Appeal launched by Walsall greyhound homing centre after notice is served on kennels
A greyhound homing centre in Walsall has launched an urgent public appeal after being served notice on its kennels, which have homed more than 2,500 retired racing greyhounds.
Bark Inn Kennels and its team of volunteers have been given one month to vacate its current facility in Aldridge, which it took over in 2010 to find ex-racers their perfect forever home in retirement.
The team was handed a lifeline when a new kennel facility in Bromsgrove became available at the beginning of this year.
But the space requires extensive refurbishment to upgrade current drainage systems, rebuild all kennels and beds, update the kitchen and flooring and expand outdoor paddocks, costing in excess of £20,000.
Founder Michelle Owen has already been backed by 174 supporters online, who have pledged more than £6,500 towards her £10,000 public fundraising target.
She said opening a new facility for Bark Inn Kennels is essential to providing the best after-care for greyhounds in search of a home when their racing careers end.
“We hope to have our new facility up and running by the end of March,” said Michelle.
“And 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.
“It’s a major project which we have a duty of care to fulfil.
“The greyhounds we home rely on our team every day. Funds raised will be committed to caring for the dogs during our transition period, and assisting with renovating our new space so it is warm and welcoming for every greyhound waiting for their forever home.”
Michelle, who works a full-time job, founded Bark Inn Kennels in 2009 and dedicates her spare time to running the centre with help from a team of volunteers.
It is one of more than 100 homing centres in the UK which works in partnership with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and its Greyhound Retirement Scheme (GRS) to find appropriate homes for retired greyhounds when their careers end.
Initiatives such as the GRS have prompted record homing rates across greyhound racing, with 93.8 per cent of retired racers either homed or retained within the sport in 2024.
Bark Inn has also been backed by Arena Racing Company, the UK’s largest racecourse operator, which opened Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium in September.
Michelle added: “Greyhounds can be highly misunderstood.
“People see how athletic they are on the track, and assume they need hours of exercise each day.
“The reality is, greyhounds are the most placid and laid back breed a person could wish to own, which is why they make such good pets.
“They are incredibly gentle, calm, loyal and fantastic with children.
“There truly is a retired greyhound out there for everyone, and we encourage anyone considering bringing a four-legged friend into their home to take a moment to learn about their care requirements.”
Anyone wishing to support Bark Inn Kennels’ public appeal can do so by clicking here.
Further information about its operation is available online via barkinnkennels.co.uk.
