A CHAMPION greyhound trainer from Frodsham has lent his support to a campaign supporting retired racing dogs.

Otto Kueres, 58, whose dog dynasty is based at a Frodsham farm, has more than 40 years experience training pups into prizewinners.

He is urging people to support a new drive by the Retired Greyhound Trust to adopt former runners as pets.

He said: “We are based on a farm in Frodsham and are contracted to provide greyhounds for Belle Vue Stadium.

“Greyhounds make great pets. They are quiet and loving, not at all nasty, they are very pleasant animals.

“A lot of people get the wrong idea that the dogs are not looked after when they’ve finished racing but those days are gone now.

“Every dog is registered and a check is kept on where they are. We keep a few retired greyhounds here and find new homes for the others through the Retired Greyhound Trust.”

Otto’s racing empire has been based in Frodsham for 12 years and he currently has about 80 dogs training on the farm.

He bred champion greyhounds Ena Harkness, know as Jenny at home, and Fernglade Abby, known as Sally, and has high hopes for the next generation.

“I love the dogs,” added Otto. “You do it because you simply love it. I feel very privileged as it’s brought me many years of happiness.

“There’s no money to be made for trainers, but we have a great time with the dogs far beyond their racing years. Once they’ve retired, like Jenny and Sally, they sit back and enjoy life at a far slower pace as part of the family.”

If you would like to rehome a greyhound, call the Retired Greyhound Trust on 01524 852784.

Mick Hardy, general manager of Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium, said: “The dogs race here four nights a week, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 7-11pm. First-timers are always welcome and we offer ‘teach on the track sessions’.”