Oxford: Pet charity calls for greyhound racing ban within five years

Blue Cross has launched a new campaign “to highlight the plight” of the dogs.

The charity has put together advertisements offering tips on ‘How to pick a winning greyhound.’

The signs are revealed to be what you would look for in a family pet.

Greyhound racing returned to Oxford in September 2022 following a 10-year absence after the closure of Oxford Stadium in December 2012. 

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It also takes place at Swindon Stadium in Blunsdon.

The ads have featured on vans passing racetracks across the UK including Doncaster and Romford.

Becky Thwaites, head of public affairs at Blue Cross, said: “There are only 10 countries in the world where greyhound racing is still legal, four are in the UK.

“The avoidable injury or death of just one dog is a tragedy and that is why this so-called ‘sport’ has to end.

“Instead of many puppies forced to grow up alone in a cold kennel with an inevitably miserable future before their retirement, let’s see them grow up in loving homes as much-loved pets where they can enjoy a cuddle on the sofa.”

The charity said “thousands” of young retired or injured greyhounds end up at animal rehoming charities.

They said Frog was just two years and five-months-old when he arrived at the Blue Cross after his racing career was over.

He was admitted alongside three-year-old Bluebell.

Sophie Stewart-Smith, animal welfare assistant at Blue Cross, said: “It is vital to help greyhounds adjust to family life with so little experience of it.

“Frog was unsure of a sofa when we introduced him to one and needed lots of reassurance and treats before he dared to join me on it.

“Sadly greyhounds are often harder to home than other breeds. Many people assume they need lots of exercise, especially ex-racers, but in a family home they are content with a couple of walks a day and a snooze on their back on the sofa waving their legs in the air.

“Happily Frog and Bluebell are finally in loving new homes but Frog’s stay was typical of a black greyhound who often struggle to find homes as quickly as other colours and breeds.

“The average length of stay for a greyhound last year was almost twice the average of other breeds.”

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Responding to calls for a ban last year, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain published an open letter to the Blue Cross, RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

It said it was “deeply disappointing” that the charities had changed their stance from working with the sport “to working against us”.

It said its long-term welfare strategy A Good Life For Every Greyhound “not only showcases the significant progress that has taken place over the past four years within our sport but sets out a thorough, detailed plan for driving forward welfare standards further still”.

It said it was developed with leading vets and academics and welcomed across all political parties.

“Everyone involved in our sport puts the health and happiness of our greyhounds at the centre of all we do,” it said.