A PETITION to stop greyhound racing returning to the city has received almost 3,000 signatures.

On Monday evening, Oxford Vegan Action, League Against Cruel Sports and PETA met outside the town hall to oppose the return of greyhound racing to Oxford.

Earlier this year plans were announced to reopen a greyhound track at the Oxford Stadium in the new year.

Kevin Boothby, managing director of Oxford Stadium, which saw £250,000 investment last week, said that greyhound welfare will be the 'utmost priority'.

Activists met outside the town hall to urge Oxford City councillors to vote in favour of publicly opposing the return of the greyhound racing to the Blackbird Leys stadium.

Bethia Thomas, deputy leader for the Vale of the White Horse District Council, spoke publicly at the meeting urging the councillors to help let greyhounds 'live a life free from financial exploitation'.

She said, with her greyhound 'Baz' beside her: "Greyhound racing in Oxford was a thing of the past, and the past is where it should stay.

"Reopening the stadium would represent a step back in time, and by supporting it you would be endorsing the legalised abuse of dogs - 'man’s best friend' - where even the lucky ones have to struggle to have a normal well-adjusted life after they have stopped racing.

"If they were another breed; the labradoodle or the cockapoo, would this be acceptable?"

The speech was met with applause from the council chamber.

In response to the speech, leader of the council, Susan Brown, said highlighted that the council has 'no jurisdiction over whether greyhound racing takes place in Oxford' and that the council is keen to see more leisure facilities in the city.

She added that when the motion is debated, councillors will 'have different personal views', but that is all they are, 'personal views'.

The motion to oppose the return of greyhound racing to the city, was not debated at the city council's meeting on Monday evening, as the council ran out of time to hold the debate.

League Against Cruel Sports, a charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport, said it was 'disappointed' the council ran out of time to debate the matter, but said it 'looks forward' to the issue being discussed at the next meeting.

Emily Lawrence, regional campaigns manager at the League Against Cruel Sports: “We hope that Oxford City Council do the right thing by the greyhounds and vote to publicly oppose the return of greyhound racing to the city.

"We have spoken to many Oxford residents who are outraged by the proposal and do not want to see this cruelty return.”

Kevin Boothby, Managing Director at Oxford Stadium, said: “Greyhound welfare is our utmost priority, and we will ensure every dog lives an enjoyable life before, during and after their racing careers.

“This means providing world-leading standards of care which go far beyond requirements for all domestic dog owners in the UK. We will also guarantee every greyhound that races at Oxford Stadium will find a loving home in retirement through our strong community partnerships with rehoming charities, trainers and owners.

“As a track committed to being at the forefront of animal welfare globally, it is our responsibility to educate people about the exceptionally high welfare standards our sport sets via school visits, open events and online campaigns.

“It’s in any sighthound’s DNA to chase. To suggest greyhound racing is a legalised abuse of dogs displays a complete lack of understanding and knowledge of the care and attention these magnificent animals receive 24/7 and the GBGB’s strict ‘Rules of Racing’ requirements.

“We have received an overwhelming positive response to the news Oxford Stadium is being regenerated. The venue will create 200 jobs and be an inclusive, multi-activity community hub for everyone to enjoy.”

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