MPs launch greyhound welfare inquiry
A BBC Panorama investigation prompted calls to end the industry's self-regulatory status.
An inquiry is now underway to find out how the greyhound racing industry ensures animal welfare.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee launched the short inquiry to 'reflect on whether the right balance is being struck between maintaining a successful industry and protecting greyhound welfare, especially in their post-racing life.'
Over £2.5 billion is wagered on racing each year and the self-regulated industry has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years.
An undercover investigation by BBC Panorama last year prompted calls to end its self-regulatory status.
While being secretly filmed, one trainer admitted to 'stopping' his dogs - that is, using drugs to slow them down to lengthen the odds and allow them to compete against slower dogs. The dogs are then allowed to run without drugs, with vastly increased chances of winning.
Concerns were also raised about what is happening to dogs post-racing. Former Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said around 2,500 dogs are unaccounted for each year. Animal welfare charities fear they are being killed when they come to the end of their racing lives.
The Efra Committee is seeking evidence on a number of issues, including whether the current regulations ensure the welfare of racing greyhounds, whether they are being consistently enforced and what the current welfare situation is with regard to breeding, kennelling, transporting, racing and euthanasia.
It is also inviting submissions on the transparency of data on the number of active racing dogs, injuries, performance-enhancing drugs, the number of rehomed and destroyed dogs, as well as breeding and import figures.
Among other areas, the inquiry will seek to find out if contributions to animal welfare by industry and betting organisations are a fair reflection of the income generated by the industry.
Findings from the inquiry will contribute to Defra's ongoing review of the existing regulations.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, 19 October 2015. Written submissions can be sent through the greyhound welfare inquiry page.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
