An international greyhound protection group has renewed its calls for the closure of the dog track at Manchester's Belle Vue Stadium, after learning of the death yet another greyhound there.

Greylag Sophie, who was less than two years old, collapsed and died suddenly at the end of a race last Wednesday afternoon, following a collision with another dog on the first bend.

The greyhound's death has led to increased support for Greyhound Action's call for an end to dog racing at the stadium, where the group's local supporters already hold regular demonstrations.

Tony Peters, Greyhound Action's UK Co-ordinator, said: "Greylag Sophie's tragic death is just one of a long list of greyhound fatalities at Belle Vue Stadium.

"We were informed of the incident by an official at the track, who has become increasingly concerned about the suffering and slaughter of dogs caused by the greyhound racing industry.

"Just a few weeks ago, another young dog, called Afflecks Palace, was 'put down' by the track vet, after being seriously injured when he was knocked over by another dog during a race.

"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.

"Thousands of injuries to greyhounds, many of them serious, occur every year in Britain. The main reason for this is that the shape of the tracks, with fast straights
leading into tight bends, creates a very dangerous environment for dogs to run in.

"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 recent research, more than 12,000 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 death-industry fades away through lack of financial support."

To join the campaign to end greyhound racing at Belle Vue, contact Greyhound Action North-West at  greyhoundactionnorthwest@hotmail.co.uk