Worldwide protest at greyhound track plan
Last updated at 22:44, Monday, 10 March 2008
Last week the council discussed the possibility of turning the running track around the rugby ground, Tarn Close, into a greyhound course.
However, the move has been criticised by campaigners from as far away as America and New Zealand for promoting a “barbaric” sport, amid claims that thousands of greyhounds are killed or abandoned once they pass their prime.
In a letter to the News & Star, Judith Swain, of Swansea, says: “I am very disappointed that Cockermouth Town Council is discussing the possibility of a new greyhound stadium in Cumbria.
“Greyhound racing creates a demand for the breeding of more and more greyhounds, most of which will be slaughtered or abandoned if they fail to make the grade or when their racing careers are over.
“Each year 10,000 greyhounds retire from racing, but only 2,000 are known to be rehomed. Many dogs are cruelly killed by drowning in rivers after heavy weights have been attached to them or abandoned without food or water.
“There is a shortage of homes available for so many dogs. There is rapidly growing opposition to greyhound racing by people concerned about the fate of the dogs.
“I urge Cockermouth Town Council not to support and promote this barbaric ‘sport’ by permitting a new greyhound stadium in Cumbria.”
Cockermouth town and Allerdale borough councillor Alan Smith said he and fellow councillors had received emails of protest from others across the globe, including America and New Zealand.
He said he was researching the possibilities with Cockermouth mayor Sam Standage and town clerk David Bertram after he was asked by a member of the public to raise the issue at the last council meeting.
He added: “At the moment it’s only a suggestion – nothing’s been decided.
“We’ve had reaction from Bolton and Blackburn and all over the place saying if there was a greyhound track they would support it.”
He said both sides of the argument would be presented to a full meeting of Cockermouth Town Council on March 19 but added any possible go ahead for the idea would need outside funding.
Greyhound racing was a popular sport in west Cumbria until the closure of Workington’s Lonsdale Stadium nine years ago.
First published at 13:14, Saturday, 08 March 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
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As an international greyhound protection organisation, we are delighted that the idea for this track has been rejected.
Our research indicates that the British greyhound racing industry is responsible for the deaths of at least 15,000 greyhounds every year.
These are mostly dogs that are "put down" after failing to make the grade as racers, but a large number are also killed after their racing "careers" come to an end, either through age or injury.
That is why one of the last things this country needs is another greyhound track and also why we are calling on members of the public not to attend or bet on greyhound racing, so this death-industry fades away through lack of financial support.
See our website at www.greyhoundaction.org.uk for more information.
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In response to 'Kenny' - I often visit kennels, own a retired greyhound (who was found wandering and emaciated) and worked for the League Against Cruel Sports. To care for animal welfare is not a negative attitude surely!?! And it is clark not clarke.
Posted by Louise Clark on 28 March 2008 at 13:32