GREYHOUNDS & COCAINE
1. What do you think about greyhounds being given cocaine?
Administration of Cocaine to greyhounds used for racing is not only a despicable form of abuse to the dog, it is an abuse of trust and it is indicative of the manipulative mind-set of the many perpetrators within the greyhound racing industry. It is important to recognise that greyhounds have a unique physiology and can be particularly hypersensitive to chemicals.
Cocaine (also known as Benzoylecgonine) poisoning in dogs can cause many symptoms including;
Hyperactivity (and associated behaviours such as stereotypies)
Increased heart rate
Increased metabolism
Increased body temperature
Acute tremors
Increased respiration
Aggression (Not documented in greyhounds, but other breeds)
Vocalisation
Skin sensitivity
Serious side effects; Seizures, stroke, heart attack and death.
There are numerous other drugs known to be administered to greyhounds (for purposes of race fixing and/or masking pain from injuries so that the dogs will still perform), that are extremely harmful and can lead to fatalities in greyhounds.
2. Is there enough testing done to deal with this and are punishments harsh enough?
Analysis of the GBGB disciplinary records show that opiates are frequently detected in urine samples taken at greyhound racing venues.
It is well documented that poppy seeds can deliver a ‘False’ positive result for opiates, and this is frequently used as an excuse by greyhound trainers. The feeding of ABP1 and ABP2 meat which is high risk for contaminants, is also regularly blamed for positive drug test results, and has resulted in disciplinary advice being given against its use, additionally greyhound trainers have been advised that great care should be exercised when feeding dogs brown bread. (We believe that brown bread and ‘high risk’ meat is highly inadequate for a greyhound diet)
This particular advice seems to be ignored as greyhound trainers repeatedly continue to use these excuses when their dogs are tested positive for drugs.
Perpetrators will sometimes blame any wrongdoing on an un-named third party or 'rival', who they will accuse of deliberately trying to contaminate their greyhound's sample.
Example:
Greyhound 'Clonbrien hero', the 2017 winner of one of Ireland's top greyhound races, was recently banned after testing positive for cocaine on three occasions within a period of 4 weeks. Trainer Graham Holland (Previously a GBGB registered greyhound trainer in the UK) claimed, on the most recent occasion, that the cocaine must have passed to the greyhound due to well-wishers patting the dog on the head after he won the race. As far as we are aware the case is pending
Reference;
http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/14/irish-champion-greyhound-clonbrien-hero-tests-positive-for-cocaine-6928236/
While the greyhound racing industry remains self regulated, drug abuse in dogs will remain a serious problem. We understand that the decision to sample greyhounds at each track is normally down to an individual steward.
the punishment issued to trainers cannot be considered a suitable deterrent.
Here are just a few of many examples from recent hearings where breaches of rules and punishments meted out by the GBGB seem wholly inadequate:
Pentobarbital. Penalty: caution, no fine.
Morphine, codeine and oripavine. Penalty: none.
Minoxidil. Penalty: a caution and £250 fine.
Glaucine. Penalty: none.
Cetirizine. Penalty: caution and £250 fine.
Dihydrocodeine. Penalty: none.
3. The dog racing industry is banned in many countries and has a shaky track record in terms of welfare. Should it be banned here? What else can be done?
We firmly believe that UK Greyhound racing should be abolished with a phase out, over a period of a few years, with sufficient time to ensure all the dogs are found suitable homes.
Reasons why we believe a ban is the only option
UK and Irish Greyhound racing has been in a steady decline over the last decade. We believe this is due to two things: firstly, changes in culture and lifestyles; and secondly, the sharp increase in public awareness regarding the inherent cruelty involved in dog racing.
Approximately 80% of UK greyhounds are bred in Ireland, therefore the Irish greyhound breeding industry are primarily dependent on the success of UK greyhound racing.
The greyhound racing industry has been established for over 91 years in the UK and in that time it has failed to prove that it takes the welfare of the dogs, from cradle to grave seriously and eradicate any problems.
What else can be done
a) The welfare of the dogs could be partially improved if the ability to gamble on them was removed. This would dramatically reduce the over breeding of greyhounds and alleviate some pressure from the greyhound rescue organizations,( at present it is impossible to re home the vast amount of dogs bred by the racing industry each year)
But, unfortunately, this would be an unrealistic request to make as greyhound racing is financially dependent on the gambling establishments, due to the live streaming of Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service. Greyhound racing is livestreamed throughout many countries across the world, for gambling purposes and depends on a high flow of dogs for racing. Each dog that enters a BAGS race brings income from the gambling industry, regardless of whether they win a race or not.
b) Straight racing would be an option to reduce injuries and fatalities. Greyhound tracks are of a highly dangerous configuration. Tracks are oval and have bends that are lethal for the dogs.
Once again this would be an unrealistic request as the dangerous bends make the races more unpredictable and exciting for the punters.
Falls usually happen on the bends, the first being the most common and lethal. When the dogs are released from the traps, they will release adrenalin and accelerate in speed, sometimes crowding and knocking into one another, usually at the first bend. Dogs can suffer injuries from broken toes, to broken backs while racing on an oval track. There will always be horrific fatalities.
Crucially, there will never be enough homes for all the greyhounds who are used for racing. Bear in mind, this is before we even take into account the puppies who don’t make the grade and are unsuitable to race therefore remain unaccounted for (Presumably culled). If good homes could be found for all of these young dogs as well as those leaving the industry, that would be a huge improvement but this is not a viable option given the current need for over-breeding of greyhounds in the search for 'winners'.
4. What dangers does giving a greyhound drugs pose to their health?
In many cases the drugs given to greyhounds to fix races or mask injuries are not licensed for use in canines, and even those that are licensed are usually only legally available via vet-prescription. Dangers can include seizure, heart attack, stroke, drowsiness, hallucinations, and death.
To give just a few examples, the dangers of specific drugs include:
Amphetamine – a Class B drug which in dogs can cause sedation, muscle tremors, seizures, increased heart rate, death.
Cocaine - a Class A drug which has no veterinary application and affects dogs in the way it affects humans, by stimulating the brain. It can also have significant effects on other body systems including heart function.
Cetirizine – can have a depressant effect on the nervous system.
Glaucine - can cause weakness, sleepiness, hallucinations.
Minoxidil - has a stimulating and toxic effect on the heart
Morphine - can cause either sedation or excitement, constipation and other adverse effects.
Pentobarbital - causes sedation, anaesthesia and death by cardiac arrest. If meat from an animal euthanized using pentobarbital is fed to dogs there is a realistic risk of adverse effects
Oripavine - highly toxic and can cause seizures.
5. Are there unregulated dog racing tracks and if so, how can we deal with these?
There are several unregulated, but still legal, greyhound race tracks in the UK. These independent tracks do not have a regulatory body. Each track is licensed by the local authority in which they fall under, but there is no formal monitoring system and no accountability for injuries or death of dogs.
If a greyhound is lucky enough to finish racing at a GBGB licensed track, they then become unregistered, and are no longer the responsibility of the GBGB, so when their days on the licensed tracks are over, they may then be handed down to the hobbyists (also known as flappers) who race dogs at unregulated tracks. Once these dogs are no longer registered they fall under the supposed protection of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, sadly this act is not enforced leaving these dogs wide open to abuse and/ or unnecessary death.
Vet services are often offered to euthanise dogs at these tracks, at a very cheap rate; Usually around £30 or less.
Hobbyists don’t earn a big income from their dogs and many will opt to destroy them when they sustain minor injuries.
While these tracks continue to exist without any regulatory body, and with no code of practice, we believe the only way to deal with the issue is for mandatory licensing and inspections by an independent body. Ideally though, we would like to see these tracks coincide with a phased out ban of licensed greyhound racing.
6. What other problems are there with greyhound racing?
A. Failure to employ an independent governing body
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is often challenged about a lack of transparency and failure to enforce/strengthen their regulations. During December 2016 the Greyhound Board of Great Britain offices in New Bridge Street, London were raided by the City of London Police, this was due to allegations of fraud and bribery. The investigation is ongoing.
B. Refusal to make injury and death data ‘public’
C. Lack of transparency with record-keeping of track incidents. i.e Injured dogs may be euthanised at an independent vet practice, which could prevent the figures for euthanasia being logged on track records. Once again, a lack of transparency.
D. UKAS is the complaints body that covers any concerns at GBGB licensed greyhound tracks, but there is no complaints body for concerns that are recorded outside of the greyhound race track, other than the Greyhound Board of Great Britain who have conflicting interests.
E. Introducing young children to a gambling and often a ‘social drug’ using environment where they may witness animals being injured. The impact of gambling on families and society are also a concern.
The below list states all the greyhound welfare issues that exist today due to greyhound racing.
Approximately 20,000+ greyhounds are bred each year in Ireland and England, two thirds are registered to race and around 8,000 to 10,000 greyhounds go missing per year (Presumed dead)
1. Intentional over-breeding of greyhounds leading to hoarding of dogs, euthanasia, and rescue centres struggling to cope both financially and to re-home the dogs
2. Lack of accountability of greyhounds while they are registered to race, and after they finish racing. Lack of accountability for puppies who don't make the grade and are not registered to race (Presumably culled)
3. There is no legislation to prevent a greyhound being killed solely on economic grounds
4. The Captive bolt gun - It is fully legal for any untrained and unlicensed person to attempt to destroy a greyhound by use of the captive bolt gun, when the dog is no longer commercially viable. The Captive bolt gun has a massive capacity for misuse, it can cause extreme and prolonged agony for a dog, as it may NOT always render them dead. In 2010 the Royal College of Veterinary surgeons announced that the use of captive bolt guns on dogs was inappropriate.
5. There is no known legislation to prevent a greyhound trainer/owner killing their own dog, rather than euthanasia by a qualified vet
6. Poor construction of greyhound tracks, leading to an increased risk of fatalities, i.e poor surfaces, lack of maintenance.
7. No protection of greyhounds from cradle to grave leaving them open to serious neglect and abuse while registered to race and after they finish racing.
8. Over breeding of Greyhounds - Due to the over-breeding of greyhounds, surplus greyhounds no longer used to race are often found living in squalor in sheds on allotments, in condemned buildings within desolate areas and also hoarded on greyhound trainer premises with almost no human contact (Apart from feeding times)
On visits to some premises, we have found dogs exposed to dangerous surroundings, including barbed wire, toxic waste, and no light. On occasion, we have been told by RSPCA that these conditions are acceptable under the AWA 2006
We have found that most hoarded Greyhounds are often deprived of the very basics. No clean water - No clean living areas - Inadequate diet - No proper ventilation - No Light - No stimulation
9. BAGS races (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) - BAGS Greyhound trainers are under constant pressure to provide a steady flow of dogs for racing, otherwise they could jeopardise their BAGS contract. This means, if one of their dogs has minor injuries, it may be raced repeatedly until he/she eventually goes lame, rather than opting to rest or re home the dog. Greyhound trainers/owners will sometimes wait until their dog goes lame, before replacing them with another, as this is more cost effective for them.
10. Exports of greyhounds for commercial purposes to countries that have little or no up to date animal welfare laws.
11. Breach of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order (WATO) - We have witnessed multiple greyhounds being transported in vehicles that breach this order, i.e Greyhounds inside unsecured shoddy crates stacked above one another - No ventilation - No light - No air conditioning. Long journey times without stops to allow dogs to toilet.
12. Inadequate vet checks prior a race
Due to the very brief vet check of each dog prior a race, (approximately 30seconds at some tracks), it is impossible to pick up on injuries that are not obvious.
13. Greyhounds used for racing often land up abandoned in emaciated states, this is sadly increasing - Periodontal and paradental disease is quite common in greyhounds, and can lead to disease of the internal organs if not treated, this can be caused by poor diet. Greyhounds are often found abandoned, some are found in emaciated conditions. It is also not unusual for dogs to have flea, mite and/or worm infestations and untreated or inappropriately treated injuries when taken into rescue.
14. Greyhounds are often found to be abandoned - Many Greyhounds end up in stray pounds. Greyhounds bred for racing are tattooed and Microchipped. Tattoos are found in the Right ear of an English Greyhound and in both ears of an Irish greyhound. These tattoos are intended to identify the original greyhound owner to prevent abandonment of dogs. Unfortunately, in cases of abandonment/ abuse trainers/owners can claim that they passed the dog onto a new owner, relieving them of any responsibility. In some cases, dogs ears have been burnt, or cut off to prevent the tattooes being identified. Microchips are very often not adequately registered to the responsible owners deeming them useless.
When the GBGB is asked for ownership details of abused/abandoned dogs via microchip details provided to them, they are within their rights to quote the data protection act preventing us from obtaining any ownership details.
We believe the funds that are spent on Greyhound Welfare are minimal and should prioritise over lavish carpets and new bars, that are found in some greyhound stadiums.
7. Why are greyhounds given drugs?
Predominantly, greyhound trainers give drugs to greyhounds to alter a dogs performance also known as race fixing or cheating. Drugs may also be used to temporarily mask previous injuries which impair a dog’s performance at the track.
8. What other aspects of greyhound racing need to be addressed?
Exporting of greyhounds for commercial ‘use’ Racing, breeding, hunting, etc
Over the last 18 months the exports of Irish and UK greyhounds have been highlighted within the media due to barbaric practices being carried out on greyhounds in countries where there are little or no animal welfare laws. For example, greyhounds are being found in the Chinese dog meat trade,are being poisoned by IV administered 'Ecotraz' in Vietnam (A highly painful death) and are regularly being shipped from the UK to Pakistan, where we are told by Pakistan Citizens that they are only used to race for one season, and in some cases are passed on to the pig hunters, where they will meet an horrific end when used to fight wild boar. (Birmingham Greyhound Protection have felt it necessary to set up kennels in China 'Candy Cane Rescue' to save greyhounds from the dog meat trade)
In May 2016, Caged Nationwide intercepted a transport of 24 greyhounds on their way to China, and after bringing media attention to the case, Heathrow Airport Animal Reception declined to allow the dogs to travel due to the shoddy crates their owners were intending to ship them in. The dogs were returned to Ireland but the owners/ trainers and transporter involved were not punished. The vehicle involved in the transport was not adequate to comply with the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order (WATO)
In October 2016 we attended 'World Flight Services' (WFS) in Manchester, following a tip off about 4 greyhounds being exported to Pakistan. After several hours, and discussions with the staff at WFS the dogs were declined to fly on that date due to a safety hazard, in relation to the containers that they were being shipped in.
On Sunday the 22nd October 2017 we became aware of another export of 4 greyhounds to Pakistan via World Flight Services (WFS) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). We believe a very small animal handling company had arranged the shipment. This case was greatly exposed on social media. We attended the WFS to protest the export of the dogs on the day they were due to leave, but on our arrival the police advised us that the owner decided to delay the shipment due to the pressure he was under. We kept watch for the remainder of the day but no Greyhounds were seen arriving to WFS that day, however we believe the owner will attempt to ship the dogs on another flight to Pakistan.
We believe a minimum of 20 greyhounds have flown from Manchester airport, via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) within the last 10 months and this is with the help of just one small animal handling company. Additionally we believe that WFS World Flight Services have no issues with handling greyhounds as Cargo for PIA.
Conclusion
Given all of the evidence provided above, we believe that the self-governing body of the greyhound racing industry in the UK (the GBGB) fails to enforce its own regulations (as insufficient as they are). Greyhounds continue to be drugged, hurt and/or killed at the tracks for treatable injuries. There continues to be no accountability regarding what happens to the dogs from the moment they’re born to the moment they die.
Further background information
We know that there are a high incidence of bumps and falls at the tracks, causing injuries to the greyhounds every year, and that some are needlessly killed at the tracks. In some cases the killing is unnecessary as it is carried out for financial reasons only.
We know from our own research that there is a massive variation in the way track incidents, such as collisions or dogs finishing lame, are recorded. For example, so far this year one track has recorded 61 dogs finishing lame yet 15 tracks have recorded none finishing lame. One track so far has over 8,000 collisions (‘bumps’) but several have recorded less than a hundred, and one has none!
Greyhounds that do not make the grade - Injured - Too slow - Not compatible with other dogs - Unwell, or pregnant. These dogs are often deemed as not commercially viable and may be disposed of.
As reported by a UK parliamentary inquiry in 2015, racing greyhounds spend approximately 95% of their time in trainers' kennels. Kennels built before 2010 are not covered by new legislation to help protect them in their kennel environment.
The Dogs Trust conducted an undercover investigation in 2014 and found licensed kennels which fell woefully short of the GBGB’s minimum standards, indicating that the standards are meaningless if they are not adhered to. Moreover, there is no requirement to ensure the dogs' emotional and social needs are met. Indeed, greyhounds tend to be discouraged from showing the type of normal, playful behaviour you would expect from 'pet' dogs as this makes them less controllable at the tracks etc.
The BAGS (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) races were established to provide off-track gambling in betting shops as opposed to at the tracks themselves. The BAGS televise and stream around 2,300 ‘meetings’ per year. Meetings usually consist of on average of 12 races. The BAGS thus require an inordinate number of dogs to sustain, which raises additional, serious concerns about the dogs’ welfare and their chances of being given the opportunity, time and consideration to live as a pet after their ‘service’ to the industry has been exhausted.
Debbie Kenny
Assistant Director
Rita James
Founder and Director
Administration of Cocaine to greyhounds used for racing is not only a despicable form of abuse to the dog, it is an abuse of trust and it is indicative of the manipulative mind-set of the many perpetrators within the greyhound racing industry. It is important to recognise that greyhounds have a unique physiology and can be particularly hypersensitive to chemicals.
Cocaine (also known as Benzoylecgonine) poisoning in dogs can cause many symptoms including;
Hyperactivity (and associated behaviours such as stereotypies)
Increased heart rate
Increased metabolism
Increased body temperature
Acute tremors
Increased respiration
Aggression (Not documented in greyhounds, but other breeds)
Vocalisation
Skin sensitivity
Serious side effects; Seizures, stroke, heart attack and death.
There are numerous other drugs known to be administered to greyhounds (for purposes of race fixing and/or masking pain from injuries so that the dogs will still perform), that are extremely harmful and can lead to fatalities in greyhounds.
2. Is there enough testing done to deal with this and are punishments harsh enough?
Analysis of the GBGB disciplinary records show that opiates are frequently detected in urine samples taken at greyhound racing venues.
It is well documented that poppy seeds can deliver a ‘False’ positive result for opiates, and this is frequently used as an excuse by greyhound trainers. The feeding of ABP1 and ABP2 meat which is high risk for contaminants, is also regularly blamed for positive drug test results, and has resulted in disciplinary advice being given against its use, additionally greyhound trainers have been advised that great care should be exercised when feeding dogs brown bread. (We believe that brown bread and ‘high risk’ meat is highly inadequate for a greyhound diet)
This particular advice seems to be ignored as greyhound trainers repeatedly continue to use these excuses when their dogs are tested positive for drugs.
Perpetrators will sometimes blame any wrongdoing on an un-named third party or 'rival', who they will accuse of deliberately trying to contaminate their greyhound's sample.
Example:
Greyhound 'Clonbrien hero', the 2017 winner of one of Ireland's top greyhound races, was recently banned after testing positive for cocaine on three occasions within a period of 4 weeks. Trainer Graham Holland (Previously a GBGB registered greyhound trainer in the UK) claimed, on the most recent occasion, that the cocaine must have passed to the greyhound due to well-wishers patting the dog on the head after he won the race. As far as we are aware the case is pending
Reference;
http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/14/irish-champion-greyhound-clonbrien-hero-tests-positive-for-cocaine-6928236/
While the greyhound racing industry remains self regulated, drug abuse in dogs will remain a serious problem. We understand that the decision to sample greyhounds at each track is normally down to an individual steward.
the punishment issued to trainers cannot be considered a suitable deterrent.
Here are just a few of many examples from recent hearings where breaches of rules and punishments meted out by the GBGB seem wholly inadequate:
Pentobarbital. Penalty: caution, no fine.
Morphine, codeine and oripavine. Penalty: none.
Minoxidil. Penalty: a caution and £250 fine.
Glaucine. Penalty: none.
Cetirizine. Penalty: caution and £250 fine.
Dihydrocodeine. Penalty: none.
3. The dog racing industry is banned in many countries and has a shaky track record in terms of welfare. Should it be banned here? What else can be done?
We firmly believe that UK Greyhound racing should be abolished with a phase out, over a period of a few years, with sufficient time to ensure all the dogs are found suitable homes.
Reasons why we believe a ban is the only option
UK and Irish Greyhound racing has been in a steady decline over the last decade. We believe this is due to two things: firstly, changes in culture and lifestyles; and secondly, the sharp increase in public awareness regarding the inherent cruelty involved in dog racing.
Approximately 80% of UK greyhounds are bred in Ireland, therefore the Irish greyhound breeding industry are primarily dependent on the success of UK greyhound racing.
The greyhound racing industry has been established for over 91 years in the UK and in that time it has failed to prove that it takes the welfare of the dogs, from cradle to grave seriously and eradicate any problems.
What else can be done
a) The welfare of the dogs could be partially improved if the ability to gamble on them was removed. This would dramatically reduce the over breeding of greyhounds and alleviate some pressure from the greyhound rescue organizations,( at present it is impossible to re home the vast amount of dogs bred by the racing industry each year)
But, unfortunately, this would be an unrealistic request to make as greyhound racing is financially dependent on the gambling establishments, due to the live streaming of Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service. Greyhound racing is livestreamed throughout many countries across the world, for gambling purposes and depends on a high flow of dogs for racing. Each dog that enters a BAGS race brings income from the gambling industry, regardless of whether they win a race or not.
b) Straight racing would be an option to reduce injuries and fatalities. Greyhound tracks are of a highly dangerous configuration. Tracks are oval and have bends that are lethal for the dogs.
Once again this would be an unrealistic request as the dangerous bends make the races more unpredictable and exciting for the punters.
Falls usually happen on the bends, the first being the most common and lethal. When the dogs are released from the traps, they will release adrenalin and accelerate in speed, sometimes crowding and knocking into one another, usually at the first bend. Dogs can suffer injuries from broken toes, to broken backs while racing on an oval track. There will always be horrific fatalities.
Crucially, there will never be enough homes for all the greyhounds who are used for racing. Bear in mind, this is before we even take into account the puppies who don’t make the grade and are unsuitable to race therefore remain unaccounted for (Presumably culled). If good homes could be found for all of these young dogs as well as those leaving the industry, that would be a huge improvement but this is not a viable option given the current need for over-breeding of greyhounds in the search for 'winners'.
4. What dangers does giving a greyhound drugs pose to their health?
In many cases the drugs given to greyhounds to fix races or mask injuries are not licensed for use in canines, and even those that are licensed are usually only legally available via vet-prescription. Dangers can include seizure, heart attack, stroke, drowsiness, hallucinations, and death.
To give just a few examples, the dangers of specific drugs include:
Amphetamine – a Class B drug which in dogs can cause sedation, muscle tremors, seizures, increased heart rate, death.
Cocaine - a Class A drug which has no veterinary application and affects dogs in the way it affects humans, by stimulating the brain. It can also have significant effects on other body systems including heart function.
Cetirizine – can have a depressant effect on the nervous system.
Glaucine - can cause weakness, sleepiness, hallucinations.
Minoxidil - has a stimulating and toxic effect on the heart
Morphine - can cause either sedation or excitement, constipation and other adverse effects.
Pentobarbital - causes sedation, anaesthesia and death by cardiac arrest. If meat from an animal euthanized using pentobarbital is fed to dogs there is a realistic risk of adverse effects
Oripavine - highly toxic and can cause seizures.
5. Are there unregulated dog racing tracks and if so, how can we deal with these?
There are several unregulated, but still legal, greyhound race tracks in the UK. These independent tracks do not have a regulatory body. Each track is licensed by the local authority in which they fall under, but there is no formal monitoring system and no accountability for injuries or death of dogs.
If a greyhound is lucky enough to finish racing at a GBGB licensed track, they then become unregistered, and are no longer the responsibility of the GBGB, so when their days on the licensed tracks are over, they may then be handed down to the hobbyists (also known as flappers) who race dogs at unregulated tracks. Once these dogs are no longer registered they fall under the supposed protection of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, sadly this act is not enforced leaving these dogs wide open to abuse and/ or unnecessary death.
Vet services are often offered to euthanise dogs at these tracks, at a very cheap rate; Usually around £30 or less.
Hobbyists don’t earn a big income from their dogs and many will opt to destroy them when they sustain minor injuries.
While these tracks continue to exist without any regulatory body, and with no code of practice, we believe the only way to deal with the issue is for mandatory licensing and inspections by an independent body. Ideally though, we would like to see these tracks coincide with a phased out ban of licensed greyhound racing.
6. What other problems are there with greyhound racing?
A. Failure to employ an independent governing body
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is often challenged about a lack of transparency and failure to enforce/strengthen their regulations. During December 2016 the Greyhound Board of Great Britain offices in New Bridge Street, London were raided by the City of London Police, this was due to allegations of fraud and bribery. The investigation is ongoing.
B. Refusal to make injury and death data ‘public’
C. Lack of transparency with record-keeping of track incidents. i.e Injured dogs may be euthanised at an independent vet practice, which could prevent the figures for euthanasia being logged on track records. Once again, a lack of transparency.
D. UKAS is the complaints body that covers any concerns at GBGB licensed greyhound tracks, but there is no complaints body for concerns that are recorded outside of the greyhound race track, other than the Greyhound Board of Great Britain who have conflicting interests.
E. Introducing young children to a gambling and often a ‘social drug’ using environment where they may witness animals being injured. The impact of gambling on families and society are also a concern.
The below list states all the greyhound welfare issues that exist today due to greyhound racing.
Approximately 20,000+ greyhounds are bred each year in Ireland and England, two thirds are registered to race and around 8,000 to 10,000 greyhounds go missing per year (Presumed dead)
1. Intentional over-breeding of greyhounds leading to hoarding of dogs, euthanasia, and rescue centres struggling to cope both financially and to re-home the dogs
2. Lack of accountability of greyhounds while they are registered to race, and after they finish racing. Lack of accountability for puppies who don't make the grade and are not registered to race (Presumably culled)
3. There is no legislation to prevent a greyhound being killed solely on economic grounds
4. The Captive bolt gun - It is fully legal for any untrained and unlicensed person to attempt to destroy a greyhound by use of the captive bolt gun, when the dog is no longer commercially viable. The Captive bolt gun has a massive capacity for misuse, it can cause extreme and prolonged agony for a dog, as it may NOT always render them dead. In 2010 the Royal College of Veterinary surgeons announced that the use of captive bolt guns on dogs was inappropriate.
5. There is no known legislation to prevent a greyhound trainer/owner killing their own dog, rather than euthanasia by a qualified vet
6. Poor construction of greyhound tracks, leading to an increased risk of fatalities, i.e poor surfaces, lack of maintenance.
7. No protection of greyhounds from cradle to grave leaving them open to serious neglect and abuse while registered to race and after they finish racing.
8. Over breeding of Greyhounds - Due to the over-breeding of greyhounds, surplus greyhounds no longer used to race are often found living in squalor in sheds on allotments, in condemned buildings within desolate areas and also hoarded on greyhound trainer premises with almost no human contact (Apart from feeding times)
On visits to some premises, we have found dogs exposed to dangerous surroundings, including barbed wire, toxic waste, and no light. On occasion, we have been told by RSPCA that these conditions are acceptable under the AWA 2006
We have found that most hoarded Greyhounds are often deprived of the very basics. No clean water - No clean living areas - Inadequate diet - No proper ventilation - No Light - No stimulation
9. BAGS races (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) - BAGS Greyhound trainers are under constant pressure to provide a steady flow of dogs for racing, otherwise they could jeopardise their BAGS contract. This means, if one of their dogs has minor injuries, it may be raced repeatedly until he/she eventually goes lame, rather than opting to rest or re home the dog. Greyhound trainers/owners will sometimes wait until their dog goes lame, before replacing them with another, as this is more cost effective for them.
10. Exports of greyhounds for commercial purposes to countries that have little or no up to date animal welfare laws.
11. Breach of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order (WATO) - We have witnessed multiple greyhounds being transported in vehicles that breach this order, i.e Greyhounds inside unsecured shoddy crates stacked above one another - No ventilation - No light - No air conditioning. Long journey times without stops to allow dogs to toilet.
12. Inadequate vet checks prior a race
Due to the very brief vet check of each dog prior a race, (approximately 30seconds at some tracks), it is impossible to pick up on injuries that are not obvious.
13. Greyhounds used for racing often land up abandoned in emaciated states, this is sadly increasing - Periodontal and paradental disease is quite common in greyhounds, and can lead to disease of the internal organs if not treated, this can be caused by poor diet. Greyhounds are often found abandoned, some are found in emaciated conditions. It is also not unusual for dogs to have flea, mite and/or worm infestations and untreated or inappropriately treated injuries when taken into rescue.
14. Greyhounds are often found to be abandoned - Many Greyhounds end up in stray pounds. Greyhounds bred for racing are tattooed and Microchipped. Tattoos are found in the Right ear of an English Greyhound and in both ears of an Irish greyhound. These tattoos are intended to identify the original greyhound owner to prevent abandonment of dogs. Unfortunately, in cases of abandonment/ abuse trainers/owners can claim that they passed the dog onto a new owner, relieving them of any responsibility. In some cases, dogs ears have been burnt, or cut off to prevent the tattooes being identified. Microchips are very often not adequately registered to the responsible owners deeming them useless.
When the GBGB is asked for ownership details of abused/abandoned dogs via microchip details provided to them, they are within their rights to quote the data protection act preventing us from obtaining any ownership details.
We believe the funds that are spent on Greyhound Welfare are minimal and should prioritise over lavish carpets and new bars, that are found in some greyhound stadiums.
7. Why are greyhounds given drugs?
Predominantly, greyhound trainers give drugs to greyhounds to alter a dogs performance also known as race fixing or cheating. Drugs may also be used to temporarily mask previous injuries which impair a dog’s performance at the track.
8. What other aspects of greyhound racing need to be addressed?
Exporting of greyhounds for commercial ‘use’ Racing, breeding, hunting, etc
Over the last 18 months the exports of Irish and UK greyhounds have been highlighted within the media due to barbaric practices being carried out on greyhounds in countries where there are little or no animal welfare laws. For example, greyhounds are being found in the Chinese dog meat trade,are being poisoned by IV administered 'Ecotraz' in Vietnam (A highly painful death) and are regularly being shipped from the UK to Pakistan, where we are told by Pakistan Citizens that they are only used to race for one season, and in some cases are passed on to the pig hunters, where they will meet an horrific end when used to fight wild boar. (Birmingham Greyhound Protection have felt it necessary to set up kennels in China 'Candy Cane Rescue' to save greyhounds from the dog meat trade)
In May 2016, Caged Nationwide intercepted a transport of 24 greyhounds on their way to China, and after bringing media attention to the case, Heathrow Airport Animal Reception declined to allow the dogs to travel due to the shoddy crates their owners were intending to ship them in. The dogs were returned to Ireland but the owners/ trainers and transporter involved were not punished. The vehicle involved in the transport was not adequate to comply with the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order (WATO)
In October 2016 we attended 'World Flight Services' (WFS) in Manchester, following a tip off about 4 greyhounds being exported to Pakistan. After several hours, and discussions with the staff at WFS the dogs were declined to fly on that date due to a safety hazard, in relation to the containers that they were being shipped in.
On Sunday the 22nd October 2017 we became aware of another export of 4 greyhounds to Pakistan via World Flight Services (WFS) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). We believe a very small animal handling company had arranged the shipment. This case was greatly exposed on social media. We attended the WFS to protest the export of the dogs on the day they were due to leave, but on our arrival the police advised us that the owner decided to delay the shipment due to the pressure he was under. We kept watch for the remainder of the day but no Greyhounds were seen arriving to WFS that day, however we believe the owner will attempt to ship the dogs on another flight to Pakistan.
We believe a minimum of 20 greyhounds have flown from Manchester airport, via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) within the last 10 months and this is with the help of just one small animal handling company. Additionally we believe that WFS World Flight Services have no issues with handling greyhounds as Cargo for PIA.
Conclusion
Given all of the evidence provided above, we believe that the self-governing body of the greyhound racing industry in the UK (the GBGB) fails to enforce its own regulations (as insufficient as they are). Greyhounds continue to be drugged, hurt and/or killed at the tracks for treatable injuries. There continues to be no accountability regarding what happens to the dogs from the moment they’re born to the moment they die.
Further background information
We know that there are a high incidence of bumps and falls at the tracks, causing injuries to the greyhounds every year, and that some are needlessly killed at the tracks. In some cases the killing is unnecessary as it is carried out for financial reasons only.
We know from our own research that there is a massive variation in the way track incidents, such as collisions or dogs finishing lame, are recorded. For example, so far this year one track has recorded 61 dogs finishing lame yet 15 tracks have recorded none finishing lame. One track so far has over 8,000 collisions (‘bumps’) but several have recorded less than a hundred, and one has none!
Greyhounds that do not make the grade - Injured - Too slow - Not compatible with other dogs - Unwell, or pregnant. These dogs are often deemed as not commercially viable and may be disposed of.
As reported by a UK parliamentary inquiry in 2015, racing greyhounds spend approximately 95% of their time in trainers' kennels. Kennels built before 2010 are not covered by new legislation to help protect them in their kennel environment.
The Dogs Trust conducted an undercover investigation in 2014 and found licensed kennels which fell woefully short of the GBGB’s minimum standards, indicating that the standards are meaningless if they are not adhered to. Moreover, there is no requirement to ensure the dogs' emotional and social needs are met. Indeed, greyhounds tend to be discouraged from showing the type of normal, playful behaviour you would expect from 'pet' dogs as this makes them less controllable at the tracks etc.
The BAGS (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) races were established to provide off-track gambling in betting shops as opposed to at the tracks themselves. The BAGS televise and stream around 2,300 ‘meetings’ per year. Meetings usually consist of on average of 12 races. The BAGS thus require an inordinate number of dogs to sustain, which raises additional, serious concerns about the dogs’ welfare and their chances of being given the opportunity, time and consideration to live as a pet after their ‘service’ to the industry has been exhausted.
Debbie Kenny
Assistant Director
Rita James
Founder and Director
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