An international greyhound protection group is urging London & Quadrant to stand firm and press ahead with its plans to build affordable housing on the site of the former Walthamstow greyhound stadium.

Greyhound Action's call comes in the wake of L&Q's decision to cancel public consultation events, following alleged threats by members of the Save Our Stow campaign, who want greyhound racing to return to the stadium. (See www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/8719418.Stow_meetings_cancelled_over_security_fears)

The group also slammed London Mayor Boris Johnson and local MPs Stella Creasy and Iain Duncan Smith, who have all called for the return of the dog track.

Tony Peters, Greyhound Action's UK Co-ordinator, said: "If it is true that threats were made, that hardly surprises us, as those who are happy to support the cruel and callous greyhound racing industry are hardly likely to refrain from abusing people who might stand in their way.

"Our own supporters have been attacked by such characters, while peacefully protesting against greyhound racing, so we are well aware of the nastiness that they can dish out.

"We are very pleased that L&Q are standing firm despite the pressure that is being put on them and we are urging them to continue to do so.

"We were delighted when greyhound racing came to an end at the stadium in 2008 and would like to see housing built on the site as soon as possible, so there is no possibility of the dog track ever returning.

"Latest research indicates that the existence of the British greyhound racing industry is responsible for the putting to death of over 12,000 greyhounds every year.

"In addition, thousands of injuries to greyhounds, many of them serious, occur every year in Britain, mainly because the shape of the tracks, with fast straights leading into tight bends, creates a very dangerous environment for dogs to run in.

That's why we constantly encourage the public not to attend or bet on greyhound races, so this appalling death-industry comes to an end and also why the expansion of that industry through the reopening of the Walthamstow track would be an absolute tragedy from an animal welfare point of view.

"It would also not make any economic sense, as the stadium was experiencing serious financial problems before being sold to L&Q and, in the intervening 2½ years, public interest in greyhound racing has declined even further, leading to the closure of several other major tracks.

"The choice is between much-needed housing on one hand and a callous and unnecessary activity on the other, so it seems pretty obvious which one of these any humane and rational person should support.

"Sadly, neither Boris Johnson, Stella Creasy nor Iain Duncan Smith appear to fall into this category, so it seems obvious that they are prepared to see greyhounds suffer and die for some sort of perceived political advantage.

"Despite the disgraceful lack of support from these politicians, we urge L&Q to ignore all threats and pressure from dog racing supporters and to push ahead with their housing plans, for the benefit of people and greyhounds alike."

Contact: Tony Peters on 01562 700 043 or 07703 558724

For more information, see the Greyhound Action website at www.greyhoundaction.org.uk