A GARNANT animal sanctuary has celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Greyhound Rescue Wales have been operating in the area for the past 25 years, rescuing greyhounds who are no longer wanted for racing.

The charity was set up in response to mistreatment of dogs used for greyhound racing.

To mark the occasion a Silver Jubilee fundraising appeal was launched to help cover costs of kennel refurbishment at the Hillcrest base.

Speaking to the BBC to on their 25th anniversary, founder Alan Thomas said: “In the last few years it has become clear there are a steady number, maybe ten or 12, racing injuries that are life threatening to the dogs that happen at the remaining track in Wales each year.

“We take those dogs in and pay for their retirement, their treatment, and try and find them new homes with families.”

Manager, Sandra Wynne added: “We only ever use positive reinforcement, so from the moment the dogs walk though the door there is never a raised hand or voice towards them.

“So, this is where their new life begins essentially.”

Speaking to the South Wales Guardian last year, Greyhound Rescue Wales’ director of rescue and rehoming Kerry Sands said: “We’re taking some of our fabulous bouncy greyhounds and teaching them skills and manners to support their transition from racing dog to companion animal.

“It’s a kind of bootcamp for greyhounds but, because at GRW we only use positive dog training methods, we can promise there are lots of laughs, fun and multi-species learning along the way.

“We believe in our ex-racers and their capacity to be wonderful pets, but we also believe in honest assessments and full support for our adopters.

“For this reason, the team at our Hillcrest rescue and rehoming centre is currently introducing more rigorous dog-testing, allowing us to paint a broader picture of our dogs and determine what they may need in their adoptive homes when they transition from the track to life as companions.”

To find out more about the work Greyhound Rescue Wales do, visit greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk.