LEASE AGREEMENT EXPIRES
Greyhound shelter faces closure soon!
For years, Paul O’Riordan has been rescuing greyhounds from Ireland’s racing and hunting industry. But now his sanctuary is on the verge of closure – because the lease is ending. His only option: buying the land.
Help us save this sanctuary.
Three steps to salvation
We at VETO and our partner, the Windhund-Netzwerk e. V., have made it our declared goal to save this animal shelter. We are counting on the help of our entire community! Because together we can make a difference for animal welfare.
Buy Land
€100,000 must be raised by June – otherwise the home will be lost.
Renovate animal shelter
The kennels, roofs, and enclosures urgently need repairs. Estimated cost: €30,000.
Help in the long term
We are creating a permanent refuge for all greyhounds who still need help.
Eviction is imminent – we must act quickly
Lease expires
Since 2012, Great Hounds in Need has rescued and rehomed approximately 1,000 dogs. After 10 years at the old farm, the lease is now expiring. Currently, 31 dogs are housed there, while many others are already waiting for a place.
Eviction threatened in June
Time is running out: The lease is ending, and only the purchase of the property can save the animal shelter. If it isn’t purchased, eviction threatens in June—Paul and the dogs will lose their last home.
The last refuge
The official GRI (Galgo Rescue International) rehomes only a few hundred rescued dogs each year. The majority of rescue and rehoming work is carried out by smaller, private organizations like Great Hounds in Need.
The money is missing
For Paul O’Riordan and his charges, purchasing the property is the only way to preserve the sanctuary. The animal rights activist alone cannot afford the purchase price and the costs of the necessary renovations.
“
“For years, we’ve been fighting against a system that treats greyhounds like disposable goods. They’re bred as long as they perform—and discarded as soon as they weaken. This suffering isn’t collateral damage; it’s an integral part of the industry. How many more must die before action is finally taken? We demand an end to government subsidies, an exit from the racing industry—and true responsibility for each and every one of these wonderful animals.”
Paul O’Riordan: He fights for Ireland’s forgotten greyhounds
For over a decade, Paul has dedicated his life to Ireland’s discarded greyhounds. With quiet determination, a big heart, and tireless devotion, he cares for dogs no one wants anymore, day after day. He knows their fears, their stories—and their incredible courage. With his small animal sanctuary, he gives these dogs not only protection—but also their dignity. But now all of that is at stake. And Paul is fighting—not for himself, but for them.
Greyhound racing in Ireland: A system that destroys dogs
The Irish greyhound racing industry is under fire for massive animal welfare problems: Thousands of dogs are bred every year, many of them killed because they aren’t fast enough. An internal report estimates that nearly 6,000 animals are killed annually. Doping, overproduction, and exports to countries with no animal welfare standards are part of the system. While official agencies only rehome a few dogs, private initiatives carry out the majority of rescue work. Animal welfare organizations like our partner Windhund-Netzwerk e. V. are calling for an end to racing, stricter laws, and an end to state subsidies. Only through public pressure and international cooperation can something be achieved in the long term for the affected animals.
Help us save the animal shelter
With your support, we’ll help purchase the Great Hounds in Need animal shelter —so that greyhounds can continue to find shelter here in the future. Together, we can preserve this sanctuary—permanently.
Our partner association: Greyhound Network e. V.
For many years, the Windhund-Netzwerk e.V. ( Sighthound Network) association has been fighting for the protection of greyhounds – in Ireland, Spain, and beyond. Founder Tina Hartmann and her team are internationally networked, rehome rescued dogs, provide educational support, and intervene when urgent help is needed – as is currently the case in Ireland.
Thank you for being part of this rescue mission!
Your support for the Great Hounds in Need rescue means a lot to us! Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us make the rescue possible and ensure the protection of these dogs for the future. We thank you for your compassion and commitment!
Together we move animal protection.
