Greyhound protection campaigners have renewed their calls for the closure of the dog track at Manchester's Belle Vue Stadium after yet another greyhound was put to death there, after being seriously injured during a race last Thursday.

The three year old dog, called Balreask Touch, was in the lead in the ninth race of the evening, when he fell badly at the first bend.

He was carried from the track and later "put down" by a vet.

This latest death comes less than two weeks after three other greyhounds were killed at the track over a two day period.

Tony Peters, UK Co-ordinator for international greyhound protection group Greyhound Action said: "We are frequently informed about the deaths of greyhounds at Belle Vue by 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.

"The serious injury to Balreask Touch, and the subsequent ending of his life, is just the latest incident 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 this latest death 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."

Please contact Greyhound Action North-West at  greyhoundactionnorthwest@hotmail.co.uk or on 07952 238592, if you can help
with the campaign to close the Belle Vue track.