Blue Cross extremely concerned by lack of government action on greyhound racing

Blue Cross is extremely concerned by the government’s response to our calls to make better welfare regulations for greyhounds a legal requirement.

Defra has today (Thursday 15 September, 2016) published its review of the 2010 Greyhound Regulations after we and other charities campaigned for change. Despite consulting experts from many animal welfare charities, including Blue Cross, the government has decided to make only small changes to improve regulations, and will not do this until at least 2018. We believe action needs to be taken now.

Defra has also ignored recommendations from a report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee (EFRA), which raised concerns about self-regulation of the greyhound racing industry.

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross, said: “Blue Cross is very disappointed that the government has missed a huge opportunity to regulate the greyhound racing industry effectively and improve the welfare of the dogs involved.

“We are particularly concerned to learn that the government has no plans to ensure the welfare of racing greyhounds during the time they spend in their trainers’ kennels. We have campaigned for better lives for racing greyhounds for many years, and we would urge the government to reconsider its decision.”