Bradshaw calls on greyhound racing industry to investigate dog killing allegations

Animal Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw has called on greyhound racing regulators to launch an immediate investigation into claims that 10,000 greyhounds were shot when they reached the end of their racing lives.

The Minister was responding to allegations that greyhound owners hired a builders merchant to kill dogs with a bolt gun, an act that breaches the rules of the National Greyhound Racing Club.

Mr Bradshaw said: “The National Greyhound Racing Club must launch an immediate investigation into this matter. It must discipline or expel any members who have broken its rules by disposing of their dogs in this way.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has formally requested a dossier from the newspaper that made the greyhound killing allegations. Government lawyers will study the evidence to see if any offences have been committed.

Mr Bradshaw said: “We've been working hard for some time to prepare secondary legislation under the Animal Welfare Bill that will improve the welfare of greyhounds used for racing. Government believes that racing greyhounds should only be put down by a vet.

“We have long felt that self-regulation within the greyhound industry is the most effective way of policing animal welfare in the sport. But greyhound racers should be in no doubt that they are drinking in the last chance saloon as far as self-regulation is concerned.

“If they can't clean up their act, Government will intervene.”

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