FRIENDS of the Hound founder Lisa White says the NSW Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing in the state will end years of tragedy.

“We were all very chuffed when NSW banned greyhound racing and it’s good that the cycle of over-breeding, routine killing and wastage will finally end in NSW,” said Ms White, whose non-profit organisation has helped re-home up to 12,000 greyhounds over the past 14 years.

“They’ve been breeding nearly 20,000 dogs a year for decades for the gambling industry and there’s no other outcome for most than an early death. The numbers are just too immense.”

The Murwillumbah- based group run an adoption program, which Ms White said had a 99% success rate in finding dogs a loving home, with calls coming in from those wanting to surrender their greyhounds from as far as the ACT and the Sunshine Coast.

“We usually have between 60 to 70 greyhounds in our program at any one time,” Ms White said.

“Most of the greyhounds come direct from racing owners and trainers, and also those rescued from pounds, vet clinics and universities.”

The group’s intensive foster and adoption program ensures the dogs find a suitable home, with being put to death not an option.

“Once they’re in the program, they’re in the program until a home is found,” Ms White said.

“There’s a screening process for adoptees and fosters.

“Everyone has a home visit and every adoption is a trial period to begin with as we want to make sure the dogs are happy and that the owners are happy too.”

Ms White said while the vision was to have a physical base and adoption centre, the nature of relying completely on generosity and donations meant the resources and infrastructure just weren’t available.

Already pushed to the limit with the amount of greyhounds requiring care and assistance, Ms White said the group would need help to save the large influx of greyhounds expected after the NSW industry shuts down.

“There’ll be a lot more dogs, a lot of dogs without a purpose, but we’ve been struggling for years to save as many as possible and since the announcement last week, we’ve received a lot of calls from people asking how they can help,” she said.

“With the NSW Government phasing out the industry, there may be plans in place to provide funding and more adoption opportunities for groups like us.

“We expect a surge in calls but we can’t physically help too many more dogs unless we get assistance.”

The group rehomed 30 greyhounds last month.

To help, visit www. friendsofthehound.org.au