Attacks by greyhounds are rare and avoidable (From York Press)

Attacks by greyhounds are rare and avoidable

9:51am Saturday 9th March 2013 in Letters By Reader's letter

LIKE many, we read with horror about the attack on Scott the Scottish terrier by four greyhounds (The Press, March 6), a traumatic and unpleasant event for him and his owner.

However, as the owners of adopted greyhounds and fosterers of greyhounds, we wish to reassure people that attacks like this are rare and are avoidable with proper precautions and an understanding of the breed.

Greyhounds are bred to chase and some ex-racers have high-prey drives (but not all).

These dogs are generally gentle and placid and make excellent pets, often described as “45-mile-an-hour couch potatoes” because they don’t need a lot of exercise as they are bred for speed not stamina.

Each rescue dog will differ but we agree with Scott’s owner that ex-racers often need to wear muzzles when out and indeed some are best kept on a lead at all times in public places.

We would urge readers not be put off from offering these gentle hounds a chance of a home, not least because the shelters are full of abandoned hounds.

On behalf of all the members of the York Greyhound and Lurcher Walks, we wish Scott a speedy recovery.

Jane Lund and Tina Abbott, Howe Hill Road, York.