Campaign launched to protect Welsh greyhounds

Thursday, 25 February 2010 12:00

Various animal welfare organisations in Wales have launched a campaign to protect racing greyhounds.

Consisting of Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru and Greyhound Rescue Wales, the Welfare Advisory Board (WAB) has written to every member of the Welsh Assembly Government and asked them to sign a petition aimed at changing the law and preventing canines of this breed from being killed when they are considered too old to win races.

Although many owners provide proper care for their greyhounds, "significant numbers" are abandoned or killed.

They are not currently protected by any legislation, explained a WAB spokesperson, Alain Thomas. He highlighted the case of Last Hope, a greyhound who was shot in the head and had his ears cut off in May 2004.

"He had been left there for some time but was still alive. He was just one of many greyhounds who are shot in Wales each year and regulation is needed to stop this practice once and for all," Mr Thomas said.

In related news this week, the Lancashire Telegraph reported on the theft of an aging greyhound from dog kennels in Edenfield.

Staff at the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary are said to be distraught.

Animal Friends Insurance Services are an ethical pet insurance company. We have been supporting animal welfare charities around the world since 1999 by donating all net profits to their causes.

Posted by Mike