About Us

Great Hounds In Need (GHIN) is a dedicated rescue and rehoming charity with a passionate commitment to improving the lives of greyhounds and other sighthounds.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome these magnificent dogs, providing them with the second chance they deserve after their careers on the race tracks or other challenging circumstances.

Our work is fueled by a profound love for these animals and a firm belief that every greyhound deserves a loving and caring forever home.

Altering The Angle

“Every year, thousands of greyhounds are slaughtered in Ireland. No longer required, they are dumped, abused, abandoned or killed. Considered a commodity, a cash crop, livestock and not a living being, greyhounds are the among the most abused of all breeds of dogs. They are born to be used by humans, many never knowing any kindness, comfort or love.”

We wrote the above back in 2012 when first we started out, and while much has changed in perceptions within the industry, there is still much of the above that is true even today.

The natural lifespan of a greyhound is normally around 12 to 14 years with some living as long as 17 years. However in Ireland and other countries where they are part of the industry, this average is 3-4 years. Many don’t even get to start a racing career due to no interest in chasing or their trial is too slow to be in with a chance or even from accidents during play where a bone will break and end a career before it even starts.

More and more, people locally and nationally as well as internationally are becoming aware of what fantastic pets these magnificient elegant creatures, who were once held in such high esteem that only the rulers and royalty were allowed own, can make, although we still have a long long way to go to fully Alter the Angle.

Greyhounds make wonderful pets! They are calm, loyal and easy to manage and they will love you unconditionally, when shown the kindness and love they deserve. For some it may take a while longer to adapt though they are well on that journey before they leave our door for yours.

Open your heart and your mind and make the difference to these tortured dogs. Please adopt a greyhound.

Our GHIN Family

Mick

Patch

Ronnie

Highway

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Would You Like To Join Our Team?

A black cloud looms upon us as it does every other rescue in the country and indeed rescues all around the world. For every one dog we take out more and more come in. Its a never ending cycle. Its never a happy ending. We are always thinking about ‘the next one’ When…

We are always in need of help, be it assisting us on a day to day basis at the kennels, street collecting, fundraising, driving and more.

On occasion we may need relief help overlooking the kennels in times of emergency, illness or holidays.

If you feel you would like to join our team please click the button below and fill in the form, selecting how you would like to help and your general availability.

Join Our Team

Make A Once-Off Donation

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Set Up A Standing Order

If you would like to set up a Standing Order, please provide your name and email address.
You will then be able to download our form directly. In addition we will send you an email with a link to download.

Download Our Standing Order Form

Donate with Enthuse

In the event that you are unable to donate using the previous methods, you may consider donating through Enthuse, a 3rd Party platform that handles donations to charities and other non-profit groups.

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Who We Are

Great Hounds in Need is a charitable organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers, primarily focusing on those retired from racing or found in unfortunate conditions.

The organization works across borders, with a strong presence in both the Czech Republic and Ireland.

Founded by a group of greyhound enthusiasts, GHIN has grown into a community of volunteers, foster families, and supporters, all united by a common goal: to provide the best possible outcomes for greyhounds in need.

Our team comprises experienced animal welfare professionals, passionate volunteers, and foster carers who open their hearts and homes to greyhounds awaiting adoption.

We believe in the potential of every dog to become a cherished family member and work tirelessly to ensure each one finds their perfect match.

What We Do

At GHIN, our work involves a comprehensive approach to greyhound rescue and welfare:

Rescue: We identify greyhounds at risk, often those retiring from racing or those abandoned, and bring them into our care. This can involve coordination with other rescue groups, racing tracks, and shelters to ensure no greyhound is left behind.
Rehabilitation: Many of the greyhounds we rescue require medical attention, emotional support, and socialization to prepare them for life as a pet. Our dedicated team provides veterinary care, behavioral training, and plenty of love to help these dogs transition smoothly from their previous lives to becoming beloved pets.
Rehoming: Finding the right home for each greyhound is our ultimate goal. We carefully screen potential adopters to ensure they understand the specific needs of greyhounds and are prepared to provide a loving, stable environment. Our support doesn’t end with adoption; we offer ongoing advice and assistance to ensure the well-being of both the greyhounds and their new families.
Advocacy and Education: GHIN is committed to raising awareness about the welfare issues facing greyhounds. We work to educate the public on the unique characteristics and needs of greyhounds as pets and advocate for better treatment and regulations within the racing industry.

Mission and Activities:

In Ireland, GHIN is deeply involved in rescuing greyhounds from the racing industry, where many dogs are retired at a young age or are at risk of being euthanized if they are no longer deemed useful for racing.

The organization provides medical care, rehabilitation, and temporary shelter for these dogs. Once ready, GHIN facilitates their adoption, either locally or by transporting them to countries like the Czech Republic, where there is a growing demand for these pets.

Challenges in Ireland:

GHIN in Ireland often faces challenges due to the scale of the greyhound racing industry and the sheer number of dogs in need. The organization works tirelessly to advocate for better treatment of greyhounds and to find as many dogs as possible a second chance at life.

The legal and cultural aspects of greyhound racing in Ireland also pose challenges. GHIN advocates for better regulations and more humane treatment of racing dogs, often partnering with other animal welfare organizations to push for change.

Rehabilitation and Rehoming:

The rehabilitation process is crucial, as many greyhounds come from environments where they have not been socialized as pets. GHIN works on socializing these dogs, helping them adjust to life in a home environment.

The rehoming process in Ireland is similar to that in the Czech Republic, with thorough checks and ongoing support provided to adopters. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition for the greyhounds from their past lives into loving homes.

Learn More About GHIN