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Australian Dog Lover
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With 785 unwanted Queensland ex-racing Greyhounds discarded to labs and research facilities over the last four years, the Gold Coast biker community got together to raise funds for rehoming these dogs by way of a group motorcycle ride on Sunday 24th September 2023.
Ms Annie Hendley, Queensland director, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) said the group ride was vital because the State Government has no Greyhound rehoming requirements.
"Our research shows 785 dogs have been discarded to labs in the past four years by racing dog owners in this state. It's so cruel. Holding a big group ride will raise funds to help rehome more of these ex-racers," she said.
"The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has admitted that ex-racing Greyhounds sent to labs are not tracked and their fates are unknown."
In the last financial year FY 21/22 alone, 196 dogs were sent to this grisly fate, with only 256 dogs retired to the racing industry’s rehoming arm Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP).
“There is a rehoming crisis nationally, as well as in this state, because the industry is breeding six times more dogs than can be rehomed. Meanwhile, the State Government is spending millions of taxpayer dollars on the dog racing industry,” Ms Hendley said.
The charity ride travelled from Tamborine to Advancetown on the Gold Coast, with money raised going to racing dog rehoming and advocacy efforts.
"The ride started at Tamborine’s Bearded Dragon Hotel and finished at Beechmont Hotel, Advancetown," said Ms Hendley.
"The event was last held in 2021 and was a huge success with over 100 riders. Around 100 or so people attended the event and we raised more than $5,000 to support community Greyhound rescue groups.”
"This time around it was even bigger with about 150 plus riders and another 120 people attending the event. Most importantly, we raised over $13,000 for Greyhound welfare."The ride culminated with a community event, which included a meet-and-greet with rescue Greyhounds from Queensland community rescue group Friends of the Hound (FotH).
"The end-of-ride event was hosted by Rebel FM breakfast host Ash Palmero and included live music and a raffle. The recently crowned Mrs. Galaxy Australia was a special guest who assisted with fundraising efforts. I'm very grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone else who contributed prizes to the raffle and helped with the event,” said Ms Hendley.
"Local business Cakes by Simone donated cupcakes for sale, while Little Kiwi Bakehouse donated sweets and treats. Also, Darren Perkins, the owner of Coldchill Refrigeration, has two rescued greyhounds and saved $10 from every job for several weeks and presented us with a cheque for $2000 - what a Greyhound hero!"
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| Rescue dog Harriet wants to go biking with her dad Paul - Aged 9, she started biking at 3 years of age when she first decided she wanted to get on a bike! |
“CPG is committed to ending greyhound racing and its associated cruelty. This time we raised funds for the Queensland community rescue group Friends of the Hound. Anyone who's interested in greyhound welfare is welcome to join us at the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds”, she said.
Ms Hendley said independent research shows most Australians don’t support greyhound racing and don’t want it subsidised.
Friends of the Hound (FOTH) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit rescue charity, relying and thriving solely on fundraising and donation.
Ms Hendley said independent research shows most Australians don’t support greyhound racing and don’t want it subsidised.
CPG is a dedicated group of people across Australia who work together to inform the public about the cruelties of Greyhound racing.
Friends of the Hound (FOTH) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit rescue charity, relying and thriving solely on fundraising and donation.
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