ROLLING Stones' drummer Charlie Watts has adopted a rescued greyhound from an Oxford animal sanctuary.

The rock superstar, alongside his wife Shirley, have taken in a five-year-old greyhound named Suzie.

Suzie was rescued from the racing industry by Forever Hounds Trust, which has been looking for the pooch’s 'forever home'.

Oxford Mail:

Mrs Watts is an honorary friend and supporter of the trust, and now she and Mr Watts have taken on a rescue dog themselves.

Jan Lake, the chair of trustees at the Cowley-based charity said: “It’s a really difficult time for everyone at the moment, and that includes animal rescue charities as well.

“There are still so many dogs that need our help but due to the extra precautions we have to take due to the coronavirus pandemic, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming a dog is a much lengthier process than it has been previously.

“We are still able to home dogs, but we can only do it in certain circumstances.”

She added: “Luckily Shirley and Charlie are well-known to the charity and we were able to find the right dog for their family.”

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Staff at Forever Hounds Trust research potential owners to try to make sure the dogs are going to the right homes.

They said this has become more complicated with the coronavirus measures in place, but the team are ‘working tirelessly’ to find homes for the dogs in their care.

As it is, the charity – which has been going for more than 20 years - has sixteen greyhounds who are looking for a 'forever home' as well as six lurchers and two saluki cross breeds.

She said: “It’s so important that we keep working to rescue dogs throughout this period as there is no let-up in the number needing our help and as soon as we find a home for one there is another needing the space in our kennels and foster homes.”

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Earlier this year the trust slammed the greyhound racing industry in Britain for its lack of transparency and animal neglect.

It came after Oxford City Council revealed new plans which could help to reopen Oxford Stadium and therefore revive greyhound racing as a sport there.

At the time the charity bosses said Oxford would be taking a ‘huge step backwards’ if authorities did not oppose the plans.

Official figures released last year by the GBGB revealed that almost 1,000 racing greyhounds died or were killed in 2018.

It said that greyhounds rescued from the sport need dental treatment, hip surgeries and sometimes amputations – all of which cost thousands of pounds.

The Forever Hounds Trust is currently appealing for donations to help it continue its work, as Covid-19 has had an impact on their ability to fundraise.

Those wishing to adopt a greyhound or lurcher, or wanting to help by donating funds, should visit foreverhoundstrust.org