Call for end to racing after four dogs die
An international greyhound protection group has called for an end to dog racing at Swindon, after learning that four greyhounds were fatally injured in races at the track last month.

An international greyhound protection group has called for an end to dog racing at Swindon Greyhound Stadium, after learning that four greyhounds were fatally injured in races at the Blunsdon track last month.

On July 7th, Rackethall Kenny, age two, fell after he was involved in a pile up with three other dogs on the second bend and, two days later, another two year old, Swift Abel, fell at the same bend and was carried from the track with a serious leg injury.

Then, on July 30th, a two year old female, called Wots Er Name, also fell at the second bend and, the following day, six year old Daytwo fell after a collision with two other greyhounds at the first bend.

All four dogs were so seriously injured that the track vet decided that they should be "put down".

Now campaign group Greyhound Action, which claims to have received the information from a sympathiser working at the stadium, is calling for the dog track to be closed.

The group's UK Co-ordinator, Tony Peters, said: "We were informed of this appalling carnage by an employee at the track, who has become increasingly disturbed about the suffering and slaughter of dogs caused by the greyhound racing industry.

"He also told us that there were concerns about a recent deterioration of the racing surface at the track, which may have contributed to these tragic incidents.

"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 the Swindon track, 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 industry fades away through lack of financial support."

A photo taken at a demonstration by local Greyhound Action supporters outside Swindon Greyhound Stadium can be viewed and downloaded (right click on picture) at http://tinyurl.com/SwindonDemo for use, free of charge.

For more information, please visit Greyhound Action's website at http://www.greyhoundaction.org.uk

Contact: Tony Peters on 01562 700 043 or 07703 558724.