A PARTNERSHIP to help retired greyhounds find loving homes when their racing careers end has been created between Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham and a homing centre.

Home Run Hounds operates three homing centres across the Midlands with the help of a 200-strong volunteer network.

The three centres – capable of caring for up to 50 animals needing a forever home - have now teamed up with Perry Barr Stadium, which will support 10 kennel spaces for greyhounds recently retired from the track with sister venue Nottingham.

The move forms part of Arena Racing Company’s commitment to ensuring greyhounds attached to its five UK venues enjoy a happy and healthy retirement.

Tracey Parbery, director of Home Run Hounds, hopes it will encourage more families in search of a four-legged friend to consider homing a retired greyhound.

She said: “Greyhounds make the most wonderful pets in retirement.

“We find a lot of visitors misunderstand greyhounds by believing they require the levels of exercise associated with other working breeds.

“In reality, they are among the laziest breed you could wish to come across and will sleep for up to 20 hours each day requiring only two short walks.

“We’re really grateful to Perry Barr whose commitment to finding loving homes for these magnificent dogs by supporting our operation contributes to making our job finding appropriate owners easier.”

Home Run Hounds’ work also includes care home visits with retired greyhounds, community talks, engagement with local groups and helping people with disabilities to boost their quality of life by spending time with retired greyhounds.

Chris Black, general manager at Perry Barr Stadium, said: “We’re really pleased to enter a new partnership with Home Run Hounds whose outstanding work really aligns with our core greyhound welfare and care values.

“Ensuring greyhounds find suitable homes in retirement is one of our biggest priorities and thanks to our homing partners like Home Run Hounds with additional support from the Greyhound Retirement Scheme that we can help link our retired stars with their new owners in retirement.”

Home Run Hounds can be contacted on 07488 253537 or by emailing hello@homerunhounds.co.uk.