CAMPAIGNERS calling for the closure of a greyhound stadium have stopped shouting amid the coronavirus crisis and are holding silent protests instead.

Protesters want Coral Greyhound Stadium to shut alleging that the sport causes the injury and death of animals.

However, the venue in Neville Road claims that the "welfare of the greyhounds that run at our track is of paramount importance".

Members of Close Hove Dog Track have now moved away from shouting and chanting, which is known to increase the risk of coronavirus.  

Instead, they gather outside the track wearing masks and holding banners asking motorists to beep in support.

The Argus:

Oliver Frost, a campaigner from the group, said: “We’ve actually had more support recently since lockdown because we don’t chant and shout stuff any more.

“We now hold signs that say ‘beep to support’ and we actually get a lot of beeps.

“We’ve realised we no longer need to shout and scream.”

Protesters are known to stage weekly demonstrations at the track but have recently changed their methods.

Tracks across the country have already closed down, according to the group who want to see Brighton and Hove follow suit.

Marc Massive, from the group, said: “We’re here because we feel we need to speak out for the dogs.

“A lot of the British public think this is just a sport and there are no casualties involved but there are a lot of casualties.

“When you dig deep into what goes on behind the scenes, this is when the public back us and get behind us.

“Initially, I think they just think we are a load of animal rights activists but when they actually look into what goes on behind the scenes then they are very supportive.”

“You can hear the dogs crying every week inside the kennels. If we aren’t here showing a presence to say this isn’t OK in 2020 then it just carries on.”

The Argus:

Coral Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium issued a statement in response to the protest.

Ian Smyth, director of stadia at Ladbrokes Coral, said: “We are very proud to own and operate such a successful and well-regarded greyhound racing venue at Hove and the welfare of the greyhounds that run at our track is of paramount importance.

“We continually invest significant sums to ensure that the racing surface and the facilities for greyhounds are of a high standard, and we constantly monitor and assess the greyhound trainers employed by Coral to ensure that the highest standards of care are being maintained.”