WHILE a campaign continues to bring greyhound racing back at Walthamstow Stadium, volunteers are working tirelessly to get the remaining retired dogs new homes.

Staff at Walthamstow Stadium Retired Greyhounds knew they had a mammoth task on their hands when they inherited 210 dogs when the iconic dog track in Chingford Road, Chingford, closed last August.

Kennel manager Joy Battley said the charity is delighted that it has managed to rehome 161 dogs - but it is desperate to find loving homes for the remaining 40.

Ms Battley said: “It was the most dogs we have ever had at one time so it was very overwhelming at first and we were worried that we wouldn't be able to rehome them all because of the limited funds we have.

“It has been quite a drain on the charity, but we were really pleased we managed to rehome 160.

"We just need to get the last ones rehomed because our money is running out.”

Ms Battley said when they have rehomed all the dogs from the Stow, the charity will work on rehoming retired greyhounds from other stadiums.

Asked whether she supports the Save Our Stow campaign to have the stadium reopened, she said she is not against it because the retired dogs always arrive at the charity's kennels well looked after and healthy and the charity will continue to find homes for them.

There are eight dogs in particular which the charity is struggling to rehome, two of which are Jo and Sam.

Sam, whose racing name was Sing it Sam, was returned to the kennels after six years due to his owners’ ill health. Despite being 10 years old, he enjoys walks and is in good health. He is scared of thunder and fireworks so an understanding owner is essential.

Jo, aka Clonbrin Jo, loves people but can be a handful becaause he does not like other dogs.

Ms Battley said that once out of the kennels this should improve and an experienced owner would find five-year-old Jo a pleasure to train.

Anyone interested in adopting a greyhound, making a donation or giving time to the charity can visit its website www.wsretiredgreyhounds.co.uk or call Joy Battley 01992 890540.