Lou's Gorgeous Greyhounds

Stop Greyhound Slaughter Members Needed Now More Than Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:46:00 +0000

Hi all and sorry it's been so long. Things have been absolutely manic here but hopefully I'll be on and posting updates, news and articles regularly from now on. I'm posting the newest notice posted in the Stop Greyhound Slaughter Facebook cause today. Please join if you are on Facebook. Otherwise, check out the link and spread the word!

Hi all,

As usual with all of these messages, thanks so much for joining this cause and your continued membership. Also, thank you for all the wonderful donations that we have had in recent weeks. Every penny and stamp is very much appreciated at the moment given the dire state of the economic climate worldwide. Every donation is vital and every voice that is added to this cause is one more voice towards saving the Greyhound from diabolicle treatment that the breed in no way deserves.

I have two favours to ask of everyone today.

First of all, please take a look at this link - Stop Greyhound Slaughter. I put it on the blog this morning and it decribes the way in which one Greyhound was starved, thrown into a deserted factory and left to die. Please send it to all your friends and let them know just how cruel these "people" are.

Secondly, we now have a little over 18,000 members. Please please please keep inviting all your friends, post the link on blogs and get people joining up to make a stand. Can we try for 20,000 by August 15th? That's 2000 more members in a month. Come on people, we can do it!

Finally, I will be setting a donation target in the next few hours. If you can spare even $5 it would be very much appreciated. I haven't included this in the favour list because I know how tight many people are finding their finances at the moment. If you can thenplease do, if not just invite as many friends as you can to the cause today and help us boost the numbers. After all, 20,000 members would be an absolutely fantastic achievement.

Thanks again guys for all your hard work. You will never have any idea how much I appreciate it.

Lou x

Grey2KUSA's New Video

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:09:00 +0000

I received an email a couple of days ago with a link to the new YouTube video from one of the USA's most active groups in terms of the campaign to stop Greyhound slaughter. For those of you that have never heard of Grey2kUSA, they work tirelessly to educate the public and save Greyhounds in America from the inherent cruelty that they are all too often subjected to. I thought it may be of interest to some of you, so please find it below:

Harrowing Stories Of Greyhound Abuse & Slaughter

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:03:00 +0000

It's been a few days since my last post and I have very little time on my hands today so I thought I'd just provide a few URLs that might be of interest to thoe of you that are as disgusted by the Greyhound slaughter occurring worldwide as I am. These links prove that Greyhound slaughter does actually take place and that it is not a figment of our imagination... as some people seem to think it is.

The links below are to news sites and so offer details of cases that are hard to read. They are somewhat graphic in nature and may not be good bedtime reading for those that cannot stomach such details. However, I highly recommend that you take the time to read them and pass them on to anyone you feel might be interested in spreading the world and adding their voice:

Concentration camp for more than 30 greyhounds, article here

Hartelpool greyhound found dead with ears hacked off, article here

Pregnant greyhound found killed with ears hacked off near Bristol, article here

Greyhound found drowned in the river Foyle (Ireland), article here

Dumped greyhound found in Sittingbourne, involved in a road traffic accident, article here

Greyhound found stabbed to death in Sunderland, article here

Seal Hunts: Help To Protect Another Beautiful Creature That Faces Slaughter

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Although it's very rare that I focus on anything but the Greyhound here I wanted to make this post about the seal trade. Seals are still facing slaughter every day but there is a vote coming up to ban the trade in Europe. Please read the following and then click on the link to sign the petition:

This is it. We only have weeks left until the European Parliament votes on whether or not to ban trade in cruel seal products. This is a historic opportunity for the Parliament to save millions of seals from indiscriminate slaughter.

Join with me and thousands of others to make our voices heard on behalf of seals.

Please sign Humane Society International's petition to the European Parliament demanding a complete ban on all products from the commercial slaughter of seals. Click here

We are so close to stopping the largest slaughter of marine mammals on Earth — we can't stop now! The seals are counting on us.

Thanks!

Pregnant Greyhound Found Mutilated In Bristol

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Another week goes by and another horrific story of Greyhound abuse and cruelty is presented to the world. This one is especially disgusting. Although every incidence of cruelty, of beatings, of needless destruction and of physical harm gets to me, this particular story really hit a nerve.

On Valentine's Day (Feb 14th) a PREGNANT Greyhound was found on wasteland in Iron Acton, Bristol (just 30 miles away from Swindon's licensed racing stadium). Not only had the poor girl been abandoned whilst heavily pregnant but she had also been MUTILATED. She had no ears because they had been cut off so she could not be identified.

Imagine being pregnant and then enduring the most horrific torture. This beautiful dog had no idea what was going on and why she must suffer such pain. She could have died, her pups along with her, but luckily she was rescued in time. Furthermore, she deliver 6 beautiful Greyhound pups just a few days later. Mum and pups are doing fine.

There are few owners and trainers in that area so this Greyhound had to belong to someone and the RSPCA are looking to track them down. She is quite distinctive in terms of her looks - black with white markings under her chin and a white blaze between her forelegs, as well as two white spots on her throat.

John Atkinson, an RSPCA inspector said:

This is a very distressing incident for all involved and we are investigating every possible avenue. If any member of the public saw people dumping the dog, or knows of a dog answering this description, I would urge them to contact the RSPCA at once.

For more information and the full story, please head to This Is Bristol.

If a "human being" can commit this cruelty on a heavily pregnant and trusting Greyhound, just imagine what he or she could do to other animals. if you know anything, please please please get in touch with the RSPCA.

Facts About Greyhound Slaughter In Peterborough

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:00 +0000

I've read numerous articles concerning the reatment of greyhounds in recent weeks that have alarmed me, more than ever before in fact. Whilst that may sound like a bad thing it is actually quite the opposite. More is being written about greyhound slaughter, meaning that more people will actually read about it and feel compelled to help fight against it. Take the Stop Greyhound Slaughter cause for example. There are now nearly 8000 members, over 3000 of which have joined since December 2008. Bearing in mind the cause has been active since the end of 2007, this is absolutely fantastic so the more awareness the better!

I actually just wanted to post a leaflet I received a link to about greyhound slaughter in Peterborough. The information given in this leaflet is proven fact. There is no debating its fudamental truth. As such, please spread it far and wide:

If you want to post this to your blog or website, the links to do so can be found here.

The Stop Greyhound Cruelty Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Just a quick note today to pass on a message to everyone that cares about greyhounds for a member of the Facebook cause, Andy Falconer. Andy left a link at the cause page today for a petition to promote the abolition of greyhound cruelty, which desperately needs signatures.

You can find the petition here: STOP GREYHOUND CRUELTY.

Please sign, even if you do so anonymously, and pass on the link to your friends.

Another Dispicable Indictment Of The Greyhound Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Through the cause I run on Facebook and MySpace to Stop Greyhound Slaughter, I get to speak to a whole range of people and find out about the views they hold. Although there are one or two people that join the cause to ran and rave about how greyhound slaughter is just a figment of my imagination, the vast majority of people just want to help and one or two even have stories of their own to tell me.

I heard one such story a few days ago; a tale of greyhound rescue by a decent and incredible individual that was not affiliated with a greyhound rescue charity. We all know what amazing work greyhound rescues do but I also find it heartening to hear about regular people that literally save greyhounds from heartless and cruel people that are just out to make money. If these individuals did not make a stand then a few more beautiful greyhounds would be slaughtered every year. Here is the story in the lady's own words:

I wasn't aware of the killings that go on until a friend of mine joined a greyhound racing syndicate. The poor dog broke its foot on its first race which ended the dogs racing career (which I also think is cruel although that is a delicate subject). The members of the syndicate were uninterested in saving the dog and just wanted to put him down. My friend wouldnt allow it. He tried to get them to pull together to get the money for the £700 operation but they did not care, they just wanted to get another dog and try racing again. My friend, complete with a wife, two children and serious debt problems managed to find the money to save the dog and he now lives happily with his sister. A happy ending for this dog but there are plenty out there that are not so lucky.

Even syndicates of "normal" people are looking to dispose of these beautiful creatures when they are healthy and would make an excellent pet. It seems that they want the financial glory but not the financial burden that their insistance on racing greyhounds causes. Again, I know not all trainers/owners are the same and some care deeply for their greyhounds but the sheer number of dispicable things (I cannot bring myself to call them humans) is unbelievable. Enough is enough!

Beautiful Barron The Whippet Needs Your Help!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:15:00 +0000

I received an email this morning from Greytexploitations about a lovely little male whippet that is in urgent need of care. He was a rescue and was in a terrible state when he was picked up. He only has a few months left to live so if anyone out there can give him a comfortable home and the love he deserves during his last few months then please get in touch with Greyhound Gap at the number outlined below. Here is a little more information about Barron:

Greyhound Gap - Barron only has a few months could you foster him? Bedlington x whippet boy.

A couple of weeks ago we received a phonecall from Catherine a friend. She had heard about a 12 year old bedlington whippet boy who was currently in the care of another rescue. He had two huge growths one on his chest and one on his leg and their vets had stated they couldnt be operated on. Catherine wanted to see if Gap would be willing to take him on, get a second opinion and give him the back up needed. Of course we would. He moved to Catherine the next night.

The lump on the leg was so huge that poor Barron couldnt get around properly or sit down comfortably but thankfully when he saw our vet they didnt feel there was any reason why it couldnt be removed especially as the boy was so uncomfortable. Barron had his operation and all was a success in fact the very next day he had to be stopped from bouncing around. However the vet felt that one of the lumps in particular looked decidedly nasty so was sent off for histology.

Sadly the result wasnt what we wanted to hear and the beautiful Barron has Sarcoma and treatment isnt an option. We were all mortified as this little man so loves to play and enjoy his walks and is just so full of life.

The vet feels at best that Barron has around 12mnths at the worst it could be as little as a few months. Catherine would love to keep him there but sadly although Barron is very tolerant of her male dogs they are not so tolerant of him especially the older yorkshire terrier boy. Barron is not cat friendly but is good with small dogs as you can tell.

Catherine currently works so Barron is fine left during the day, greets you really enthusiastically on your return, he travels well in the car. He sleeps well over night, walks like a dream on the lead and has been off the lead also but is a little deaf bless him so can wonder too far. Once he realises this though he heads back to you.

If you could find it in your heart to give Barron a special place to be for however long he has he will remain cared for medically by Greyhound Gap. We will continue to cover the cost of his veterinary treatment for the duration of his life.

If you can help please email me or call me on 01782 544728

Likewise if you feel you cant help Barron but would like to make a donation or help to sponsor his continued care please let me know or you can do it via the usual paypal chanel to greyhoundgap@yahoo.co.uk PLEASE MAKE A NOTE THAT ITS FOR BARRONS CARE. Thank you

Barron

Action For Greyhounds In The Credit Crunch

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Hi all!

Sorry I've been away for so long and haven't been blogging as regularly here. I've had a lot of personal and health issues to deal with but I'm back now and will be posting regularly again now. I was going to start off with a stamp appeal round up because I've had a good response recently but I received this email a week or so ago and wanted to help publicise the AGF plight. They are losing money as a result of the credit crunch and are struggling to keep up with their financials in order to do the awesome work they have done for some time now. This was the email I received:

At this present time Action for Greyhounds UK (AFG), have:-

5 Greyhounds in foster homes
3 Greyhounds being boarded in kennels
1 Rottweiler being boarded in kennels.

3 of the above dogs need to be neutered.
1 Rottweiler needs a possible major hip operation.

AFG are NOT a re-homing or rescue centre or even have any kennels; AFG a campaigning group. However, if AFG had not stepped in to help these dogs it is very unlikely that they would be alive today.

It is costing AFG for private boarding over £170.00 per week, which is £737.00 per month. Add to this the cost of vaccinations, micro-chipping and food for the dogs being fostered - AFG need over £1,000 a month to cover the cost of keeping these dogs, until they can be either fostered or re-homed. This £1,000 does not include the cost of neutering 3 of the dogs.

Due to the extreme adverse weather conditions this winter, AFG have had to cancel numerous stalls and car boots, and basically, at this present time, it looks very unlikely that we can raise £1,000 per month.

AFG have never before asked for help in funding, and would prefer not to have to now, but due to the current situation, any donation no matter how small would be truly appreciated, forwarded please to the above PO Box address, with cheques made payable to "Action for Greyhounds UK".

We are also desperate for additional foster homes to relinquish this huge monthly cost of boarding kennels, and should anyone be in a position to take a dog(s) please contact Annie as above.

Please find the contact information below in case you may be able to help or know somebody else that may:

Action For Greyhounds UK
PO Box 3089, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3YP, Tel: 01603 469864 - Mob: 07809 681691
Email info@actionforgreyhounds.co.uk - Website: www.actionforgreyhounds.co.uk

***Stay tuned for a stamp appeal and cause update in the next couple of days! Thanks all!

Another Stop Greyhound Slaughter Cause & Stamp Appeal Update

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Hi all,

Hope everyone is enjoying the run up to Christmas and is almost ready for the festivities. Sorry I have been absent from here for a while but I have a few personal problems to deal with recently.

This is just a quick update to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has joined either of the causes because I can't quite believe how successful it is! Every single person that has joined is making a difference because it is one more person that knows about what happens to greyhounds when they retire or if they will not chase as a pup. Although some do find homes, they are in the minority and this has got to stop.

Also, thank you to those that have signed the petition. There are only 2,157 signatures on there at the moment and we could do with a few more before Christmas if possible. You can stay anonymous if you wish but it takes a few seconds to sign and will all contribute to the voice against the appalling slaughter of these beautiful creatures.

Please keep inviting friends to the cause and spare a thought for greyhounds during this cold and cruel weather. They may not be warm and cared for this winter unless they are lucky enough to have been rehomed. Some ex-racers or those that will not chase will have been abandoned, others left to die in this weather and will not survive for long. It is important to help those rescues that work hard all year round wherever possible to ensure that thay can continue to work.

I am still running the stamp appeal, although interest has died off in recent months. If you have any used stamps from Christmas cards or letters then please ask me where to send them so they can help to fund rescues and rehoming. I'm willing to send an SAE if you do not want to pay to send them to me but we desperately need used stamps to fill credit crunch fund deficits so if you can help then please please let me know.

***************

If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Christmas And Your Pet Greyhound: Perfect Presents

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:32:00 +0000

Hi all. Hope everyone's well and looking forward to the coming months now Christmas is well and truly on the way. I apologise for my absence from regular updates the past week. I've been rather ill and am just starting to feel human again now. I've noticed plenty of emails with news and updates in my inbox and I will get around to posting them in the next few days so bear with me...

In the meantime, having been laying around and doing nothing for a few days, I've begun to look around for Christmas presents and found one of the best online pet stores ever! If you have a pet greyhound and want to buy your pooch a gift for Christmas then I would highly recommend it. Puchi Petwear is an amazing store. It's supposed to be a designer store but the prices are highly reasonable. Although it is a UK store, you can place orders from anywhere in the world for delivery. All of their products come in various sizes for the different sizes and breeds of dog so you could purchase gifts for any of your dogs there.

Although I highly recommend checking out greyhound rescue centres for gifts like collars or merchandise for your family, this is the next best place to stop because the product range is huge and absolutely beautiful!

***If you work with or own a greyhound rescue or charity and have Christmas appeals or ranges of merchandise that you would like to advertise then please contact me. I'll be happy to post about them and link to your site in the coming weeks. This also includes any fundraisers etc because we all know how hard the credit crunch is hitting. Please email me.

Introducing Hardy...

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:33:00 +0000

I am pleased to introduce our new greyhound... Hardy! He's certainly been a lively addition to the brood here! He's currently 8 months old and we got him from Dun Roamin, the local shelter that needs our help. He's a beautiful dog, as you can probably see from the pictures below...

See Some Of The Dogs At Dun Roamin!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:40:00 +0000

Really quick post today furthering the recent one I wrote about Dun Roamin and the help they need to get dogs rehomed a few days ago...

Ian from Dun Roamin contacted me today about a video that has been placed on the Internet showing some of his dogs. This video really shows some of the strays he has there so take a look. It can be found behind the link at the Burton Mail website.

Please help if you can... these dogs desperately need a second chance.

URGENT: Homes Needed For Stray Dogs, Midlands

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Over the past few weeks I have taken to helping at a local dog shelter. Myself and my husband go down to see the dogs there a couple of times a week where possible, and to walk them. There are a few we have started to lead train so that they are ready for a new home as far as possible. However, they are really facing difficulties at the moment, which only looks likely to get worse.

With the credit crunch has slowly but surely come more and more dogs. The warden seems to be picking more and more up as the family budget becomes tighter and tighter. As such, Ian is running out of room and the rehoming of these gorgeous dogs seems to have stagnated somewhat. Although Dun Roamin is a non-euthanise rescue, the lack of room will mean that Ian may have to refuse to take dogs on in the future. If this is the case then may of them will be put to sleep because there is nowhere for them to go.

Ian is a lovely guy and works so hard to get them rehomed but if nobody wants them then there isn't a lot he can do. If you do have any room in your home and want another dog or are looking for your first dog then please consider those here. I can wholeheartedly recommend them because they are all sweet natured and loving dogs. Some need a little work but with time and patience they will give you so much love in return.

Take Buddy for example. He has been there over a year now and is a beautiful dog. He is a little excitable but extremely loving. He has been into a home but the father wanted to teach his son a lesson (that dogs were had work) and retuned him a couple of weeks later. This frankly disgusted me because he is a lovely dog and does not deserve that disregard. I have no picture for him but there is one on the website.

Another example is Moe. He is a Collie and is fantastic on the lead, obedient and just wants a place by the fire in a home. He's 9 years old now but was picked up a few months ago by the dog warden after being left at the bottom of a farm drive. He was tied to a tree with a mountain of dry food next to him.

Then there's Cassie. She's an unusually coloured Boxer/Staffie cross and just wants to be loved. She would be an incredibly loving dog for anyone willing to give her a chance.

And there are many more...

Now I know these dogs are strays and not greyhounds but they all need loving homes... and I have become quite attached! Trust me, I would have them all if I could but with 3 dogs (one of which I will introduce in a few days) already I cannot take them all. My terrier is also a little fickle and that doesn't help! I did get my last greyhound from Ian last week and he told me everything I needed to know in advance so there are no nasty surprises.

If you live in the West Midlands and are looking for a dog, please go to the Dun Roamin website. That link will take you directly to the rehoming page so you can see the dogs from yourself.

If you know of anyone who may be interested then please pass this on to them. You can directly email it to them via the envelope at the bottom of the post. They desperately need homes and Ian really needs the space to take on more of those poor creatures being abandoned. Ian also needs foster homes where possible to take a dog in temporarily until a home can be found. Please please please get in touch if you need any more information or can help at all.

Think Dun Roamin

Greyhound Industry Cover Up Live On TV!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:54:00 +0000

Anyone who follows greyhound welfare issues will know that very little is ever revealed in the press about the cruel and disgusting treatment that some of these beautiful animals face. In actual fact, this may be why many of you read this blog in the first place and spread the word about it. However, the cover up that millions witnessed on a BBC program last week takes the biscuit.

The BBC show "Inside Out London" did a ten minute piece from Romford Greyhound Stadium in the UK. The coverage was supposed to be unbiased, impartial, honest and independent but was in fact the opposite. Although they failed to speak to welfare groups and greyhound rescues, they completely ridiculed those of us seeking better treatment for greyhounds and an end to the needless slaughter many of them suffer every year. In fact, the host (Matthew Wright) actually said "there are those that are glad to see the closure of any greyhound stadium because they claim it’s a cruel sport and it’s the old dogs that suffer. They say that once they stop racing – it’s the knackers yard for them – but it appears this is far from the truth".

The email I recieved pointed out the following:

Clearly the BBC have failed to research and acknowledge the overwhelming evidence of ALL welfare issues such as over breeding, lack of welfare, injuries, destruction of healthy greyhounds, irresponsible re-homing practices and further exploitation of the racing greyhound in retirement.

Had the Inside Out London team remained impartial, they would have addressed not only the concerns of greyhound protection groups but also the concerns contained in the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare Report, the industry’s commissioned Donoughue Report and those of the RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports. All of the aforementioned organisations being highly critical of greyhound racing in its present day form.

This is spot on the truth and exposes the coverage as propaganda rather than unbiased and factual news.

The email also called for the greyhound lovers out there to protest. After all, this is why we are constantly drowned out when trying to create a better world for greyhounds to live and grow old in instead of being brutally killed when they can no longer make their owners money. Even responsible trainers that do treat their dogs well call for better regulation... which is really saying something! Coverage like this can only harm our cause so please take the time to copy and paste the email below and send it to the BBC about the shameless piece that will do greyhounds no good at all:

Dear BBC

I wish to complain regarding the Inside Out London programme broadcast on Wednesday October 15, promoting a night at the dogs at Romford Stadium.

The BBC must surely be aware of the publication of the APGAW and the industry’s commissioned Donoughue reports which concluded there were many areas of grave concern regarding welfare within the industry.

The BBC must also be aware of the further damming of these already highly critical reports by the RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports who in response, demanded even more drastic welfare changes to ensure minimum welfare standards for greyhounds.

More recently the Sunday Times, in exposing this ruthless industry, have published two investigative articles earlier this year, which could not have escaped your attention.

Ironically, the first article exposed a veterinary clinic at an Ockendon greyhound complex, euthanasing healthy greyhounds and then selling their warm body parts to the Royal Veterinary College. This was the very same complex which is home to Romford Homefinders, who you featured in the programme.

The second article exposed the largest greyhound breeder in the UK selling puppies who would not chase or too slow, to Liverpool University for research and dissection.

You only have to read the online comments on both these articles to ascertain the public’s opinion and disgust of greyhound racing.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3466712.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3908388.ece

Why, as a public service broadcaster, who is supposed to be ‘free from commercial influence and answer to its viewers and listeners’ has the BBC chosen to promote an industry which has failed to address very serious welfare concerns, an industry that is dependent on gambling and an industry that is in sharp decline, the promotion of such, being further fuelled by those interviewed on the programme and needless to say, who are financially dependent on the industry - without the airing of any welfare issues?

Astonishingly, the presenter Mathew Wright, remained anything but impartial throughout and gave his firm stamp of approval on this exploitative industry with his closing statement - ‘A night at the dogs – always a good evening’

I sincerely hope the BBC research the facts behind greyhound racing and you give the public, welfare organisations and greyhound protection groups the opportunity in the very near future to address this inaccurate piece of pro racing propaganda you have irresponsibly broadcast.

In meantime, please be advised of the following facts and statements

*For every greyhound puppy that makes it to the track, at least one other puppy will be culled or killed because they won’t chase or are too slow to make the grade – analysis made from APGAW report.
*‘Dogs are generally kennelled for 23 hours a day for their entire racing life, usually two dogs per small kennel sharing one bed and to avoid fighting, dogs are muzzled as a long term solution’ – RSPCA
*The National Greyhound Racing Club processed 18,861 greyhound Retirement Forms last year and refuse to disclose the fate or fortune of those greyhounds – NGRC
*At least 20 greyhounds a day, either puppies which do not make it to the track or ‘retired’ dogs aged 3 or 4 simply disappear, presumed destroyed – RSPCA
*‘Greyhounds suffer through the breeding and selection process, injury and inhumane destruction when they are no longer needed’ – League Against Cruel Sports

Yours sincerely

Please send your emails to :-

dippy.chaudhary@bbc.co.uk – Editor of Inside Out London

david.holdsworth@bbc.co.uk – BBC Deputy Controller English Regions

pov@bbc.co.uk - Points of View (full name and telephone number required)

You can also make a formal complaint to the BBC Trust on this automated complaints form
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/complaints_stage1.shtml

OUTRAGE: Greyhound Abuse Legally Costs Just £650

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:42:00 +0000

I received an email last week that horrified and outraged me in equal measure. It detailed the astounding abuse perpetrated by and punishment doled out to a greyhound trainer who couldn't even summon up the guilt that any human being would feel having treated an animal in such a way. Pearly Black was too young to race at 15 months old and yet was effectively murdered in the most horrific way.

This is the email I received, unedited so you can feel the full horror of the situation for yourself:

WELFARE ‘HAS GONE TOO FAR’ CLAIMS GREYHOUND TRAINER

Professional trainer Martin Dowman, formerly attached to Doncaster stadium has been found in breech of NGRC rule 174(xi) in that he ‘has treated a greyhound or caused or permitted a greyhound to be treated with cruelty or in such a manner as to cause the greyhound unnecessary suffering’.

During a routine inspection on 2nd April 2008 by an NGRC Steward, a young black female named Pearly Black aged only 15 months, was found emaciated amongst Dowman’s kennel stock of 28 greyhounds.

According to Dowman, the greyhound had not been eating properly since an earthquake tremor 3 weeks previous and described her as a “very nervous bitch.” Despite being an experienced trainer of 15 years, he saw no need to seek professional help and allowed Pearly Black’s health to deteriorate over the following weeks.

After being forced to seek professional help by the NGRC steward and upon the advice of a veterinary surgeon, Pearly Black was immediately put-to-sleep. According to Dowman, the NGRC believe the puppy should have been euthanased sooner.

When asked about the inquiry and the ‘extenuating circumstances’, Dowman said: “These things shouldn’t happen but we’ve never sought of experienced an earthquake and things like that… I went down to the Inquiry because I thought they were going to crucify me.”

Despite being reprimanded and fined £650 Dowman was “quite happy with the verdict.” And added: “This welfare problem now is in some respects gone too far… It’s hard always for trainers and owners… we all can’t have a Derby dog, if we could it would be brilliant.”

Dowman is the fifth trainer this year to receive a fine and reprimand for causing unnecessary suffering. None of the five trainers had their licenses revoked or were bought before the public courts to face charges of cruelty under the Animal Welfare act.

It appears that not only does the racing industry have a license kill; they also have a license to abuse.

Petition To Stop The Slaughter Of Animals For Pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:38:00 +0000

Just a quick post today. I received an email a couple of days ago about a petition that is currently online and desperately needs signatures. It is designed to end the killing of all living animals for pleasure. We all know that this goes on on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it really isn't highlighted as much as it should be today, largely because the media tend to ignore it. However, it is important that we all recognise that it exists and do something to stop it.

I've visited it today and signed it and there are only 92 signatures. Mine was the 93rd. Although there were only 30 signatures 3 days ago, there are still many more signatures needed to make a difference.

The petition ends on November 5th so please sign it at your earliest convenience and give these animals a voice. It can be found here.

Please link to this post or email it to anyone you think may want to sign. We need to raise awareness now!

2,000 Members For Stop Greyhound Slaughter!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Hi all,

Today I write with happy news - I am massively pleased to announce that we have hit 2,000 members of the Facebook cause, Stop Greyhound Slaughter! In fact, today has been a good day for the cause overall. Since midnight BST we have had 10 members join thus far. Now that may not be a huge number for some of the cancer causes out there but it is for a smaller cause like this.

I am so proud that so many people are getting the message that something has to be done to help these wonderful creatures. Please keep on inviting as mny friends as possible to join so we can continue to grow and make our voices heard.

The petition is also doing just fine at 1,844 signatures although we could do with many more signatures so please sign if you have yet to do so. Also, pass the web address onto anyone you can think of that may want to help our cause. The URL for the petition and the cause it at the bottom of this post.

I am still collecting used postage stamps and foreign coins to help out greyhound rescues facing financial difficulties with the credit crunch in full swing so any and all used postage stamps you could send would be greatly appreciated. We can accept them from all over the world.

The response to this has not been as good as expected in recent weeks so if you can contribute then please request the address to send them to. If you live in the UK then I can send you an SAE to send any used postage stamp and foreign coin contributions in. If you would like to do this then please send me your address. Unfortunately, our funding does not stretch this to abroad but we would still like to accept stamps and coins no matter where you are.

The roll of honour to the side of this blog is going up today so check in to see your name on there after contributing.

Thanks again all! Keep inviting and supporter. God knows, these beautiful creatures will need it this winter and for many long years to come.

***************

If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Pet Insurance And The Credit Crunch

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:25:00 +0000

I read quite a disturbing article earlier on today in one of the dog magazines I regularly read. The whole article was about the importance of pet insurance, especially for breeds that are prone to certain injuries and afflictions. Anyone with an older ex-racing greyhound will probably understand just why the breed should be included in this. With old racing injuries and wear and tear on the joints, having pet insurance is a godsend for those individuals that own an ex-racing greyhound. However, the credit crunch may well affet that in a wholly negative way.

The journalist found that more people were likely to see pet insurance as an unecessary expense when they are struggling for money but it is important to take care of your dog as and when possible in this way. After all, how would you be able to pay vets bills if you do not have insurance? What would you do if you could not pay them? This does not bear thinking about.

If you cannot afford your current premiums then get quotes as you would if you were renewing your car insurance or discover supplemental insurance, which would save you money. Whatever you do though, make sure that your greyhound is covered. You never know when you may need it.

Stop Greyhound Slaughter Cause & Stamp Appeal Update

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:07:00 +0000

Just a quick note today to highlight how well we are doing with the MySpace and Facebook causes and the petition. I am absolutely thrilled that we are doing well and raising our voices against the cruelty.

Firstly, the "Stop The Greyhound Slaughter" cause is doing magnificently.We are currently at 1,978 members, 366 of which were recruited via MySpace. Of course it is available through MySpace and Facebook so if you are a member of either and wish to join our cause then please do. The petition is also doing OK with 1,839 signatures, although I had hoped that would be doing a little better now. We need 20,000 signatures so if you have signed it and know anyone else that would please send them the URL.

If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Also, the stamp appeal I am currently holding for the Italian Greyhound Rescue is going fairly well. I have tried to raise awareness and the responses have been limited as yet but those people that have sent me stampshave sent an A5 envelope full so it is much appreciated. A roll of honour will be coming soon on here so if you do want to be recognised for very little effort please drop me a line for the address to send the to.

I have also been approached by another greyhound rescue on the back of this appeal and asked if I would like to highlight their plight as well because they need foreign coins (non-UK coins) that people have bought back from their holidays and cannot exchange. If you have any of those lying around then please send those too. Again, please email me for the address.

These beautiful creatures need your help and are in for a long hard winter as their donations are reducing as a result of the credit crunch. Collecting stamps from envelopes at home and finding out one or two coins takes no time at all and yet they need them. Please help them this winter.

Thank You To Animal Rights Groups

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:59:00 +0000

I was in my local town today and met two wonderful women and one wonderful man trying to get signatures for two petitions. They were campaigning for animal rights and, when I was there, they were getting a favourable response. However, on speaking to one of the ladies behind the table I soon found that they had been called "no better than Nazis" just before I got there. I found this absolutely disgusting given that they were only trying to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere.

So, for the rest of us that do want to make a difference, thank you to them and all of the others that take their time to stand around in all weathers trying to garner awareness of the things we do not see or hear about all over the world.

I was really pleased to find that they actually had a flyer about stopping the greyhound slaughter on their table. It was printed by Greyhound Action and I will be having a good read of it a little later and blogging about it, along with all of the other leaflets I picked up! Keep on going guys - we're making a difference already!

*********

They were from the Tamworth Animal Rights Network, or TARN. The link there is their MySpace page. Please visit it and support their efforts to save animals.

Action For Greyhounds UK

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:26:00 +0000

Many people around the world do absolutely anything they can to help save these beautiful creatures that we know and love. The greyhound and its plight has captured the imagination and attention of millions, and many of us have come to dedicate our lives to the welfare of greyhounds. However, one lady has taken that maxim even further over the past few years.

Annie, the founder of Action for Greyhounds UK, has recently completed a skydive to raise awareness and encourage people to save greyhounds... and you can see her! The video is now on YouTube.

But you don't need to go to YouTube to watch it when you can watch it right here! Enjoy!

Comfort And Fun: Halloween Costumes For Your Greyhound

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:07:00 +0000

Around this time last year I started writing a blog entry that I didn't finish, purely and simply because I ran out of time. Halloween is quickly approaching and we all know that it is an incredibly difficult time for some pet greyhounds. Those that have previously raced and been rescued should be made to feel like part of the family and should be comfortable at all times. However, some owners insist on dressing them up to the eyeballs for Halloween. There is nothing wrong with buying pet costumes to celebrate certain times of the year for your greyhound but it is important to bear in mind that there are certain guidelines that you should follow.

Firstly, if you do want to choose Halloween costumes for your greyhound then remember that full body costumes will undoubtedly make them feel uncomfortable. I do not like them at all on greyhounds because many will cause nerves and a lot of discomfort. However, greyhounds should be wearing a coat when they set foot outside in the fall and winter as a result of their human-like ability to feel cold through their short natural coats. Why not choose a Halloween themed coat instead? This will ensure that they stay warm without causing upset. There are some gorgeous Halloween greyhound coats out there to choose from. Alternatively, decorative collars are the perfect choice for greyhounds because they provide a little colour without upsetting your dog too much and allow him or her to join in the festivities.

Secondly, go for a professionally made costume instead of a home made one for your greyhound. The reason behind this is that professional ones are designed to fit dogs perfectly and will have all of the necessary seams and padding. Any you choose to make may not and thus may restric the comfort and movement of your greyhound. They may look cute but that does not mean they are happy!

Finally, make sure that you get your greyhound used to the costume before leaving it on for more than thirty minutes or so because this gies your greyhound a chance to get used to the outfit and will not prove as stressful a little later on. No costume, including novelty coats or collars, should be left on for more than a couple of hours. Would you like to be dressed as a pumpkin for upwards of three hours? No, and the same applies for your hound. Moderation is the key.

The reason why I started ths post last year was because I saw a greyhound that is owned by a man in my village paraded around as a pumpkin. As ridiculous as that may sound, it is true. The poor sweetheart was obviously uncomfortable because the costume was incredibly large and very poorly fitted... and yet I saw him wearing it for a good few hours. I just wanted to mention it because there are ways and means of encouraging your pet's comfort whilst celebrating Halloween and there are plenty of tasteful costumes out there for greyhounds and other breeds alike so be responsible and fun can be had by all, including your dog.

Stamps Appeal For Italian Greyhound Rescue

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:54:00 +0000

I was recently contacted by a friend who is looking for help in fundraising for the Italian Greyhound Rescue here in the UK. She is currently collecting used postage stamps in a bid to raise money to help them rescue and rehome mistreated and abused Italian Greyhounds all over the country. It is a registered charity (1104157) and has helped countless Italian Greyhounds in the past. Hopefully we can enable them to continue doing so.

If you do want to contribute used postage stamps from anywhere in the world, not just the UK, then please drop me a line and I can tell you where to send them to help my friend out. She needs a little paper left on the stamps so the edges aren't damaged at all, but any and all contributions will be welcomed.

Thanks all. It only takes a couple of minutes to take stamps off envelopes and you can be making a difference in some of these gorgeous dogs' lives.