Northamptonshire greyhound track may get backing despite international opposition
PLANS to build a major greyhound track in Northamptonshire look set to be approved by officials, despite an international campaign against the scheme.
The owners of Towcester Racecourse revealed plans to build “the country’s premiere greyhound track” in October last year.
It is estimated the development would create more than 80 jobs and attract large numbers of visitors to the county.
But more than 1,300 people from across the world have signed a petition against the development because they oppose greyhound racing on ethical grounds.
A further 30 people from France, five from Belgium and others from Switzerland and The Philippines have also written to South Northamptonshire Council, calling on the authority to block the development. But when members of the council’s planning committee meet next week, they are expected to give the scheme the green light.
In a report which will be seen by councillors, Maria Philpott from the council’s planning department said concerns about animal welfare could not stop the development being given planning permission.
She said: “While accepting that the proposed greyhound racing track is sensitive and controversial, it is not within the remit of planning legislation to consider the merits of such a proposal on welfare or ethical grounds.”
As well as the people who objected to the development for ethical reasons, a number of local residents also raised concerns about the impact it would have on traffic and noise in the area.
But recommending the scheme should be given the go ahead, Miss Philpott argued that it would bring significant benefits to the county.
She said: “The proposal will provide additional recreation and leisure facilities at Towcester Racecourse that will help to secure its long term viability and bring additional economic benefits to Towcester and the wider district.”
If the plan is approved, the greyhound track would be used every Saturday from 6pm until 11.15pm.
The council’s planning committee will meet in Towcester on Thursday to decide if the plan should go ahead.
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Comments
There are 24 comments to this article
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Eric_NM
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 03:21 AM4x4 Fan said, "The racecourse if properly governed would be no more contoversial than an athletics track, football ground or other sports facility where it is reported that 'athletes' take illegal substances to increae performance." Thank you for bringing up two points of controversy surrounding greyhound racing. Some dogs are given illegal substances in efforts to increase their performance. It's not tolerated among athletes and it shouldn't be tolerated among racing animals, either. Second, and of more immediate concern, is the number of greyhounds that are euthanised at the end of their short racing careers. I have never heard of an athlete in any sport being killed because they are no longer competitive. If you want to go out and see the dogs, then go to your local park. Don't put dogs at risk so a handful of people can make a few quid off them.
greytexploitations.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 04:00 PMPlease take a few moments to read and digest the implications within your community should the proposed dog track be approved. I am sure the applicants will have attempted to assure you that the welfare issues surrounding dog racing are minimal and further assurances have been given as regards the retirement of dogs but should this proposal go ahead - this track will be a part of an industry that depends on inherent cruel practices for its financial viability. The culling of puppies because they fail to chase the mechanical lure or are too slow to make the grade. The destruction of dogs sustaining even minor injuries on the dangerously configured tracks simply because it is more economical to replace an injured dog rather than treat a dog that cannot earn its keep. The destruction of healthy dogs simply because it is more cost effective to destroy rather than spend time and money to find a retirement home. The latter two are openly condoned by the industry on their Retirement Form but not surprisingly the Greyhound Board of Great Britain consistently refuse to publish this data – more specifically injuries statistics and the numbers of healthy dogs destroyed. Despite this - recent research indicates some 10,000 greyhounds – to include puppies that fail to make the grade - go ‘unaccounted’ for annually. But not only will you be allowing a cruel industry into your community – you will be allowing a self regulated gambling industry that fails to enforce many aspects of British criminal law. In an independent report of the GBGB Anti-doping and Medication Rules 2010 – the review committee stated “We were told by several witnesses that cocaine was being administered (either as a paste smeared on the gum, or as a powder puffer, or in a time release gelatine capsule) in an apparent attempt to create a ‘rush’ just before the dog enters the trap. There have been ten positives for cocaine metabolites since 2005 but more post-racing tests will be required to determine whether there is really a problem” Since this report professional trainer Stuart Mason has been found guilty for administering cocaine to Droopsy's Arshavin and David Puddy has also been found guilty of administering crystal meth to Steer Me Home- a greyhound in his care. Prosecution in a criminal court can attract a prison sentence for up to 7 years for mere possession of these two a class A drugs. However – trainers dealt with internally by the self regulated Greyhound Board of Great Britain are simply fined and reprimanded and both these trainers continue to race greyhounds and enjoy the freedom of law abiding citizens. As lenient as these penalties are - the industry further fails to enforce its own Rules of Racing and many greyhounds endure a life of confinement in squalid conditions away from public view. A recent undercover investigation – covered by the Sunday Express – confirmed the standards accepted by the industry when licencing trainers kennels. These Secret Slaves of the Dog Racing Industry are not the exception and last year ITV broadcast the shocking discovery of greyhounds found abandoned - one a champion racer - after their professional licenced trainer absconded and skipped bail. Unlike horse racing – greyhound racing is not acknowledged by the Government or the Government's sports agency Sport England who have adopted the Council of European Sports Charter 1993 definition of sport. Greyhound racing is purely and simply a gambling industry that uses dogs as a ‘betting unit’ and a very poorly regulated industry at that.
4x4 fan
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 03:27 PMIn the grand scheme of things are Northants County Council or in fact South Northants District Council really that bothered what 1300 people from accross the globe think about this planning application? Probably not. Perhaps there would be considerable more people against the french eating horses than 30 against racing of greyhounds. That said, perhaps the real reason for those in the Philippines that object to this application is due them prefering to eat greyhounds over any other breed of dog. The racecourse if properly governed would be no more contoversial than an athletics track, football ground or other sports facility where it is reported that 'athletes' take illegal substances to increae performance.
greytexploitations.com
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 02:19 PMThe local people should be very concerned with the possibility of a self regulated gambling industry invading their community. The self policing dog racing industry is a magnet for those who feel they are above the law. In the past 5 years at least 8 licenced trainers have be found guilty of administering the class A drug cocaine to their dogs. Dealt with by the regulatory body - the Greyhound Board of Great Britain - none of the trainers had their licences revoked and were never brought or punished in a criminal court An offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act - mere possession of cocaine is punishable with up to a seven year prison sentence. Not only does greyhound racing depend on inherent cruel practices for its financial survival – it depends on non-compliance with the British law. Beware - be very aware of letting the self policing dog racing industry into your community.
lady muck
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 08:16 AMLaui59...never mind...we've all done it and at leat you've launched a pre-emptive strike about Northampton Racecourse !
Eric_NM
Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 05:50 AMT Baker, there would be opposition as long as the dogs are placed in jeopardy of injury and death for the sake of entertainment. The welfare of the animals can never be assured as long as they are part of the greyhound racing industry. And that's just while they're racing. There are too many dogs bred and too few adopted out when their racing careers are over in a couple of years. Greyhounds live to 12 or 14 years of age, but they are only profitable racers for a few years at best.
T_Baker
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 07:20 PMI think there would be little opposition if the welfare of the dogs can be guaranteed. Trudy Baker
Eric Jackson
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 05:57 PMAnd what's going to happen to this site in a couple of years when the punters don't show up in sufficient numbers to keep it a going concern? Greyhound racing is losing what little popularity it still has. What's to become of those jobs that were created? Speaking of which, if the track is only going to be open for six hours on one night of the week, how many of those jobs are going to be so part-time as to provide nothing more than pocket money? There are many things that could be built on that site that would provide a lot more benefit to the community.
mabbuttjose
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 04:51 PMIt would be nice to have a dog track back in Northampton.I believe there was one down Southbridge in the sixties.As for people from other countries telling us what to do is a cheek if dog racing is unethical then so is horse racing.Used to own and run Greyhounds and it is great fun and my dogs where always looked after.
mojo
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 04:49 PMUsed to have half share in a racehorse but it turned out expensive, I seemed to have the half that ate! LOL
mack80
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 04:27 PMlaui59 we think you need to go back to school and learn to spell
mojo
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 03:58 PMYes but the track is proposed for Towcester Racecourse not Northampton.
Laui59
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 03:50 PMOops wrong racecourse... Go head then!!! Love dog racing just not on my doorstep.... No where's the delete button... Doh!
Laui59
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 03:45 PMAs a resident next to the racecourse I'm keen to see the area used to full potential how ever do I want a dog race circuit on my door step with a young child growing up loving it as his local park area, one of the very few large open space free to him to enjoy the outdoors in a peaceful setting, no I don't. Compared to many towns that are trying to build up there parks and interact with young people giving them safe areas to learn and enjoy natural areas, could we not think of anything better to bring the same level of attraction and work for the locals. Or would this idea not be better suited to an area that is not loved and used by so many families from its surrounding residents. I believe that the loss of the balloon festival to the park may have added fuel to this plan but I would rather several "party in the parks" and town festivals to use the space than for it to be I singular attraction for a specialised area of recreation. Then we get on to the all ready common issue between residents and parking attendants that plaque us with tickets for just wanting to park near our own houses.. This of cause seems to depend sole on which street you are lucky to live on, as they have imposed so many deferent rules and placed double lines where they feel like. Much to my disgust one appeared almost over night after a debate with a parking attendant. Yet at the far end of an linked road people are still free to part in a bock form leaving it unsafe to turn around thier corner. Qute te parking attendant when quizzed "that is down to the police to enforce" So in an area where women and children can not park closed to there homes and left at night to walk miles in an unsafe area (yes it is also a unsafe area out night known for rapes stabbings and groups of nausence gangs etc) without being told that pointless double marking are more important than your own safety on the street and should you wish to dispute this you'll be issue a parking ticket for just trying to stay safe. How on earth can we encourage more community's that will take every opportunity to park for free to an area with current road and parking issues that have long been ignored.
Tabasco kid
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 12:23 PMSomeone from the Philippines objects to a dog track on ethical grounds. This comes from an area of the world where Chihuahua and chips can be found on the menu!
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