19/08/2023
In light of the antis stepping up their onslaught and perpetuating ill informed propaganda ( I am trying to be polite here ) in relation to racing - horses or greyhounds,. I would just like to say this in relation to my experience wuth the greyhound industry. This was also posted on one of the anti pages....I would just like to say this -
Many people on here know me personally and they know how much I love ALL of my animals and abhorr cruelty. Sadly I have been the one , in the past, that had to speak up about cruelty and abuse in the Arabian halter horses and reining horses years ago, neglect with some race horse breeders, horrendous conditions on some puppy farms.......( tragically in EVERY industry, you have grubs that will abuse animals because of greed, lack of self control, ego... but it does not mean the whole industry is like that ) I would NEVER stand by and ALLOW cruelty or abuse of any animal to happen on my watch. I was involved with greyhounds ten years ago, I retired when my mum passed away. I had a large racing and breeding kennel and had a lot to do with so many of the owners breeders and trainers - those people LOVE their dogs and would go without to make sure their animals had everything they needed to be happy and healthy. I NEVER saw a frightened, abused, or neglected dog in the ten odd years I trained. I did see grown men hysterical when they had a dog injured or worse, tears when even an older retired dog passes away, sheer joy and love being in the presence of these beautiful creatures. I did see gorgeous happy dogs SO excited to be at the track, I did see lots of wagging tails and superb athletes doing what they love doing -running and chasing - dogs devoted to their people and owners, handlers and trainers devoted to their dogs........ Fast forward to now and I have a couple of broods and race dogs again and the love and respect these people have for their dogs is unchanged AND the advancement in the industry to ENSURE WELFARE of these beautiful dogs is colossal! THERE IS NO OTHER ANIMAL RELATED INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD THAT HAS STRICTER WELFARE AND CARE REGULATIONS, TRACING OF EVERY ( and I mean EVERY ) ANIMAL FROM BIRTH TO RETIREMENT AND PASSING AND EDUCATION so participants KNOW how to look after their dogs physical and mental well being, RANDOM KENNEL INSPECTIONS AND DOG CHECKS at any time of day or night..... Do you REALLY think I would be involved in an industry that habitually and continuously abuses ANY animals???? So, before you pass judgement on the greyhound owners, breeders, trainers and lovers GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT .....PLEASE.
