Poole campaigners calling for awareness of “exploitative” greyhound racing

Campaigners from a national greyhound protection group have been peacefully protesting outside betting shops in Poole.

CAGED Nationwide are holding awareness events at betting shops across the country, hoping to draw attention to the “exploitative” greyhound racing industry.

Leading the campaign in Poole, Sandi Ridge said: “We want to see an end to the greyhound industry because it is so exploitative.

“Hundreds of greyhounds are killed every year. Research has shown that over 50% of greyhounds that are bred for british racing are killed – these include dogs that are pregnant, puppies that aren’t fast enough to make the grade and those that are injured.

“A lot of people will say that greyhounds love to race – well, greyhounds love to run, I think it’s far nicer to see a greyhound run if they’re free, not because they have to.”

“The betting shop campaign is just one aspect of what we’re trying to do. The reception we’ve got from the public has been very positive – once people are made aware of the cruelty within the industry, their eyes are open to the reality of how the greyhounds suffer. It’s all we want to do really, is make people realise it’s not a fun night out.

“A lot of people will say that greyhounds love to race – well, greyhounds love to run, I think it’s far nicer to see a greyhound run if they’re free, not because they have to.”

Poole Stadium has been contacted for comment by The Breaker, but had not responded at the time of going to press.