Luckier lurchers
REGULAR readers will remember that horrific story of two lurchers left hanging by their necks on a cold New Years Eve on a Grand Union Canal bridge.
It was described by an RSPCA Inspector as one of the most shocking things he had ever seen, but the Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) tell us of a pair of lurchers who were somewhat luckier.
Cruelty is common
It seems that cruelty and neglect to greyhounds and lurchers is common—unwanted as they are no longer able to race, seized in cruelty cases, or simply abandoned and left to fend for themselves when their owner simply has no use for them any more. A staggering total of 800 lurchers and greyhounds where rescued and re-homed in 2010.
The people at the society see extreme cases day in day out, but fortunately most stories do have a happy ending, like those of Muppet and Kai, pictured.
Rescued
Kai was found as a stray in Ireland — he is approximately three years old and was left abandoned, without microchip or any identification, to fend for himself, simply hanging around the local petrol station in search of food and company. Lonely, malnourished, tired and weak he came into the care of some good hearted people, and found his way across the Irish Sea into the loving care of GRWE.
Muppet was also saved at the last minute—literally from the crosshairs of a rifle. She is aged around four years old, and was about to be shot, simply because she wasn't able to hunt properly! The volunteer had the tip-off, and rushed to meet the hunter, just before midnight! She was rescued from the hunter and given a new chance of life.
Shocked
Philip Mansbridge, GRWE Trustee, explains why the charity released this story:
"Everyone was shocked with the tragic story of the two lurchers that were found dead, hanging in such a barbaric act of cruelty. The nation—dog owners and non dog owners alike—were quick to condemn the terrible cruelty that took place. One month on we have chosen to highlight just one example of the many success stories made possible by the dog loving public, our team of volunteers who work tirelessly, and the kind people that give to our charity, or any similar cause.
"There is so much doom and gloom in the world today, but despite tragic stories like what happened on New Years Eve, we simply wanted everyone to know that for every terrible story, there are thousands of untold success stories. Kai and Muppet are adorable, and throughout the year we will change the lives of many more lucky lurchers and greyhounds, just like them. We are a nation of animal lovers, and stories like that of Kai and Muppet help keep us all going!"
Here is the chance to take one of these dogs, with Philip telling us:
"If you are interested in homing Kai or Muppet, or indeed any of our loveable lurchers and greyhounds, then please call us on 07000 785 092, or check our website at www.grwe.com. Plus, don't forget, even if you can't rehome a dog from us, there are still many ways to help, including Sponsoring a Dog, donating, becoming a member, or even volunteering, so please visit our website or get in touch for more details. This way you can help us make many more happy endings, just like those for Kai and Muppet"