"CLOSE TRACK" CALL AFTER ANOTHER GREYHOUND DIES
Long list of Belle Vue fatalities continues

An international greyhound protection group has renewed its calls for the closure of the dog track
at Manchester's Belle Vue Stadium, after learning of the death yet another greyhound there.

Greylag Sophie, who was less than two years old, collapsed and died suddenly at the end of a race
last Wednesday afternoon, following a collision with another dog on the first bend.

The greyhound's death has led to increased support for Greyhound Action's call for an end to dog
racing at the stadium, where the group's local supporters already hold regular demonstrations.

Tony Peters, Greyhound Action's UK Co-ordinator, said: "Greylag Sophie's tragic death is just one of
a long list of greyhound fatalities at Belle Vue Stadium.

"We were informed of the incident by an official at the track, who has become increasingly concerned
about the suffering and slaughter of dogs caused by the greyhound racing industry.

"Just a few weeks ago, another young dog, called Afflecks Palace, was 'put down' by the track vet,
after being seriously injured when he was knocked over by another dog during a race.

"Details obtained by greyhound protection campaigners under the Freedom of Information Act
indicate that over 40 dogs are being 'put down' annually at the stadium after suffering injuries
there.

"Thousands of injuries to greyhounds, many of them serious, occur every year in Britain. The main
reason for this is that the shape of the tracks, with fast straights leading into tight bends,
creates a very dangerous environment for dogs to run in.

"In addition, hundreds of other greyhounds, bred because of the demand created by Belle Vue, are
put to death as puppies or young dogs, before they even make it to the track, after being judged
unsuitable for racing.

"According to recent research, more than 12,000 greyhounds, bred for the British racing
industry, are 'put down' every year, after failing to make the grade as racers or when their
'careers' on the tracks come to an end.

"An RSPCA report on greyhound racing has stated that 'at least 20 greyhounds a day - either puppies
which do not make the track, or retired dogs aged three or four - simply disappear, presumed
killed'.

"Members of the public can help put an end to this horrific situation by not attending dog tracks or
betting on greyhound racing, so this appalling industry fades away through lack of financial
support."

A photo taken at one of their demos outside Belle Vue can be viewed and downloaded (right click on
picture) at http://tinyurl.com/Demo-at-Belle-Vue for use, free of charge.

For more information, please visit Greyhound Action's website at www.greyhoundaction.org.uk

this carnage has just got to stop

It really does need to stop.

Run free Sophie, and all of those before (and sadly after) you