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New Trustee for GIN
We are very pleased to announce that Terry Dickens has been
appointed as a trustee of Greyhounds in Need.
Since the sad loss of Arthur Finch, we have felt the need for
more help, particularly locally to headquarters and we are very
grateful to Terry for accepting this position.
We could not have found a more ideal candidate to help us push
forward our vital work for the galgos and greyhounds. Terry
lives in Egham and retired in 2005 from the important position
of Head of Community Services of Runnymede Borough Council.
In this role, he had charge of all the local authoritys care ser-
vices, completing a lifetime career in social services and ambu-
lance work, only interrupted by service in the Welsh Guards.
Currently, Terry is a Director and Trustee of the Working Community Transport Company Ltd, which pro-
vides transport for people unable to use public transport because they are disabled, including children with
special needs.
As well as this wealth of experience in the field of helping others, Terry brings to his trusteeship a deep
love of animals, being a supporter of the PDSA, RSPCA and WSPA.
We welcome Terry and thank him for offering to devote some of his time and experience to our work.
Martin
.
The Greyhound Forum
We continue our work on the Greyhound Forum which is at present involved in the outcome of the
Donoughue Committee. As a Welfare charity, our main worry is that the report maintains the principle of
self-regulation of the Greyhound Racing industry. albeit subject to some extra oversight. We will continue,
along with other welfare groups represented on the Forum to keep this under review. However, it does
seem probable that the recommendations of the Donoughue Enquiry will be accepted by the industry and
the government. It will be necessary to keep a close watch on how regulation works out in practice.
It is interesting to note that The Greyhound Forum for Wales has made a strong submission to the Welsh
Assembly calling for independent regulation by local authorities. The Animal Welfare Act delegates the
formulation of detailed regulations to the Welsh Assembly and we will watch their decision with interest.
It is worth reminding readers that the Animal Welfare Act which came into force in 2007 faces, for the
first time, a duty of care on the owner/keeper. This duty is enshrined in what have been called the five
freedoms
·
a need for a suitable environment
·
a need for a suitable diet
·
a need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
·
any need to be housed with, or apart from other animals
·
a need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
We welcome this as a general step forward in animal welfare. All will depend on enforcement.
Martin
Terry (left) and Martin with Baltolonow Tolo, on
Release Day at quarantine. Tolo is now enjoying life
in Cheshire with Debra