A rescue dog cared for by a Wimbledon greyhound charity has died of heatstroke at a picnic event.

The Wimbledon Guardian had previously contacted a staff member at the kennels regarding allegations on Twitter about 'Tank' the greyhound, but was told it did not relate to the Great Global Greyhound Walk on June 11.

Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare say the animal died after a picnic event on June 18. Temperatures soared to around 30C last week.

A spokesperson for WGW said: "We are issuing guidance to other people and people with greyhounds. And there is a lot of guidance out there for other people already."

Today, June 23, Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare posted a statement on its Facebook page with a letter from kennel manager and trustee Denise Durbarbier.

It said: "I was at the event last Sunday when one of our greyhounds, Tank, so very tragically lost his life. It was within my power to have prevented this but one sentence spoken, given as a concern rather than a direct instruction as it should have been and was within my authority as Kennel Manager to do, set in motion a series of events which ended in such a tragedy."

It is understood Ms Durbarbier has resigned from her positions as trustee and manager but will stay on as manager until a meeting can be held to discuss future arrangements.

The full statement reads: “Dear Reader, This is my apology to you. Please bear with me and forgive me if it is somewhat long winded and forgive me if it comes across as in any way as arrogant – that is not my intent. It is the most humblest of apologies to you all, trustees, staff, supporters, volunteers, friends and those who may not know WGW at all as an organisation but deserve an apology.

"I was at the event last Sunday when one of our greyhounds, Tank, so very tragically lost his life. It was within my power to have prevented this but one sentence spoken, given as a concern rather than a direct instruction as it should have been and was within my authority as Kennel Manager to do, set in motion a series of events which ended in such a tragedy.

"As Kennel Manager I have for many years been the one who always has a solution, is the cool head of reason (though many of you who know me well will find that hard to believe) and finds the way forward. However, in recent days I have felt unable to do any of these things. I have found myself paralysed by grief and remorse, the depths of which I have never known, and above all these things I have come to understand just how very badly I have betrayed your trust in me to keep every greyhound in our care safe and do my very best by them.

"Therefore, I have this morning tendered my resignation to our trustees.

"Please continue to support this most wonderful organisation and find it in your hearts to forgive this momentary error of judgement. Allow them to continue the work they do, tirelessly and with a passion and love that knows no bounds. Denise”