Greyhound Races into Madame Tussauds History Books
Published on October 22, 2007 by Freelance Contributors · 1 CommentRetired greyhound champion given the wax-work seal of approval
Greyhound champion, Westmead Hawk, has been unveiled as one of the latest additions to the Madame Tussauds collection of waxworks, breaking another record, as he becomes the first animal athlete to be displayed at the museum.
A legend in the racing circuit, the now happily retired greyhound, Westmead Hawk, attended the unveiling and by all accounts was very happy with the likeness. The Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT), the UK charity dedicated to finding homes for Britain’s ex-racers, also attended the unveiling.
Ivor Stocker, director of the RGT, is pleased to see the first greyhound in the hall of fame, “It is great to see greyhounds getting recognition as a breed. Although many people only associate them with racing, greyhounds have a long and wonderful British heritage.
“The statue of Westmead Hawk at Madame Tussauds is an opportunity to show people what beautiful animals greyhounds are, and to remind them of the many dogs in need of loving homes once their racing days are over.”
The statue of Westmead Hawk has been unveiled just in time for Madame Tussauds’ ‘Best of British’ season which will celebrate all the men, women and now dogs that make Britain great.
Believed to have been first introduced to the British Isles in the 6th century, greyhounds quickly became a symbol of wealth for the nobility. William the Conqueror, King Howel of Wales and King Canute were all greyhound owners and established laws for the protection of the breed.
The greyhound is the first breed of dog mentioned in English literature and the quintessentially British, William Shakespeare, mentions greyhounds in several of his plays.
Greyhound racing is only a relatively recent chapter in the history of the breed in Britain, however 9,000 dogs now retire from the sport each year and are ready to enjoy life at a slower pace. Throughout the ‘Best of British’ season, visitors to the museum will be able find out more about the work of the RGT when they go to give Westmead Hawk a pat on the back.
“We want people to know that retired greyhounds make brilliant pets,” Ivor adds, “As a naturally gentle, affectionate and fun-loving breed, greyhounds adapt easily to family life. While they certainly enjoy their exercise, they require less than many people expect and stay happy and healthy with just two short walks each day.”
The RGT has branches of dedicated volunteers the length and breadth of the country, to find out more about adopting a retired greyhound or becoming volunteer dog walker contact your local branch by logging onto
www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or call the charity’s headquarters on 0844 826 8424
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Through becoming a champion racer Westmead Hawk has guaranteed his survival, as he is now standing at stud in the Irish Republic.
Not so lucky are the estimated 20,000 rather less successful greyhounds put to death each year after having failed to make the grade as racers or once their racing “careers” have come to an end through age or injury.
That is why, as an international greyhound protection organisation, we are calling on the public to boycott greyhound racing – don’t go to it or bet on it – so that this appalling death-industry fades away through lack financial support.
See our website at http://www.greyhoundaction.org.uk for more information.
Tony Peters, Greyhound Action