End racing call after dog's death (From Oxford Mail)

Close this place down? Why, because of one dogs death?

I am not a lover of dog racing or any racing, but don't more horses die each year from racing than dog racing?

Where are the calls to stop horse racing? Too much money involved I'm afraid.

Some groups need to take a good look around before they make stupid statements.

If a football player breaks a nail - sorry their leg, people don't scream for football to be banned.

Did the dog really have to be destroyed though ? There are plenty of places that will take ex-racing dogs.

Jamie Burns wrote:
If a football player breaks a nail - sorry their leg, people don't scream for football to be banned. Did the dog really have to be destroyed though ? There are plenty of places that will take ex-racing dogs.

Very bad break Jamie, it would have suffered.

Perhaps "greyhound action" could be put out of its misery. Bring me my syringe, Martha.

Maybe we should form "TONY ACTION" to end the Inherent Stupidity of people like Tony, and save the rest of us from the misery they cause.

Golum wrote:
Close this place down? Why, because of one dogs death? I am not a lover of dog racing or any racing, but don't more horses die each year from racing than dog racing? Where are the calls to stop horse racing? Too much money involved I'm afraid. Some groups need to take a good look around before they make stupid statements.

Around 400 horses are raced to death every year - whilst it is estimated 1,500 greyhounds sustain on track injuries resulting in them being destroyed for economic reasons.

Some people need to educate themselves before they make uninformed statements.

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=nZjzY3COo
ds

Lord Palmerston wrote:
Perhaps "greyhound action" could be put out of its misery. Bring me my syringe, Martha.

Yes - I suspect that's how you deal with your financial liabilities once they become a nuisance - injured or too slow.

Petar Mcvey wrote:
Maybe we should form "TONY ACTION" to end the Inherent Stupidity of people like Tony, and save the rest of us from the misery they cause.

The misery in your industry is of your own doing.

What a miserable existence you must already endure, to have to exploit these innocent creatures for your own selfish needs - financial or emotional.

Ban all animal racing, all the animals are started when they are far too young, none of them receive the care they should, it again is all about money, and while we're on the subject of banning things because animals get injured then fox hunting is a very high contender! (THREE types in the one go, dogs, horses and foxes)
Unfortunately two of three main 'sports' that involve animals are really centred around the rich - go figure

Trudy, are you the last resident of Middlesborough? I was under the impression that all its inhabitants were in Oxford Night Shelter.
I'm sure it must be lonely for you but never mind, you're no doubt fully occupied with your Cause as Single Issue Fanatics tend to be. Was Mel Broughton a mate of yours?

Trudyb wrote:

Golum wrote: Close this place down? Why, because of one dogs death? I am not a lover of dog racing or any racing, but don't more horses die each year from racing than dog racing? Where are the calls to stop horse racing? Too much money involved I'm afraid. Some groups need to take a good look around before they make stupid statements.

Around 400 horses are raced to death every year - whilst it is estimated 1,500 greyhounds sustain on track injuries resulting in them being destroyed for economic reasons. Some people need to educate themselves before they make uninformed statements. http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=nZjzY3COo ds

I am a racing Greyhound owner and i can assure you that the vast majority of Owners,Trainers and Tracks put the Welfare of the dog's as of PARAMOUNT importance. Greyhounds love to run, albeit for a blink of an eye, my wife and i have two of our ex-racers at home and they are the most wonderful animals you could ever have. It is rare for a racer to be put down and it's alway's a shame when it happens' but i will concede it is a risk. To put it into perspective, we've had over 20 racing dogs over the years with over 1250 races between them, and we have never had to have one put down. When they retire they are re-homed to enjoy a life of snoozing on the sofa!!!

'Cause as a Single Issue Fanatic'?

Are you suggesting my opinion os extreme?

Over 10,000 citizens responding to the Governments recent consultation on Greyhound Welfare demanded injury statistics be made public.

The APGAW report stated they should be published as a matter of law and the Donoughue report stated they saw no reason why they should not be published.

The Government, the GBGB or Oxford stadium do not want injury statistics published because of the damage they would do to the gambling industry - who own greyhound racing - and the revenue generated for the Government through the betting of greyhounds.

Trudyb wrote:
'Cause as a Single Issue Fanatic'? Are you suggesting my opinion os extreme? Over 10,000 citizens responding to the Governments recent consultation on Greyhound Welfare demanded injury statistics be made public. The APGAW report stated they should be published as a matter of law and the Donoughue report stated they saw no reason why they should not be published. The Government, the GBGB or Oxford stadium do not want injury statistics published because of the damage they would do to the gambling industry - who own greyhound racing - and the revenue generated for the Government through the betting of greyhounds.

You have a torch which you will always carry, so it's no good arguing with you. Your wrong ,of course, to paint the pictures that you do, but thats people for you!! what i know for a FACT is Greyhounds love to run,chase and to spend the remaining 98% of the time asleep..

Bluealice - you cannot possibly know how the VAST majority of trainers, owners or tracks treat their dogs - no one does. You can only factually speak for yourself.

To put things into perspective and further to evidence obtained through a Freedom of Information request, Belle Vue destroyed 39 greyhounds because their injuries were deemed uneconomical to treat and a further 13 greyhounds because they were deemed uneconomical to re-home - all within a period of just over a year.

This not my opinion - it is fact.

However - I suspect Oxford, being a BAGS track will be no different from Belle Vue - economically - which is why they refuse to publish their injury statistics.

Greyhounds do love to run but they are not born to chase the mechanical lure on a dangerous oval track - which is why so many - 48% - fail to make the grade during their schooling and training.

An extract taken from a recent BBC news story showing the real caring side of greyhound owners.


BUILDER David Smith leads two greyhounds to a secret slaughterhouse where he has killed 10,000 of the dogs for £15 a time.

Within seconds of them entering the breeze block shed, Smith shot both of the retired racing dogs with a bolt gun.

Trudy, no. Your views are not extreme, merely your single minded pursuit of them. You will not understand that in the wider scheme of things your concerns have a negligible weight-for example , why not look for any remaining people in your town and ask them to give up part of their Giros for the survivors in Haiti? The problem is that you will bang the ears of politicians so much that they'll do more bans. This is scarey because I fancy Dave would calculate he'd lose no votes with a greyhound racing ban whilst "Lord" Mendelssohn would have to tell El Gordo that he would lose vote. To beat your daftness then I fear we need to vote nulabour. Omigawd!

Lord Palmerston
Indeed, I do look at the wider scheme of things which is why I feel morally obligated to expose this corrupt government who continue to afford the equally corrupt greyhound industry - owned by the major bookmakers - the status of 'self regulation' in order to protect the millions of pounds revenue generated through the betting on greyhounds.

A status which allows the industry to police itself outside of the law, in breach of - amongst others -the Misuse of Drugs and Animal Welfare Acts, which in turn further encourages an attitude of lawlessness - at the very least - and in many circumstances criminal activity, in our communities by those financially involved with greyhound racing.

Trudyb wrote:
Lord Palmerston Indeed, I do look at the wider scheme of things which is why I feel morally obligated to expose this corrupt government who continue to afford the equally corrupt greyhound industry - owned by the major bookmakers - the status of 'self regulation' in order to protect the millions of pounds revenue generated through the betting on greyhounds. A status which allows the industry to police itself outside of the law, in breach of - amongst others -the Misuse of Drugs and Animal Welfare Acts, which in turn further encourages an attitude of lawlessness - at the very least - and in many circumstances criminal activity, in our communities by those financially involved with greyhound racing.

As i said earlier, you have a Torch and you wont be swayed from your extreme myoptic viewpoint! As an owner do you really think i do not know other owners and trainers up and down the country.Of course i do, and they're all great people who love there dogs. Are you the woman who has been banned from a Greyhound Site because you were a pain in the bum,or was it your friend peter.

bluealice wrote:

Trudyb wrote:
Lord Palmerston Indeed, I do look at the wider scheme of things which is why I feel morally obligated to expose this corrupt government who continue to afford the equally corrupt greyhound industry - owned by the major bookmakers - the status of 'self regulation' in order to protect the millions of pounds revenue generated through the betting on greyhounds. A status which allows the industry to police itself outside of the law, in breach of - amongst others -the Misuse of Drugs and Animal Welfare Acts, which in turn further encourages an attitude of lawlessness - at the very least - and in many circumstances criminal activity, in our communities by those financially involved with greyhound racing.

As i said earlier, you have a Torch and you wont be swayed from your extreme myoptic viewpoint! As an owner do you really think i do not know other owners and trainers up and down the country.Of course i do, and they're all great people who love there dogs. Are you the woman who has been banned from a Greyhound Site because you were a pain in the bum,or was it your friend peter.

If you know that many trainers 'up an down the country' no doubt some of them used the services of the man with the 'bolt gun'. He must have got the 10000+ dogs from somewhere, so no it's not all roses and sunshine is it ?

Sadly it remains a financial business - keeping and racing greyhounds, they are not pets and are not treated as such. It is all too often more economical to destroy a dog and get another than it is to treat it and retire it. This is an undeniable fact, yes I expect some owners do look on them as 'pets' and treat them as such, but the majority don't.

What is extreme about requesting an industry complies with the laws of this land or to be honest, accountable and transparent?

And yes - I truly believe you do not know the other 1,000 plus trainers, the thousands of greyhound owners or how every one of the 27 tracks operate.

However, for arguments sake - how can you possibly say Eve Blanchard, Andrew Peacock, Joanne Page or Howard Mitchelson are great people who love their dogs?

Yes I was banned from a pro racing forum because I questioned the re-homing arrangements of a syndicate dog placed with Michael Peterson - someone who by his own admission does not have a responsible re-homing policy.

http://www.greytexpl
oitations.com/greyho
und-watch/ruby-for-s
ale-new-stock-arrivi
ng

Wow! This is getting really esoteric isn't it? You, my dear lady from the North East, are very clear about the corruption of the present administration and I agree whole heartedly. What has been the Golden Thread of the corrupt set of "governments" since 1997? Why, yes, banning things. You want to ban things. You are a Blairite, a Brownite. In short, Madam, like them you are a totalitarian.

I find it absolutely unbelievable that what was once the second highest (behind Football) Spectator Sport in England nows bares the brunt of a narrow-minded few who call for its immediate demise!! Greyhound Racing is first and foremost a Sport, behind any Sport of this magnitude there lies and Industry, and within any Industry there will be flaws, name me one that doesnt? BUT as long as the people entrusted to keep the integrity of the Sport/Industry of Greyhouind Racing are striving to do so, it should always remain a part of this countrys Sport & Leisure Program.

I have Friends & Associates that are involved both directly and indirectly with Greyhound Racing at Oxford Stadium and they take real pride in what they do! I am certain this is true of 99% of the people that are involved. I have visited Training establishments for these Dogs are I can honestly say that all the Dogs I saw were in the best of health and seemed genuinely happy. Sure Ive read atricles in the National Press about cases where Greyhounds have met with an inappropriate end, but these are isolated cases, they must be when you consider the scale of this Sport and the Fixtures it provides. As for comments made on this subject about the Dogs being started too early and not being cared for ........ by who? by how many? This issue must be looked at through figures and ratios and if done so these 'do-gooders/no-goode
rs would be shown up for the Fools that they are!! In the main the Sport of Greyhound Racing is a much valued part of a Communitys social activies. The people entrusted with the care of terrific hounds ie Trainers/ Kennelhands dedicate their lives to them. They earn a living, of course they do, and why shouldnt they? But to imply that the actions of a few and unfortunate injuries suffered by DECREASING number OF Greyhounds is a basis to stop this Sport/ Industry is TOTAL MADNESS!! I call on some of people making thses comments to be a little more in-touch with their subject and whole lot more in-touch with THEMSELVES.

Jamie Burns wrote:

bluealice wrote:

Trudyb wrote: Lord Palmerston Indeed, I do look at the wider scheme of things which is why I feel morally obligated to expose this corrupt government who continue to afford the equally corrupt greyhound industry - owned by the major bookmakers - the status of 'self regulation' in order to protect the millions of pounds revenue generated through the betting on greyhounds. A status which allows the industry to police itself outside of the law, in breach of - amongst others -the Misuse of Drugs and Animal Welfare Acts, which in turn further encourages an attitude of lawlessness - at the very least - and in many circumstances criminal activity, in our communities by those financially involved with greyhound racing.

As i said earlier, you have a Torch and you wont be swayed from your extreme myoptic viewpoint! As an owner do you really think i do not know other owners and trainers up and down the country.Of course i do, and they're all great people who love there dogs. Are you the woman who has been banned from a Greyhound Site because you were a pain in the bum,or was it your friend peter.

If you know that many trainers 'up an down the country' no doubt some of them used the services of the man with the 'bolt gun'. He must have got the 10000+ dogs from somewhere, so no it's not all roses and sunshine is it ? Sadly it remains a financial business - keeping and racing greyhounds, they are not pets and are not treated as such. It is all too often more economical to destroy a dog and get another than it is to treat it and retire it. This is an undeniable fact, yes I expect some owners do look on them as 'pets' and treat them as such, but the majority don't.

How can i phrase it without being rude? i can only substantiate what i Know To Be TRUE. Greyhound racing ,for owners, is not for financial gain, it's about something you cant put your finger on,but iwill concede there is the devil in every sport. Get a couple of the mutts as pets they are MAGICAL

freeplay wrote:
I find it absolutely unbelievable that what was once the second highest (behind Football) Spectator Sport in England nows bares the brunt of a narrow-minded few who call for its immediate demise!! Greyhound Racing is first and foremost a Sport, behind any Sport of this magnitude there lies and Industry, and within any Industry there will be flaws, name me one that doesnt? BUT as long as the people entrusted to keep the integrity of the Sport/Industry of Greyhouind Racing are striving to do so, it should always remain a part of this countrys Sport & Leisure Program. I have Friends & Associates that are involved both directly and indirectly with Greyhound Racing at Oxford Stadium and they take real pride in what they do! I am certain this is true of 99% of the people that are involved. I have visited Training establishments for these Dogs are I can honestly say that all the Dogs I saw were in the best of health and seemed genuinely happy. Sure Ive read atricles in the National Press about cases where Greyhounds have met with an inappropriate end, but these are isolated cases, they must be when you consider the scale of this Sport and the Fixtures it provides. As for comments made on this subject about the Dogs being started too early and not being cared for ........ by who? by how many? This issue must be looked at through figures and ratios and if done so these 'do-gooders/no-goode rs would be shown up for the Fools that they are!! In the main the Sport of Greyhound Racing is a much valued part of a Communitys social activies. The people entrusted with the care of terrific hounds ie Trainers/ Kennelhands dedicate their lives to them. They earn a living, of course they do, and why shouldnt they? But to imply that the actions of a few and unfortunate injuries suffered by DECREASING number OF Greyhounds is a basis to stop this Sport/ Industry is TOTAL MADNESS!! I call on some of people making thses comments to be a little more in-touch with their subject and whole lot more in-touch with THEMSELVES.

Wise Words!!!

Freeplay
Greyhound racing is fast becoming a dwindling spectator 'sport' - leaving it now FOURTH in the ranks of popularity, followed by cricket. Its demise is due to the public's increasing level of awareness of this inherently cruel 'sport'.

How anyone can suggest the over breeding - with the aid of EU funding - and then destruction of 1,000's of healthy dogs for economic reasons constitutes as a 'sport' is beyond belief. For every greyhound you claimed to have seen 'happy' in kennels, another puppy will have not made the grade - wont chase or too slow and a recent survey showed 48% of puppies bred in the UK remain unlicensed and ‘unaccounted’ for.

The GRB strive to keep the integrity of this gambling industry intact – only just - but constantly fail to enforce the substandard Rules of Racing, as regards welfare. The fact a commercial industry is self policing and remains unaccountable - assures a welfare structure whereby greyhounds will always suffer in order to maintain profit margins.

However, regardless of the secrecy surrounding the industry, the evidence is substantial and far more than the isolated cases, as you suggest.

You want figures and ratios?
http://www.greytexpl
oitations.com/greyho
und-watch/the-fate-o
f-thousands-of-greyh
ound-pups

You want evidence of systemic animal abuse?
http://www.greytexpl
oitations.com/resour
ces-and-reports/a-la
wless-industry

You want evidence of the industry's failure to regulate?
http://www.greytexpl
oitations.com/resour
ces-and-reports/kenn
el-hand-speaks-out-a
s-the-greyhounds-voi
ce

The rate of injured dogs destroyed for economic purposes – which the industry refuse to publish - will remain constant in order to maintain commercial viability.
http://www.greytexpl
oitations.com/resour
ces-and-reports/dyin
g-to-entertain-you

I call upon those in defence and support of this industry, to avail themselves of the facts and question whether the need to satisfy their self serving interests - financial or psychological - justifies the overall inherent cruelty evident in commercial greyhound racing.

Trudyb. Firstly the lack of spectators is down to the recession and the fact that down here in the land of the civilised it costs around £60 + to go to the footy on a saturday (unlike at the boro where they pay YOU to go and watch) so money is tight, and nothing to do with the imaginary cruelty you state. Secondly, wouldn't you be better off showing your concern for all of the dogs being plied with alcohol and then being sick all over the place in your festering excuse for a city every Friday and Saturday night, rather than worrying yourself about a world class city such as Oxford. Just a thought.

stop greyhound racing fullstop

http://www.greyhound
action.org.uk/

Trudyb wrote:
Lord Palmerston Indeed, I do look at the wider scheme of things which is why I feel morally obligated to expose this corrupt government who continue to afford the equally corrupt greyhound industry - owned by the major bookmakers - the status of 'self regulation' in order to protect the millions of pounds revenue generated through the betting on greyhounds. A status which allows the industry to police itself outside of the law, in breach of - amongst others -the Misuse of Drugs and Animal Welfare Acts, which in turn further encourages an attitude of lawlessness - at the very least - and in many circumstances criminal activity, in our communities by those financially involved with greyhound racing.

i don't know much on this, but i couldn't care less. what i do know is that if they weren't self-regulated then they'd need regulating, presumably by a government body which would be at the cost of the taxpayer. why should i and i know Golum has a thing for taxes, fund a sport that attracts such a small minority of northern flat cap wearing gamblers?! then if it were banned it would be driven underground and the treatment would be even worse then you'd be wanting tax money spending on investigations. just let sleeping dogs lie (eh, see what i did there!)

Where's Trudyb when you need her to cheer us up?

its only a dog??

I have both racing and retired greyhounds. Whilst I do not want to see Oxford close down I did think it was silly of Mrs Ridley to say that this was a rare occurance as it is not. Most of the time the public would not even know that a dog is put down. I have lost 3 dogs to racing injuries in the last 2 years at Oxford but this cannot be blamed on the track as they work very hard to keep it safe. A dog can break a leg just as easy running around the garden as at the track. The awful thing is that alot of dogs could be saved but it is the cost and the fact that they are only wanted by some people to run for them and are not interested in keeping them if they cannot race again, unfortunately I did not have a choice with mine and we have to do what is best for the dog at the time to ease its pain. It is peoples views that have got to change. daveg2008 what do you mean it is only a dog, you have got to be trying to upset people with that comment.