Funding plea for greyhound rescue facing eviction

A greyhound rescue that has rehomed more than 2,500 retired racing dogs has made a funding plea after being told to leave its kennels within a month.

Bark Inn Kennels said it had been served notice on its site in Aldridge near Walsall, West Midlands, which it has used since 2010.

Founder Michelle Owen said the team had secured a potential new base in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, but warned it needed more than £20,000 of refurbishment work before it could open.

The new site requires drainage upgrades, rebuilt kennels and beds, improvements to the kitchen and flooring, and expanded outdoor paddocks. An online appeal has so far has raised £6,500 towards a £10,000 target.

Opening the new facility was vital to continuing the charity's work, Owen said.

"We hope to have our new facility up and running by the end of March," she said.

"While we have secured temporary homes for each greyhound in our care currently, there is a requirement to move them to our new kennels as soon as possible so we can continue our work."

She said money raised would go towards caring for the dogs during the transition and making the new kennels "warm and welcoming for every greyhound waiting for their forever home".

Owen, who founded the centre in 2009, runs it with a team of volunteers.

She said greyhounds were often misunderstood. "People see how athletic they are on the track, and assume they need hours of exercise each day," she said.

"The reality is, greyhounds are the most placid and laid back breed a person could wish to own. They are incredibly gentle, calm, loyal and fantastic with children."

She urged anyone considering a dog to learn more about retired greyhounds, adding: "There truly is a retired greyhound out there for everyone."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.