Campaigners bid to close greyhound track

The Close Hove Race Track group created a petition to shut down the Coral Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium because they claim it causes the injury and death of animals.

Group member Sarah Whitehead, from Uckfield, said: “Greyhound racing is the complete exploitation of animals for humans.

“It’s the fact that humans think it’s OK to get animals to do things just for their entertainment that is wrong.”

The group had a stall in London Road, Brighton, on Sunday where they talked to people and gained signatures for their petition.

Ms. Whitehead said: “So many people don’t know there’s still a track in Hove, particularly people in Brighton.

“People look at Brighton as somewhere to go which is kind and accepting, but then you have this sort of thing still going on.”

Close Hove Race Track argue that all greyhound racing tracks in London have already closed down and Brighton should follow suit.

They have a regular group that protests every Saturday outside the stadium.

Ms Whitehead said: “They are the same as any other dog, but while anybody who has dogs at home gives them food, warmth and affection, these racing dogs get none of this.

“They are forced to race in all weathers, during the summer, thunderstorms and fireworks, and kept isolated in kennels, they’re only valued on their success when they race.”

There is also a national petition to ban greyhound racing which has received more than 15,000 signatures.

Ms. Whitehead added: “There’s nothing you can do to make the life of a greyhound in the racing industry acceptable unless you close down the stadiums.”

On October 25, the Government responded to the national petition and said: “The Government has no plans to ban greyhound racing.

“While the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is aware of concerns about racing and retired greyhounds we believe these problems can be addressed by means other than a ban.”

The Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium was contacted for a response yesterday.