Welfare organisation the Greyhound Forum have given a mixed response to GBGB’s warning on racing greyhounds in hot weather writes Floyd Amphlett.
While commending the Board for its reminder to tracks and trainers, there is a pointed observation about the timing of the announcement. The statement reads:
The Greyhound Forum members warmly welcome the GBGB’s announcement on greyhounds racing in hot weather, although a more timely edict would have been appropriate. Whilst the safety of greyhounds racing in these extremes of temperature has been a subject of considerable concern to animal lovers, it has been disappointing to learn that some tracks have continued to race when temperatures have been at their highest for weeks and forecasters have predicted that this would continue for some while.
Forum members appreciate that there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account before a decision can be taken on whether to race or not, it remains that the welfare of the greyhounds must be paramount in these decisions.
We are pleased that in its announcement, GBGB have stressed that each track, in consultation with its veterinary adviser, must be responsible for making the decision whether to race or not.
Over the next few months we will be working with the GBGB on their Greyhound Commitment, racing in extremes of temperature will be high on the agenda, it is therefore pleasing to know that they are working with stakeholders and academics in order to provide “clear and unambiguous guidance”.
We sincerely hope that all tracks will now take their responsibility seriously.
