Dog track is set to run last race

SWANSEA'S greyhound track is set to close following a court case which saw one of its owners convicted of animal neglect.

The Fforestfach stadium will run its last race on Saturday night after organisers failed to secure a long- term lease with council bosses.

Stadium staff labelled the court case "a final nail in the coffin".

Now, animal welfare groups have pooled together to rehouse greyhounds that are set to be made homeless by the closure.

Race manager John Rabiottit said: "It is such a shame, it is a family run business which has been going for 40 years."We have been trying to secure a long-term lease for the past three or four years, but have failed to agree anything with the council.

He added: "The track needs around £30,000 investment, and we would be prepared to pay that if we had a secure future, but the lease expires next September and we can't risk spending that kind of money with the risk of losing it in a year. It would be like throwing money down a black hole."

In August, it emerged hundreds of acres of land in West Swansea, including the site of the greyhound stadium, were being earmarked for development should a big employer want to set-up shop in the city.

Mr Rabiottit added: "At the end of the day We feel the council never wanted us here, and has not helped us in any way."

On Friday, Eric Short appeared before city magistrates to admit one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and was fined £250, ordered to pay £250 towards prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The court was told how council inspectors found dogs kept on soiled bedding and kennels smelling of urine at the track, and that one dog had an open cut on its tail with blood smeared across its kennel wall.

Now, six leading animal welfare groups have joined forces to find homes for all the greyhounds.

Penny Hard from Greyhound Rescue Wales said: many owners would retire their dogs when the track closed.

"We know that many of these owners will want to keep their dogs, as pets but also that not everyone will be able to, particularly in the current economic climate."

Anyone who can help find a temporary or permanent home for a retired greyhound should call 0300 0123 999 or email info@grey.co.uk