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Bookies must contribute more to protect greyhounds, say MPs
Greyhounds
Dogs Trust said that the recommendations outlined in the report were ‘a positive step for greyhound welfare.’
Government urged to introduce compulsory levy

Bookmakers should do more to protect racing dogs and should not prioritise profit over welfare standards, a report on greyhound welfare has concluded.

Bookmakers’ voluntary welfare contributions to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) have fallen by almost 50 per cent over the last decade.

In their report, MPs said that the Government should consider imposing a compulsory levy after hearing that profits from online and overseas betting were not included in contributions.

Neil Parish MP, chairman of the Committee, said: "All racing greyhounds should enjoy high welfare standards both during their racing career and retirement. Bookmakers who profit from greyhound racing should contribute to welfare standards regardless of whether the profits are from high-street stores, online or overseas betting.

“The welfare of racing greyhounds shouldn’t be at the whim of bookmakers who can simply choose to contribute or not. The Government should consider introducing a statutory levy or an alternative betting rights model to protect animal welfare."

Welcoming the news, Dogs Trust said that the recommendations outlined in the report were ‘a positive step for greyhound welfare.’

A spokesperson commented: “In light of the popularity of the sport and the significant turnover it generates the charity welcome the report’s onus on bookmakers who profit from greyhound racing to contribute financially to improving welfare standards.

“Currently some, but not all, bookmakers pay a voluntary levy for greyhound welfare and so we welcome the recommendation for this levy to be made statutory. Fortunately, EFRA have also echoed Dogs Trust’s own concerns surrounding the self-regulation of the industry and recommended a probationary period of two years continued self-regulation.”

The report also recommends that regulations are amended to require the publication of essential welfare data relating to injury, euthanasia and rehoming.

Dogs Trust estimate that around 3,500 greyhounds are unaccounted for every year in the UK, but as statistics are not published by the industry, the true extent of the problem is difficult to assess.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.