British Greyhound Racing Fund in 2006 and 2007, amounting to £438,826. These grants were awarded whilst Mr Chandler was also a director of the British Greyhound Racing Fund. We are appealing to you today, to email Mr Chandler and the British Greyhound Racing Fund and request that this near half a million pounds be returned and used to ensure the welfare of greyhounds forced into retirement and who presently race at Walthamstow. I hope you will agree that the responsibility of these greyhounds lay firmly with the industry, who have made huge profits for the owners of Walthamstow. As the RGT is greatly under funded and has enormous waiting lists, Greytexploitations will be suggesting that the returned monies should be made available by ALL re-homing centres, independent and RGT, who can offer to kennel and re-home an ex Walthamstow greyhound. Please contact Charles Chandler at Walthamstow Stadium reminding him of the industry's responsibility towards these greyhounds. Please also contact Charles Lenox-Conyngham, Chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Fund, urging him to either recover the Walthamstow grants or to allocate funding specifically for the retirement of these greyhounds. Charles Chandler can be contacted via the Directors Secretary debbie@wsgreyhound.co.uk Charles Lenox-Conyngham can contacted via the British Greyhound Racing Fund Walthamstow Owners and Welfare Association can be contacted here http://www.wsretiredgreyhounds.co.uk/ Please remember to be polite in all correspondence and thank you for your time. Details of the grant awarded to Walthamstow in 2007 can be seen here, section 9. 'Related Party Transactions' http://www.bgrf.org.uk/files/BGRF2007.pdf Details of the grant awarded in 2006 is no longer available online. If you would like a copy of the British Greyhound Racing Fund financial statement for that year, detailing the £284,892 grant awarded please email |