Greyhound racing ban a step closer

CAMPAIGNERS who want to put an end to greyhound racing have scored a victory by securing a debate in Parliament tomorrow.

It got the green light after a petition calling for a ban received nearly 105,000 signatures. Opponents of the sport say the dogs endure “unavoidable suffering”.

The Alliance Against Greyhound Racing, which organised the petition, claims “negotiating tight bends at high speeds puts enormous pressure on their limbs resulting in fractures and torn tendons and ligaments”.

It argues the time has come for a full ban, saying: “No amount of welfare tweaking can change the reality of greyhounds being injured – nor the fact that dogs as young as two or three are routinely discarded by the industry each year to face uncertain futures. The British public has had enough.”

But Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which regulates licensed racing, insisted the welfare of dogs was “absolutely paramount”.

He said: “Any sort of ban on licensed greyhound racing would have devastating consequences economically, socially and in terms of animal welfare.

“Through the loss of thousands of jobs, a ban would cause immense economic damage to areas of the country already associated with social deprivation and unemployment. But of most concern, there would be a significant welfare crisis in terms of homing thousands of greyhounds.”

The board says the industry has an estimated turnover of £2.6billion and employs more than 7,000 people. The number of greyhounds put to sleep has fallen from 710 in 2019 to 411 in 2020 (including sudden or natural deaths), with injuries down from 4,970 to 3,575.

Britain’s Kennel Club made the case for a “mandatory Government levy” to ensure the dogs are given the care they need during their racing lives and when they are rehomed.

Dr Samantha Gaines, of the RSPCA, said there “remain significant welfare issues which need tackling to ensure greyhound welfare is adequately safeguarded”.