Weekend of "carnage" at Manchester's "Stadium of Death"

Greyhound 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."

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.