Target: Zac Goldsmith, UK Minister for Animal Welfare
Goal: Support ban on cruelty-laden greyhound racing that kills innocent animals.
Despite holding significantly fewer races in 2020, the last year of lockdowns still saw the deaths of over 400 greyhound dogs in Great Britain. This number is only a slight alteration of deaths reported from previous years. Half of these animals died on the track, while the remainder were euthanized because they were ill or officials believed they could not be “re-homed.”
This so-called sport has a long and tragic legacy of animal cruelty. These inherently sweet animals are essentially deprived of any companionship, affection, or comfort. Their only “freedom” comes for the brief moments when they are let out of their lifelong cages to race –sometimes to death—for the entertainment of spectators. Abuse, injuries, and malnourishment are rampant. When the captive animal is finally retired, sometimes his or her life gets even harder. Reports of discarded greyhounds being used in medical experiments have emerged. More, however, are starved or euthanized because they are deemed no longer useful or profitable.
These ongoing horrors, compounded by the report verifying that hundreds of animals still lost their lives in 2020, have renewed calls for a ban on this blood-sport across the United Kingdom (UK). Sign the petition below to join in these calls for compassion and decisive action.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Goldsmith,
You recently stated that “greyhounds deserve the highest level of care not only during their racing career but also in their retirement that follows.” Yet you followed these words with a truly perplexing statement touting “improved outcomes for greyhounds following retirement from racing “ as “positive progress.” Sir, do the deaths of over 400 greyhounds during a year that saw massive lockdowns spell progress to you? How about the documentaries exposing the widespread culling and euthanizing of these animals for so-called “poor performance”…not to mention the many exposes detailing other atrocities they routinely endure?
You took an oath to ensure the well-being of all UK animals. This mission is your job and responsibility. Do not become just another politician in the pocket of special interests. Do your duty and endorse a ban on this cruel relic that exploits and slaughters animals for profit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Silvia Aranda
SHUT THOSE “EVIL PLACES DOWN” !!! MUST PROTECT TO GIVE THOSE GREYHOUND’S A BETTER LIFE !!! ASAP !!!
Not a sport. Cruelty’s worst face right along with horse racing. Shut these hellholes down now!
It’s almost 2022 and the humane race is still using and abusing animals for revenue. Pure disgust!
Society is judged on how we treat those that can not protect themselves. Please make this stop.
Did you know that England has some of the lightest sentences for animal abusers in Europe! They obviously don’t care about the shoddy way they treat animals. I have a friend who adopted two “retired” greyhounds. They are the sweetest tempered animals–full of love. I think animal racing should be banned!
I had no idea. Sickening!
This whole mess is nothing but EVIL CRUEL entertainment for EVIL CRUEL PUNKS ALL animals are innocent and should never have to pay the price of abuse, starvation or death in the name of ‘entertainment’. The owners of these unfortunate animals should be forced to run, fight and whatever else is detrimental to the animals. This should be shoved into cages that are too small and let out only to perform – for the rest of their sorry lives. IMO
Lightest penalties in Europe for Animal cruelty.
Seriously disappointing Goldsmith !
Seemingly you permit “the” economy to be your morale compass. Yet the remit of your job dictates that you be the guardian of Animal Welfare. The dog racing industry needs to be taxed. Every paw that enters the stadium premises shall have a contribution to the Hounds Plan. To keep safe ~ rehome That funding is to provide NHS for Canines. How can the tax collect by Gaming Industry not go directly to stop Animal abuse. Wake up Britain’s voting public.
SHUT DOWN this EVIL industry — FOREVER — there is NO UPSIDE to these Greyhound-Dog Events — it is unconscionably, depravedly CRUEL, SADISTIC, immoral & HATEFUL.
It is way past time for the human race to stop using and abusing innocent animals for their own selfish greed and entertainment! No living being deserves to have the hellish existence that is forced upon these poor, innocent greyhounds!
Fucking disgusting worthless humans
Disgusting how two faced the UK culture is. They pretend to love animals and are doing this horrific cruelty!! Greyhound racing needs to be banned NOW!!!! Any retired greyhound needs to be released to rescue.
THE MORONS WHO OPERATE AND THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS ARE GUILT OF ANIMAL CRUELTY. THEY SHOULD BE IN JAIL.
All animals should be loved. Not used for sports, testing,and for experiments. Show some heart to these beautiful dogs.
This is not remotely connected to SPORT – money making activity for cruel morons. Dogs have no choice – Race or Die! It must be banned immediately.
Greyhound racing should have been banned a long time ago. Greed and ignorance has replaced care and concern for the animals. If you can’t find another form of entertainment in this day and age then there’s obviously no hope for you anyway.
Using and abusing animals is not a sport. Should be banned immediately. Shame on you UK so called nation of animal lovers allowing these hell holes to exist
IT IS ABSOLUTELY INEXCUSABLE TO CONDONE THE MISTREATMENT, ABUSE AND DEATH OF THESE SENTIENT BEINGS! PURE DISGUST FOR THOSE WHO ABUSE ANIMALS AND THOSE WHO ALLOW IT. I HAVE AN EX- RACING GREYHOUND AND THEY ARE WONDERFUL COMPANIONS
STOP KILLING INNOCENT AND ALL DOGS IMMEDIATELY!!!! START KILLING PEOPLE AND SEE HOW LONG THAT CRUELTY LAST!!
Why can’t people get REAL jobs and earn a decent day’s wages like the rest of us do), instead of sitting on their lazy butts and abusing animals to earn money from them? And then discarding them like trash when they are old or sick from the abuse they have suffered?
All animal racing must be made illegal, especially greyhounds and horses