The Blue Cross comment on new greyhound legislation

The Department for Environment, Food and Agricultural Affairs announced new guidelines today as part of the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations for 2010.

The review of the guidelines aims to ensure best practice in greyhound welfare and to support greyhound track operators and regulators.

Whilst The Blue Cross welcomes the new guidelines,  we believe more can still be done to monitor other areas of the greyhound racing industry.

Steve Goody, The Blue Cross director of external affairs and member UK Greyhound Forum said: "The Blue Cross welcomes the new regulations introduced by Defra today, as they will significantly improve the welfare of greyhounds in the UK.”

“With the requirement for all racing tracks to be licensed and regulated, along with the standards imposed by the UKAS-accredited Greyhound Board of Great Britain, greyhounds across the UK are now assured much better standards of care.”

“However, the guidelines don't go far enough; we'd like to see them extended to trainers’ and breeders’ kennels where many greyhounds spend the majority of their lives."

Read the new guidelines here.

The Blue Cross often rehome ex-track greyhounds with a record of seven being rescued from one track in Wales earlier this year.

Two of these greyhounds, Mr Darcy and Goldie, are still seeking loving new homes from our adoption centres. They make excellent pets - as a breed they are usually gentle and non-aggressive. Furthermore, they need a surprisingly small amount of exercise!

Find out more about Mr Darcy and Goldie