Triple Death at Greyhound Stadium Provokes Outrage From Welfare Campaigners
Published on June 1, 2009 by Freelance Contributors · 2 CommentsGreyhound protection campaigners have renewed their calls for the closure of the dog track at Manchester’s Belle Vue Stadium after three dogs were “put down” following serious injuries this past weekend.
On Friday evening, a greyhound called Happy Hawk fell badly while racing and was carried from the track.
Then, during Saturday night’s races, a greyhound called Blue Fern was seriously injured after colliding with another dog and, in the last race of the evening, another greyhound, Liam Maldini, was also badly hurt following a collision.
All three dogs were later “put down” by a veterinary surgeon, because of the extent of their injuries.
Tony Peters, UK Co-ordinator for international greyhound protection group Greyhound Action said: “We found out about the deaths of these dogs from an official at the track, who has become sympathetic to our campaign, because he is sickened by the number of injuries to greyhounds that occur there.
“He is not happy working at Belle Vue, but we have persuaded him to continue, at least for the time being, so he can provide us with information.
“The serious injuries to these three dogs, and the subsequent ending of their lives, are just the latest incidents in a catalogue of carnage associated with Belle Vue, which our local branch have dubbed the ‘Stadium of Death’.
“Details obtained by greyhound protection campaigners under the Freedom of Information Act indicate that over 40 dogs are being ‘put down’ annually at the stadium after suffering injuries there.
“In addition, hundreds of other greyhounds, bred because of the demand created by Belle Vue, are put to death as puppies or young dogs, before they even make it to the track, after being judged unsuitable for racing.
“According to our most recent research, as many as 15,000 greyhounds, bred for the British racing industry, are ‘put down’ every year, after failing to make the grade as racers or when their ‘careers’ on the tracks come to an end.
“An RSPCA report on greyhound racing has stated that ‘at least 20 greyhounds a day – either puppies which do not make the track, or retired dogs aged three or four – simply disappear, presumed killed’.
“Members of the public can help put an end to this horrific situation by not attending dog tracks or betting on greyhound racing, so this appalling industry fades away through lack of financial support.
“In response to these latest deaths at Belle Vue, our local branch have renewed their call for the closure of the dog track there and will be continuing with their demonstrations outside the stadium.”
For more information, please visit Greyhound Action’s website at www.greyhoundaction.org.uk
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Tags: Animal Welfare
I would most certainly like to voice my opinion on what has happened at Belle Vue Stadium. It is an absolute disgrace and about time Greyhound racing was put to bed. The way the Greyhound Industry treat their dogs beggers belief these people are a disgrace to society and the human race. The things that happen to these animals is down right disgusting firstly killed while racing secondly when racing days are over they are either drowned shot or just simply abandoned before being abandoned a lot of them have their ears cut off so as not to be traced back to the evil owner it is time all this cruelty stopped. Greyhounds are the most gentle dogs there are I have two and four small yorkies and they all get on wonderfully well together. I have just had a email about a dog called Frida who was found starving and badly scalded on a Middlesbrough Housing Estate and that is just the tip of the iceburg time to close all stadiums and stop this cruelty and prosecute all the people who are so cruel to these dogs.I suggest that the owners of any animal that makes them money get off their lazy backsides and get a job themselves and not let the poor animal do all the work for them they really are scum these people.
Please, please, please stop this barbarious sport! These dogs give their hearts to racing, they do the best they can to make these barstards money, & it is only about money!
I have recently taken on a rescued racer, he is the most wonderful, calm loving gentleman & yes I say gentleman because thats exactly what he is. He has been to hell & back, then back again but he is so trusting, so gentle so accepting of everything I ask of him, never does he show any mood swings relating to his very recent terrible past. I am ashamed to be part of the same human race as those who do these things to these wonderful proud & loving dogs!