A charity which rehomes racing dogs is preparing itself for an influx of greyhounds as the closure date of the Plough Lane track draws closer.

The Wimbledon Stadium, in Plough Lane, will officially close on Saturday, June 18, as AFC Wimbledon get ready to build its new multi-million pound stadium and houses on the site.

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And now the independent charity Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare, based in Hersham, Surrey, is readying itself to receive the high number of dogs which are expected to be retired when the track closes.

Kennel manager Denise Dubarbier estimates that there are currently 120 dogs running at the track, which hosts the famous Wimbledon Derby every June, although not all of these will necessarily be retired.

Simon Banks, media and communications officer at the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) said: "As in all cases when a greyhound track closes the GBGB and the promoter of that stadium will provide the necessary funding to ensure that no greyhound’s future welfare is compromised."

Wimbledon Times:

The greyhound stadium is due to close on June 18

Ms Dubarbier said: “We’re not sure what the impact of it will be. The aim is to take in all of the ones who need us.

“It is a concern that we could have to find places for a lot of dogs, but whatever dog needed to come in, we would find the room for it. That’s not a question at all.

“We’re going to be under pressure to rehome these dogs. It’s about how we care for them and how we find the funds.”

The charity, which never puts a healthy dog down, usually has about 80 greyhounds to rehome at any one time.

As well as the dogs looking for adoption, the kennels also has a section called ‘The Sanctuary’, for any long term residents struggling to find a home due to medical or behavioural issues.

But for Ms Dubarbier, who has four greyhounds herself, the dogs are the best pets you could ask for.

She said: “They are lovely, lovely dogs. They love people and they’re a wonderful breed. Nothing else will do for me.

“They are beautiful pets. It really is worth taking a chance on a greyhound.”

Mr Banks said the majority of greyhounds that currently race at Wimbledon Stadium will continue their careers at difference racecourses, and if any are retired than financial assistance will be provided to help rehome it through a charity. 

He said: "As in previous cases of a track closure, welfare payments will be made directly to trainers to maintain welfare standards during a period of transferral to another racecourse and further assistance will be given to safeguard the welfare of all greyhounds in the care of a trainer that decides to retire."

For more information on the charity and the dogs, visit www.hershamhounds.org.uk.