A petition calling for a stop to the return of greyhound racing in Oxford has reached nearly 30,000 signatures.

Greyhound racing is set to return to Oxford Stadium this year after a decade long absence, despite outcry and demonstrations from animal rights campaigners in the city and the wider county.

The sport was last held at the stadium in 2012, before the Greyhound Racing Association closed it down.

The petition, posted on the Peta website, urges Oxford City Council to not allow Oxford Stadium to reopen for the sport. It calls on the city council to revitalise the community without “condemning dogs to misery” and “leave greyhound racing in the past”.

The petition has currently reached 29,728 signatures.

The unnamed creator of the petition stated on the page: “Dog-racing stadiums have been closing down across the country – a clear sign that the British public is no longer interested in watching dogs being exploited for this outdated and cruel pastime.

“Many former racing stadiums have been redeveloped into sites that host car racing, football, or other sports that involve willing human participants. Urge Oxford City Council to do the same.”

A letter on the petition page is also addressed to councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and housing delivery.

The letter urges the Labour councillor, who represents Carfax and Jericho, to “reconsider plans to allow greyhound racing to return to the venue”.

The petition creator calls the sport “archaic” and “cruel”.

They added: “Sickness and injuries – including broken legs, heatstroke, and heart attacks – affect thousands of dogs each year, many of whom die as a result. Doping is also prevalent, as many dogs test positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine. Puppies who don’t make the grade are often killed.

“Once they’re no longer fast enough to be forced to race, thousands of greyhounds are discarded like used betting slips – left to languish in already severely crowded animal shelters. Others are killed or sent abroad.”

Last year, a secured a 10-year lease from Oxford Stadium owners Galliard Homes by Kevin Boothby.

In December, Mr Boothby, the stadium’s director, said greyhound welfare was his ‘utmost priority’.

He explained: “We will ensure every dog lives an enjoyable life before, during and after their racing careers.

"This means providing world-leading standards of care which go far beyond requirements for all domestic dog owners in the UK.

"We will also guarantee every greyhound that races at Oxford Stadium will find a loving home in retirement through our strong community partnerships with rehoming charities, trainers and owners.”

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/20044001.petition-calls-stop-greyhound-racing-oxford/