NEW CEO FOR RETIRED GREYHOUND TRUST

The Retired Greyhound Trust has today appointed a senior figure from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain as its new chief executive.

Peter Laurie , Manager of Welfare and Integrity Services and Deputy Director of Regulation at the Board, was named as the new top dog at the charity.

Peter Laurie, who has owned both racing and retired greyhounds , said: “I am delighted to be joining the Retired Greyhound Trust at a hugely exciting time for the charity.

”The Trust has made giant strides in its work homing greyhounds when they retire from their racing careers. It has a tremendous network of branches whose staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly for the charity and share my passion for greyhound welfare. I am really looking forward to working with them to oversee the next stage of the charity's development," he added.

Dr Andrew Higgins, Vet and Chair of the Retired Greyhound Trust, said: "We are thrilled to have appointed an individual with such enthusiasm, energy and determination. Peter has an unbridled passion for greyhounds and their welfare, as well as considerable knowledge of greyhound racing.

"He is already well known to many of our branches, who work with the utmost dedication and devotion to rehoming these marvellous dogs.

"The nominations committee took the view that, in a strong field of applicants, Peter was an exceptional candidate who will bring to RGT the dynamism and strategic thinking that are essential for the future of the charity and its vital mission to look after and find homes for retired greyhounds."

During his time at GBGB, Oxford graduate Peter has worked proactively with stakeholders to raise welfare standards across the sport. He was involved with the development and implementation of the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 and helped overhaul the sport's anti-doping and medication policies. He has also represented the Board as spokesman on welfare issues in both national and local media.

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For further information, please contact Helen Barklam, tel: 01772785392 or 07917148900 .

Notes to editors

The charity has housed more than 50,000 dogs since it was set up in 1975. Around 9,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year.

Greyhounds make fantastic pets. The Retired Greyhound Trust has 72 branches across the country made up of volunteers who are dedicated to finding homes for the dogs in their areas. Many have websites, showing pictures of the dogs that need homes. For more information about how to adopt a greyhound, go to www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk  or call 08448268424 .

Donations and legacies can also be left for the Retired Greyhound Trust. Registered charity no: 269668