GBGB hits back at Animal Aid's "outrageous and baseless" campaign

"Trainers and owners should not have to spend their time countering such ridiculous claims"  

MARK BIRD, the GBGB's CEO, has launched a scathing attack on Animal Aid after "another outrageous and baseless campaign" against the sport.

After the extremist group launched a website claiming to have the names of over 2,000 greyhounds which were "missing" or "killed" - claims which the greyhound fraternity have wholeheartedly pushed back on by sharing pictures on social media of those on the list and safely in their care - the GBGB boss has spoken out.

He said: "Animal Aid have launched yet another outrageous and baseless campaign in their misguided quest to ban the well-regulated sport of greyhound racing, once again demonstrating a complete misunderstanding of the sport and indeed of animals in general. 

"We have had floods of messages from disappointed and frustrated owners and trainers and have seen hundreds of posts on social media sharing photos of the supposedly 'missing' greyhounds enjoying their lives, whether running around the paddock at their racing kennels, or curled up on the sofa in their forever homes. One greyhound, Bouncing Monarch, even won a major competition during the period of time he has allegedly been 'missing'.

"Trainers and owners should not have to spend their time countering such ridiculous claims which would not be levied at the owner of any other animal whose location is not public record. Particularly with the RSPCA recklessly promoting this to their supporters and donors, this absurd campaign is causing unnecessary worry for both well-meaning members of the public and for our many excellent trainers who are being unfairly vilified.

"We've always said these groups rely on baseless and fictitious claims to back their arguments, and the simple fact that this website has been exposed as false in just 24 hours even further undermines the credibility of extreme animal rights groups. We strongly urge Animal Aid to take down this website, which is so clearly inaccurate. Unlike the work which GBGB and those in the sport do every day, this website is doing absolutely nothing to promote the welfare of racing greyhounds."

Animal Aid's actions have angered all sections of the industry with Greyhound News UK received a number of messages, many expressing their disgust at what has been published.

One trainer said: "It's just incredible how these people think they can get away with this. I'm texting you while looking at my fella in the paddock here. He's on the list. WTF.

"A mate of mine messaged me to say Bouncing Monarch was on there, too. Are they having a laugh? He's just won one of the biggest prizes in the game in Ireland, with full publicity and pictures. He's back home in the UK and almost ran in the Derby.

"These people should be sued or something. Thank heavens we're fighting back now."