Video Footage Confirms Lack of Welfare For Greyhounds
Video footage of kennels belonging to professional greyhound trainer Eve Blanchard who is attached to Poole stadium, clearly confirms the racing industry’s failure to provide basic welfare conditions for greyhounds or comply with environmental and associated legislation.
Ms Blanchard, charges £4.00 per day to anyone wishing to run a dog through her kennels that at the time of filming did not even have lighting. Of further concern is the lack of heating. Ms Blanchard, however, believes the little heat generated by a group of dogs living within a confined area and sound proofing installed about 20 years ago helps keep the animals warm during the colder winter months. It was noted that overnight temperatures fell to -6°c in Dorset last week and the housing of greyhounds in damp freezing conditions would surely constitute as cruel and causing unnecessary suffering – a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
National Greyhound Racing Club Area Steward, Colin Betteridge, is aware of problems and Ms Blanchard was recently served with an Improvement Notice that covers issues including a leaking roof. Mr Betteridge will be visiting the kennels again in the near future to see if improvements judged necessary have been carried out.
Ms Blanchard had at one time about 70 dogs but was to say she now has only 30 and “most of those aren’t running because they are sided-lined and lame.” Until recently, the dogs included Corrig Cinders – a beautiful white and blue female – that was put-to-sleep at Poole track after sustaining a broken shoulder in a horrific incident whilst contending only her 17th race.
And the ‘lucky’ greyhounds that survive a career on the track are likely to spend the remainder of their life – perhaps another 7 years – in Ms Blanchard’s kennels.
Tracey Seymour, who runs the Devon and South-West branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust, said Ms Blanchard “doesn’t home her dogs with anyone. She lets them rot and die in her kennel… She’s the world’s worst nightmare. She’s one of these trainers that believe a greyhound should spend the rest of its life in a kennel rotting until it dies and then she gets people to go round there and dig holes and bury them rather than give them the chance of a home.”
Ms Seymour spoke with the trainer when first linking-up with Poole stadium, in the hope some of the dogs could be found loving homes but said Ms Blanchard “wouldn’t budge, she wouldn’t give her dogs over to a homing scheme at all.”
And whilst most people would find the conditions the animals are living in totally unacceptable, Mr Betteridge said there is “no serious issue” and “nothing to be alarmed at”- despite at least 13 sections of the very basic Rules 212 & 213 for racing kennels being breeched and failure to comply with probably all of the Model License Conditions & Guidance for Dog Boarding Establishments – as adopted by the local authorities.
The welfare of animals will always be compromised where there is a profit to be made
**UPDATE: The original video depicting the conditions in the shelter has been removed by the person who originally recorded it. However it has been seen by K9 Magazine and we are happy to keep this article in place as a result.
A spokesperson for Greyt Exploitations said “Until such a time as commercial greyhound racing is abolished, we hope the video will motivate the public to write to their MP’s – http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/commons/l/ – and respectfully request the licensing of racing kennels be undertaken by those who presently and very successfully, license commercial boarding kennels – the local authorities.
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Regardless of the personal circumstances surrounding this trainer – you really have to question the attitude of the Area Steward who was paid to do a job – enforce the Rules of Racing and ensure the welfare of the greyhounds. I dread to think just many more of the 1,000 plus racing kennels are in the same condition or even worse.
Perhaps due to intended neglect or because this dead and dying leisure industry has never willingly financed or enforced welfare to a level of decency as demanded by modern society.
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Clearly the conditions at this trainers Kennels need drastic improvement. Or if that improvement cannot be provided because the finances aren't there, they should be shut down and the Greyhound owners should find an alternative trainer or retire their animals to a rehoming centre if they don't want to provide them with a home themselves. To get things in a little perspective though please remember that bad conditions like these might be found in any kennels, they don't have to be for Greys, you might be at a puppy farm for any other breed. So beware of jumping on the 'everything is bad and wrong' in the Greyhound world, because it's not; their are responsible owners and trainers out there who will do the best they can for their dogs, and the same goes for any breed. So don't forget to show your support for your local Grey rehoming centre. Generally the staff their are all volunteers, and work hard to look after their rehome dogs and to find them a new and loving homes.
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Greyhounder – can I ask what qualifies you to say 'So beware of jumping on the 'everything is bad and wrong' in the Greyhound world, because it's not'
And also question whether your statement – 'if that improvement cannot be provided because the finances aren't there, they should be shut down' – should also apply to the whole industry?
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have or are the rspca visiting this kennels to see the conditions these greyhounds are kept in? Shocking video, that greyhound at the end holding the bars in his mouth he/she looked so desperate to get out, very upsetting.
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Nonsense
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This video is absolute nonsense.The kennel lights were stitched to off !!.The so called kennelhand was complaining about the beds being wet,that is what she was being paid to sort out not taking her idiot friends around to make a documentary.The trainer in question can never be described as a race them, then shoot them person.I personally think that Tracey down in Devon has a hidden agenda as she and a handful of trainers seem to be making a fortune out of the industry for stockpiling dogs for re-homing.
I personally think that the money that the industry provide for re-homing should be re-examined and these activist held more to account for their actions
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Amber – the RSPCA are now aware of the situation. Whether they see the psychological impact on these dogs of being kept in the dark and in solitary confinement with practically no exercise – as an issue – is another thing. I am sure a monumental effort will have been made to improve kennel conditions since the video became public – which can only be good for the greyhounds.
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Rich
All the available lighting was on at the time of filming. The discussion between the commentator and the 'experienced' kennel hand at the beginning of the video about the lack of lighting clearly indicates the dim lighting was the norm.
The walls and wooden beds were wet when the commentator went in to clean – meaning these dogs will have had to sleep in urine soaked bedding surrounded by soaking wet walls, with no form of heating, whilst external temperatures dropped below freezing.
I personally think the whole industry should be 'held more to account for their actions' including lack of funding – lack of regulating – resulting in lack of welfare.
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DiH Reply:
January 20th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Trudy
TBH when I 1st saw this video I was shocked and disheartened but then I realised that the antis have made it out to look as if Eve is mistreating her dogs which clearly isn't the case.
Have you seen the kennels first hand ?
Read what has been written on the greyhound forum by people that know Eve.
This is a very underhand act ( and an illegal one from what I can make out which is now going to be investigated !! ) by an anti against an old woman who clearly loves her dogs and if you look at the dogs they are all healthy .
I am disgusted by the lengths some people will go to just to get greyhound racing banned.
There are many dogs being phsically abused in this country yet the antis pick on an old woman whose only crime is to love her dogs too much .
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TrudyB Reply:
January 25th, 2009 at 2:26 am
This comment is currently in moderation.
Di
If you do not consider keeping dogs in these kennels – with or without lighting – as mistreatment, then clearly we and I would say the vast majority of the public have differing standards. I would dispute dogs kept in these conditions which are unable to exhibit their natural behaviour can be considered healthy and 'clearly loved'. This video is not about the persecution of the an old woman – Eve Blanchard declares herself to be 74 and has earned many thousands of pounds through racing greyhounds and continues to do so. Ms Blanchard employed the commentator as a kennel hand – cash in hand – and the commentator was totally shocked by what she saw and filmed it. What is of greater concern is the Area Steward who knowing of the conditions and rules breached served only an Improvement Notice.
Likewise, I am disgusted at the depths the industry will sink to, simply to keep greyhound racing 'alive' .
Have you seen the kennels first hand?
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Trudy
All the available lighting was not on in those kennels i can assure you. As for the beds the commentator could not have cleaned them very well the previous day could she!. I have been over at those kennels after open racing at 2 a.m in the morning when the trainer has asked me to help her put coats on all the dogs because the weather has taken a turn for the worst. As a trainer her only downfall is that she refuses to lay down to the so called animal welfare groups ,that are taking all the money out of the sport.
Each trainer has a choice to try and home the greyhounds themselves or to send them to somebody like Tracey in Devon,but it is the trainers and owners choice nobody else.
Rich
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Rich__If you can assure us that all the available lighting was NOT on then you must be able to comment on the condition of the kennels that day – so please enlighten us. You would also know the video was taken on what was the commentator's second day of employment. Ms Blanchard – who we are led to believe just 'loves her dogs too much' – would surely have checked the credentials of a new employee and their standard of work before entrusting her dogs with a perfect stranger. Regardless, the deterioration and conditions shown in the video will not have developed overnight or could possibly have been contrived by the commentator.
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'her only downfall is that she refuses to lay down to the so called animal welfare groups ,that are taking all the money out of the sport' . This comment reveals Ms Blanchard's callous attitude towards welfare in that it is financially draining on hers and the industry's profits.__It is very sad that Ms Blanchard's refusal to work with the RGT and find a loving retirement home for her greyhounds, results in her dogs having to endure cold, dark and damp conditions in what can only be described as solitary confinement for the rest of its life.
Unlike her beloved Borzois which she keeps in comparative luxury in the warmth and comfort of her house!
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Trudy,
The comment about the so called animal welfare groups is made by me.Obviously you seem to know a lot about these kennels,presumably you were in them when the filming took place.If I came to your house after dark and took a video I could probably say anything i liked about the conditions that you keep your animals in although that would be trespassing would it not. I can assure you that all the greyhounds in that Kennel are treated very well.
If a greyhound is to run at its optimum it has to be treated well,it has to be happy and it has to be fit.
I did not know that it was the commentators second day of employment but it did not take her long to get a video out did it! Perhaps she had already been primed to take the video before she even went into the job.
Unfortunately you and I will never agree on greyhound racing as a sport but we do have a common ground and that is the greyhounds themselves.
I know for a fact that the trainer is not making thousands of pounds out of the sport,normally each month is run at a loss,normally because she will flatly refuse to run a dog if she thinks it could be lame or it has not run up to its ability the race before.That does not sound like a person who is in it just for the pound signs.
I appreciate your views and know that you will carry on campaigning for all breeds but please lets not get into trespassing to do so as one day a person or an animal is going to get hurt.
In the meantime i will campaign for better regulations of the people that take in retired dogs prior to homing until i am satisfied that they are not just doing it to supplement their salaries.
Rich
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Very interesting to see that the video taken by Hannah has been removed from here and from You Tube. I would love to know why .
Any answers Trudy ??
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TrudyB Reply:
January 25th, 2009 at 2:18 am
The reason as you very well know Di, is because she has received threatening phone calls from greyhound trainers – not only to her directly but her family as well.
In your own words from Greyhound Scene forum-
'The video has also been removed from the online dog magazine by request from Hannah – I think dear old Hannah maybe pooing herself,what a shame'
I am absolutely appalled – that you as a moderator of the forum – have actively encouraged the harassing and threatening behaviour of forum members towards Hannah. Clearly you are no better than them and have incited what can only be described as hatred.
I can assure you every comment on that forum has been recorded, logged and electronically verified. If any harm comes to her – I shall have no hesitation in handing the details over to the police.
So Rich – aka freddie61 – you just better make sure Hannah stays safe and Tracey Seymour for that matter!
As usual this industry believes they are a law unto itself and as I said earlier – I am disgusted at the depths the industry will sink to, simply to keep greyhound racing 'alive' .
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Hi Rich
As always you talk a load of nonsense, you make any excuse to defend this sick and vile industry. These kennels are disgusting simple as. I will however continue to write to my MP and demonstrate outside Greyhound stadiums to stop this cruel industry. See you on the gates.
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TrudyB Reply:
January 25th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Thank you for your support Morris.
This industry WILL be exposed for the cruel, corrupt and lawless industry it is!
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morris i dont suppose it will bother the greyhound owners the trainers or the members of public but i hope the weather extremely cold or wet so you suffer then perhaps it will learn you not to do or stop what others enjoy i will be happy sitting in the nice warm stadium laughing at you
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trudy baker, like i thought all mouth and trousers left my phone number with you but i notice you would not have the decency to ring me but then decency is something you would know nothing about
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TrudyB Reply:
January 25th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Brian
You contacted me via the website and I emailed you last Thursday with this –
Hi Brian
Hope this email finds you in good health.
I have no idea of what your involvement is in greyhound racing, so perhaps you can tell me.
I'm not sure what you would like to discuss but if there are aspects of the greytexploitations campaign that you think are non factual or do not give a true representation of the lack of welfare consistent with greyhound racing then please let me know and I will gladly address it.
I hope you will appreciate I cannot promote the industry in anyway – that is the job of the GBGB.
The fact that you have had the courtesy to contact me – tells me you are prepared to debate any issues in an adult fashion and for that you have my respect.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Trudy
You have failed to reply…………………….
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Hi Brian
Yes it's sometimes cold on the gate but don't worry i won't be going anywhere, no doubt you will be enjoying yourself but i doubt the dogs will that keep getting killed on the track.
I have noticed on another posting you like to give people your telephone number but don't bother with me as i am far to busy working with 2 Greyhound rescue centres picking up the pieces that the industry leaves behind.
Like i said before see you on the gate and if you can be bothered to come out and speak to us please bring out a cup of tea as it can get very cold.
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Hi trudy its me Rich aka Rich.I think you must be getting me mixed up with somebody else?
Was I at anytime seen to threaten either Hannah or Tracey,all i am suggesting is that when two sides collide on a subject that they feel strongly about it is normally that subject that gets damaged the most.
All my intentions are focused upon whether a homing group can provide a satisfactory after care once the greyhounds have been re-homed.for instance do they provide to the industry a case by case history for each dog,plus a for instance six monthly check on how the dog is doing.From where i am looking if you home 3,000 dogs that is going to take a lot of manpower to do the checking.If checks are not being done then it makes this current system no better than anybody elses.
My other concern is with the people that take the dogs in prior to homing.Have they got the proper qualifications for doing so,how much do they charge?,what is their motive for doing so.
Rich(Just Rich nobody else)
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Morris,
I thought you would be able to put up a little more intelligent agument for your case against Greyhound racing rather than just ranting about how it should be stopped,however i might not be doing you justice as i have only been reading this site for a week and you could have been writing on here for years.
You will not be seeing me on the gates as i have no current interest in greyhound racing,but respect the wishes of those that do.In all my years on the racing circuit I have met a wide range of people and the occasional bad eggs that you get in any industry are soon edged out.
Any person that lasts for twenty years in this industry are only in it for the dogs i can assure you.
I wish you well in your protests but you might find it more beneficial to find a bit more reasoning behind your convictions.
Rich
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morris
i would not buy you a cup of tea if it was freezing cold on the gate in my opinion you and your kind are a complete waste of time and space on this earth we dont need your kind in the greyhound homing centres when all you do is slag of the racing industry.do you get paid for rehoming greyhound or do you work voluntarily
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Morris Reply:
January 30th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Brian
Sorry for the late response but i have been cleaning up the mess that the racing industry leaves behind. To answer your question i do not get paid a penny for my voluntary work, neither do i claim any mileage or telephone calls etc.
As for the cup of tea i will take a flask i am sure it will taste a lot better than what they serve at the stadiums.
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Rich
The problem you have with those involved in re-homing is another issue but even if Ms Blanchard has your same cynical attitude towards re-homing groups – in no way does it excuse the disgusting conditions these greyhounds are kept in whilst racing or retired.
Dingy, cold and damp kennels – wet and rotting wood – shredded newspaper for bedding – 5-10 minutes 'exercise' in a muddy patch covered with dog dirt – no contact with other dogs – very little human contact, let alone affection. My god – what an existence for these poor greyhounds and you dare to criticise re-homing groups that work tirelessly to provide a decent and loving home for greyhounds?
I suggest you seriously consider whether your enjoyment of greyhound racing and attitude towards re-homing groups justifies keeping these greyhounds in what amounts to solitary confinement for their entire lives.
I find it quite sinister that you have no issue with greyhounds being raced to death for a monetary prize – such as Corrig Cinders – but yet you question the financial motives of re-homing groups.
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morris, do you work for a greyhound re-homing centre ? if all your work is voluntry are you retired ? what mess are you clearing up i ask this because i dont understand what you mean you should be able to answer this on a postage stamp i cannot call you an anti because as you say you are helping the greyhound industry
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TrudyB Reply:
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Well Di, Rich and Brian, I hope you slept comfortably in your nice warm beds last night whilst Ms Blanchard's dogs were subjected to sleeping in what can only be described as a rotting wooden shed in below freezing temperatures.
I certainly didn't sleep – wondering how cold these greyhounds must have been last night and how many others are kept in the same or even worse conditions.
Your defence of this situation has been pathetic – encouraging the bullying of Hannah with threatening phone calls and justifying these disgusting conditions for fear of handing over a re-homing fee to someone who may or may not be financially driven.
And Brian as usual you have contributed nothing to this debate apart from your usual 'anti' rantings.
Not one of you has shown any compassion or concern for these dogs which can only confirm one thing – like Ms Blanchard and the area steward – you consider the abuse and neglect of these greyhounds perfectly acceptable.
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Well Di, Rich and Brian, I hope you slept comfortably in your nice warm beds last night whilst Ms Blanchard's dogs were subjected to sleeping in what can only be described as a rotting wooden shed in below freezing temperatures.
I certainly didn't sleep – wondering how cold these greyhounds must have been last night and how many others are kept in the same or even worse conditions.
Your defence of this situation has been pathetic – encouraging the bullying of Hannah with threatening phone calls and justifying these disgusting conditions for fear of handing over a re-homing fee to someone who may or may not be financially driven.
And Brian as usual you have contributed nothing to this debate apart from your usual 'anti' rantings.
Not one of you has shown any compassion or concern for these dogs which can only confirm one thing – like Ms Blanchard and the area steward – you consider the abuse and neglect of these greyhounds perfectly acceptable.
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well trudy if you have got anything to say to me say it in the open and not via e-mail yes i did sleep well last night as im sure eve's dogs did you say i have not contributed anything about these dogs but i do not take any notice of propaganda from may 08 .
what have you done to help this lady with her dogs the only thing you do is try to ruin peoples lives and their livihoods .
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Brian
Tracey Seymour has much better resources than me to re-home these greyhounds and the RGB – which has had NO website for over a month since the NGRC dissolved – have grants available to help Ms Blanchard.
By choice Ms Blanchard refused help from the RGT and by choice the steward did very little to improve welfare for these dogs.
What have I done to help these dogs ? Very simple – raised awareness of this exploitative industry.
I would dispute I have ruined Ms Blanchard's life or livelihood , however if this factual video has affected her life or livelihood, then she must accept the consequences for breeching the Rules of Racing, breaking environmental and animal welfare law. The racing industry must also accept the consequences for allowing her to do so.
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what rule was broken? there are alot of people who are rgt registered but take nothing as regaurd to funding your video was taken in may 2008 how do you know what has been done at eve's kennels .
how do you know what ive done for the greyhound industry you will not discuss this only by e-mail it just proves to me that youre not who you say you are , like clive ellis you hide behind a fictional name this is one thing i have never done
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Brian
I am registered on Greyhound Data – I had to supply a copy of my passport to become verified.
http://www.greyhound-data.com/profile.php?land=&a...
I have nothing to hide but as I have told you – I do not want to discuss any issues on the phone in the event you misunderstand me or misquote me.
Here are your industry's minimum requirements for licensed kennels, which incidentally are listed in the Rules of Racing – a copy of which you should have.
http://www.greytexploitations.com/resources-and-r...
You don't have to be the brightest crayon in the box to see which rules were broken.
I have no idea what – if any – improvements have been made at the kennels but as the video has been out for 3 weeks now, wouldn't you have thought we would have seen some photographic evidence to discredit the video?
I'm sure Rich would have been more than eager to confirm the video as 'absolute nonsense' if he could.
But to date – 3 weeks later – we have no visual defence at all.
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