Kwinana woman and former greyhound trainer Melita Shonis rescues dogs from 15 trainers through her Greyhound Angels organisation.
More trainers are signing up ‘all the time’ to dump dogs that don’t make the grade.
Currently 20 unwanted racers aged 11 months to eight years are in temporary accommodation with Greyhound Angels foster carers. There are many more waiting for foster care.
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READ NOW‘I got involved in greyhound racing at the age of 16. I had lost our family dog three years ago and I thought if I could work at the track, that would be an excuse to get another dog,’ she said.
‘Once I was fully involved, I saw the darker side of the racing industry.
‘Dogs were dumped at vet clinics or put to sleep if they were not able to make the grade.’
Quite often, Ms Shonis would go to the track with one dog and come home with two, and rescuing them soon became her passion.
‘There is a constant, overwhelming, never-ending need to find homes for slow racers, and those unable to race.
‘And while I have fallen in love with greyhounds and found homes for around a thousand dogs since I started in 1994, it annoys me that if I can do it, the owners can do it too.’
Dogs are put to sleep for not being able to run fast enough.
‘But they are the ones that are good pets, good with cats, young children, older people and families. Even a well-performed racer can make a great pet. They are so gentle and easy to please. They are very low maintenance.’
To adopt a greyhound, contact www.greyhoundangels.com or email mel@greyhoundangels.com