Abigailj

Has anyone had a reply from Ben Bradshaw/DEFRA? I am aware of a couple of people who received replies. Have you had one? What do you think about the response?

Any press statements will have to be carefully thought out. There are people involved who have a wealth of experience in this particular area (but not my specialist subject I must admit ). Yes maybe. Raising welfare standards could force some people out of the sport, or as you say, if pushed high enough it may cause the industry to become unviable. I personally think that it is worth asking for a ban in personal letters etc, as the heavier the changes that are made, the greater the benefit to the dogs, whether 'retired', racing or never made the grade in the first place.

My understanding of the situation is: Greyhound Action are marching for a ban because they believe that is the only way to solve the problem properly. The stop the slaughter march isn't a march to ask specifically for regulation and it isn't a march to ask specifically for a ban either. It is a march to simply ask them to stop the slaughter. The individuals marching will all have their own opinions about how best to sort the problem, (either regulation or ban) but having the one banner 'stop the slaughter' will enable them all to march together in one big group to show just how many people care about it and want it sorted out.

I think you are confusing my own personal thoughts about the RSPCA petition with the purpose of the proposed march. The two are not connected in anyway Personally I'd rather see a ban because I don't believe that welfare can ever truly come first when part of a commercial profit driven venture and I have always been very open about that. The reason that I can attend and support the stop the slaughter march is that it does not specify between a ban or independent regulation. I do seriously think that many many people really want a ban. Some find that their positions with rescues/organisations compromise their ability to publicly express this opinion. Other people don't ask for a ban simply because they don't believe it will ever happen. If everyone who really wanted it said so, in their own individual letters, then I believe it could make a real impact - it may not neccesarily result in a ban, but perhaps it could make the huge difference between self regulation being allowed to continue and independent regulation. Someone posted a reply from DEFRA/MP earlier (I will try and find it). It seemed to say that NGRC registered tracks may continue to be self regulated, whilst independent 'flapping' tracks would be regulated. Are the flapping tracks to blame for the problems? No. Is that a good enough solution? IMHO no it isn't. By asking for the absolute maximum,as individuals and where possible, perhaps we will get more for the dogs.

Is it possible to have 'regulation to protect the welfare of all racing greyhounds throughout their lives'? If everyone who wanted a ban actually asked for one I think we would get alot more changes made as they will perhaps try and find some middle ground between the race industry and the 'antis'.

I think a website is already being put together. We are not going to be able to put all info onto a public forum/site at the moment for a variety of reasons. I understand what you mean Martin. Yes there are alot of people interested who don't use forums, or in some cases don't use the Internet at all.

Also check out Letters to the editor

This dog was not wearing a collar and tag ( ) but is apparently chipped. He is not neutered. (Big, bouncy, randy lad ) Escaped from house at 4.30am today. Have informed both police and dog warden. Phone number to come - please feel free to PM in mean time. Thanks (hopefully he can be found before he impregnates any stray ladies )

They send me all queasy just thinking about it. I couldn't do it Noooooooooo noooooooo

That is great Tippy. Mona has joined a demonstration team. I'm not sure what they are expecting her to demonstrate? Being spooked, walking on 2 legs, taking chunks out of her kennel mates, pizzing on carpets? Hope so else they will be disappointed.