Cedar, a retired racing greyhound, has found a new home in the island with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Members of the Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man travelled to the UK to pick up the dog, which turned four years old this month, and bring him to the island to start his new life. The Steam Packet Company covered the ferry travel costs.

The charity was established in 2012 to help find new homes for greyhounds which the racing industry had no further use for.

Cedar, a veteran of 46 races, is the 14th greyhound the league has brought to the island this year.

Sally McMullen, one of the league founders, explained: ’Each year, thousands of greyhounds are bred for the racing industry and, each year, thousands are surplus to requirement, some as young as two years of age.

’Many greyhounds are euthanised, abandoned or exported. The lucky ones are taken into rescue centres and re-homed. Sadly, there are never enough homes for all the greyhounds.’

The charity was inspired by Missy, the first greyhound adopted by Sally and Ian McMullen, to raise awareness of the plight of these dogs and to find homes in the island where they could live as family pets.

Sally continued: ’We fundraise throughout the year to support our greyhound welfare and re-homing work, and are very fortunate to be supported by a fantastic group of like-minded people, many of whom have greyhounds or simply wish to help.

’It is heart-warming to see more greyhounds arriving in the island to start their new lives in happy homes.

’I’d like to thank the Steam Packet Company for its generous support. As a small charity, we appreciate all the support and assistance we receive as every penny counts, and it is amazing how the pennies add up.’

Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’We’re pleased to have assisted with Cedar’s travel from the UK and hope he enjoys his new life.’