MPs to visit greyhound track
A key concern is a lack of transparency in this self-regulated industry.
MPs are set to visit the Crayford Greyhound Track tomorrow (1 Dec) as part of an inquiry into the welfare of racing greyhounds.
An Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) sub-committee will take a tour of the site and speak to track managers and trainers about track safety and how dogs are kennelled and transported.
MPs will also meet with track vets to discuss common injuries, diseases and preventative treatments.
Efra Committee chair Neil Parish, said: "We are very pleased to be visiting Crayford Track, to personally see the efforts being made by industry professionals at all levels to ensure that the well-being of the animals is paramount.
"Our visit will provide first-hand experience of the industry and a chance to speak with industry professionals about some of the issues already raised in the written evidence.
"This information will support the sub-committee in our current inquiry into greyhound welfare and the suitability of existing regulations."
So far, a call for evidence has received "an overwhelming response", according to Mr Parish. Written evidence has been supplied by the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the Greyhound Forum, as well as retired greyhound owners and those working in the industry.
The first hearing with animal welfare charities was held on 24 November.
A key concern is a lack of transparency in this self-regulated industry. It is estimated about 4,000 retired greyhounds are unaccounted for each year and there are no official figures on the number of deaths or injuries, for example. A number of animal welfare charities say their requests for these figures have proved unsuccessful.
Other concerns include the breeding of more greyhound puppies than the industry requires and the lack of traceability from cradle-to-grave.
For more information, visit: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/greyhound-welfare-15-16/
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
