Work is underway to convert the Sheffield track kennels into a new kennel for the retired greyhounds. This kennel will be separate to the SRG (Sheffield retired greyhounds), located in Wortley, but aims to take pressure off of them. Today, I’ve caught up with Rose Draper & Andrew Mascarenhas to see the progress, discuss the future plans, and see how this change will benefit owners, trainers and the track in the long run.
I will be following the kennels progress, from now, to it being up and running in around 6 weeks time.
The facilities
The kennel facility has the capacity to accommodate 48 greyhounds and features three large grassy paddocks. The kennels themselves comprise of two sections: one equipped with double kennels for dogs that enjoy companionship, and another with single kennels suited for solitary dogs, and newcomers.
The paddocks will serve dual purposes: they will provide a space for exercising the hounds and, later on, a natural setting for dogs to interact with their potential forever families. These paddocks will facilitate socialization off the lead, allowing the dogs to acclimatise to their new families at their own pace. Additionally, they will offer a safe environment for other dogs to interact with the greyhounds, ensuring that the greyhounds can be comfortably housed with different breeds. In addition to the paddocks, regular walks for the dogs are planned in the nearby parks, including Hillsborough Park and Rivelin Valley.
Currently, the kennels have been entirely removed. Renovations are underway on the ceiling, windows, and doors. All elements will be replaced prior to the grand opening to guarantee a fresh and clean appearance.
Andrew Mascarenhas’ thoughts.
Racing manager, Andrew Mascarenhas, is overseeing the kennels, which he believes will greatly improve racing in numerous ways. By putting retireds who are waiting to go into homes into the track kennels, it frees up space for trainers and owners to get more racers. Eventually, this change should aid the issue of vacant traps at Sheffield, stemming from a shortage of runners. Andrew believes these kennels will be a cheaper alternative for owners, as the kennel fee for these kennels will be much less than what most trainers charge daily, allowing them to save money and hopefully invest in more racing greyhounds.
Alongside the benefit to the track, these kennels increase the number of jobs available at the track. There will be numerous full time and part time opportunities, allowing new faces to gain experience with the breed.
Rose Draper’s thoughts.
Rose Draper plays a significant role in these kennels, working as the awareness and events coordinator for the SRG (via Sheffield sports stadium). She is the driving force behind the kennel’s upcoming rehoming initiatives, which feature regular ‘meet and greets’ on race days, participation of retired greyhounds in various events, and numerous other forthcoming activities. Rose has many ideas on how rehoming from the track kennels will work, and I’m looking forward to seeing them come to life! She is extremely confident in the kennels succeeding, and believes they will take pressure off the Wortley branch and the trainers & owners at the track.
Sheffield already has a ‘meet the stars’ race every meeting, which has been a huge success. This race allows race goers to meet the greyhounds who have ran, and learn about the breed and the sport. By having retired greyhounds housed at the track, it allows this idea to grow and provides opportunities to include the retireds, further helping to get the word out and potentially find them their forever home!
How will rehoming work?
The track kennels are located across from the paddock, which typically, the public wouldn’t be allowed into. However, once these kennels are up and running, they will be open to volunteers before kennelling takes place on the evening race days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) along with Monday and Wednesdays when racing doesn’t take place. This may allow potential owners to visit the kennels, without interfering with the racing schedule.
Dogs will take part in meet and greets on the evening race days, allowing them to meet the public, and to publicize the new retired greyhound centre. This will hopefully get people interested in the breed, and get the word out about the kennel.
What is next?
Work will be under way for the next 6 weeks. This week, the doors, windows and ceilings are the main areas being worked on. Work will then take place on the kennels and the kitchen, before tackling the rest. Greyhound Weekly will provide updates on these kennels between now and the dogs arrival.
I’d like to thank Rose and Andrew for allowing me to have a look round, I cant wait to see these kennels and all the ideas I have heard today come to life.
