Congratulations to U.G.O. in highlighting the need for a formal enquiry into the failure of the Chief Executive and Stewards of the NGRC to effectively supervise the welfare of greyhounds.
The death of ‘Football Focus’ at Catford on 17th August has precipitated the formation of an investigative panel with instructions to inspect kennelling facilities at all licensed tracks. Ones immediate reaction might be to congratulate the NGRC on taking such action. Unfortunately since this is not the first greyhound to die under these circumstances a more appropriate response would be ‘ what kept you?’
Of equal or greater concern, since it is far more widespread, is their apparent lack of involvement where abandoned greyhounds are concerned. Their rule, clearly holding the last registered owner responsible for the welfare of a retired greyhound, should not enable the NGRC to absolve themselves from all further responsibility when a greyhound retires.
Accurate NGRC records should be made available to the appropriate authorities to enable the identification and prosecution of those responsible for causing the distress of any animal. Their current policy of non-involvement, and apparent indifference, brings our sport, and the NGRC in particular, into disrepute. A recent fund raising appeal by the RSPCA included a photograph of a highly emaciated former racing greyhound. Its condition was reminiscent of those inmates of Belsen or Buchenwald liberated in 1945. In submitting my donation I reminded them of the NGRC rule regarding ‘last owner’ responsibility and enquired whether any prosecution had resulted. To date I have received no reply – the inference being that no action has been taken. Yet recent statements emanating from the NGRC refer to the consultation and co-operation which exists between themselves and the RSPCA.
As guardians of our sport the Executive and Stewards of the NGRC must assume a higher profile and actively cooperate in enabling action to be taken against these offenders. Far greater moral courage and resolve will be required in securing and maintaining their enhanced involvement in greyhound welfare.
Ian Smith
Oxford
As published in Racing Post on 16th October 02