Dogs have an ace time with donated tennis balls

A large grey dog called Moose lying on grass. It has white paws and white fur around its nose. Two tennis balls are wither side of its faceImage source, Dogs Trust
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The Dogs Trust says the balls were "greatly received" by its residents such as Moose

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A university tennis club has donated a "big bag" of used balls to a dog rehoming centre.

Ruby Pummell and Ed Ingles from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich served-up the treat to the Dogs Trust in Snetterton.

The club said it was part of a drive to be more sustainable.

The Dogs Trust said its furry residents were having an ace time playing with their new toys.

Ruby Pummell and Ed Ingles wearing blue tops and holding tennis rackets and balls. Ed has brown hair and is wearing sunglasses. Ruby has long brown hair. Both are smilingImage source, Dogs Trust
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The UEA's tennis club says it wants to give back to the community

"Donations like these are always greatly appreciated," the centre manager, Kelly Smith, said.

"Small comforts like tennis balls to play around with help us care for, entertain and engage with the dogs waiting for their forever homes."

Tennis player, Ruby Pummell, who studies marketing and management at the UEA, said being a large club they go through balls "very quickly".

"We thought that by donating the balls to the Dogs Trust, not only would the balls be repurposed and gain a new lease of life, but we could also help them to save money on resources and give the dogs something new to play with," she added.

A brown dog called Snoops lying on grass. It has a black nose and it's mouth is open. Three tennis balls are by Snoop's front paws.Image source, Dogs Trust
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Snoops is among 70 dogs being cared for by the Dogs Trust at Snetterton

According to the United Nations, about 330 million tennis balls worldwide end up in landfill, external each year.

It is claimed they can take more than 400 years to decompose.

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