Changes in the economy and a reduction in home ownership has led to fewer home offers for rescued dogs.

Dogs are being put to sleep as a result of a lack of homes.

Half the number of dogs finding new homes compared to three years ago.

People urged to come forward now to save greyhounds and lurchers from death sentence.

Forever Hounds Trust, one of the UK’s leading greyhound and lurcher rescue charities is today calling for urgent help to home the dogs that come into their care.

Over the last three years, the number of dogs being offered new homes via the organisation has fallen drastically, with half the number of dogs finding new owners now compared to 2012.

The charity believes that the economic situation and a decrease in home ownership in Britain, with tenants often not allowed to keep pets, is a key cause behind this sharp drop off in home offers.

However, the number of greyhounds and lurchers in need of rescue by the organisation has not changed, meaning there are now more dogs in need of homes than ever before.

Emily Burns-Sweeney, Director of Homing, Kennelling and Welfare at Forever Hounds Trust explains: “Around 9,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year but only an estimated 5,300 find homes via rescue organisations. We have grave concerns about where the remaining 3,700 greyhounds end up.

“Lurchers face a similarly precarious fate, with many thousands finding their way in to dog pounds each year. Our kennel spaces are always full. We operate a ‘one out, one in’ policy, meaning we have to find homes for the dogs we have before we can take in any more. We are forced to turn dogs away on a daily basis, knowing that for some of them that will mean they are put to sleep.”

The organisation is now calling for people to come forward urgently and offer a home to a greyhound or lurcher in need. Emily adds “Greyhounds and lurchers make wonderful pets. Greyhounds are gentle dogs that don’t need much exercise so they can be perfect for older people, those living in a smaller property or with just a small outside space. Lurchers are more energetic and make great family dogs. They really enjoy interacting with people.”

Forever Hounds Trust pride themselves in matching people with a dog. They take into consideration the new owner’s home life and what they want from a pet and find the right dog for them. They credit this matching service, along with the lifelong support provided, with their great record for successful homings.

For more information and to register your interest in homing a greyhound or lurcher, call 03000 111 100 or visit Forever Hounds Trust’s website to meet a selection of dogs available for homing.