Miriam Margolyes to Oxford Councillors: Stop ‘Sadistic’ Greyhound Racing

Miriam Margolyes to Oxford Councillors: Stop ‘Sadistic’ Greyhound Racing

Oxford – Today, ahead of an Oxford City Council meeting – during which members will debate a motion on whether the council should publicly oppose the return of greyhound racing to Oxford Stadium, consult with Oxford residents on their preferred option, and push for an alternative use – acting legend and Oxford native Miriam Margolyes has sent a letter (available here) urging councillors to support the motion and oppose this cruel blood sport.

“There’s much I love about the city I grew up in, including its rich history – but greyhound racing is one thing that should remain firmly in Oxford’s past,” writes Margolyes. “Let’s be clear: this is not a sport. It’s animal abuse, and it has no place at Oxford Stadium.”

She goes on explain how sensitive dogs suffer not only on the racetrack, but between races, too.

“This ghastly business causes thousands of dogs each year ailments ranging from broken legs to heart attacks. … But the casualties don’t end there. Once their racing days are over, many dogs are killed or abandoned in shelters that are already bursting at the seams.”

In addition, PETA notes that many puppies bred for greyhound racing are killed in the name of “selective breeding” and never reach the racetrack. And a recent report released by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain revealed that more than 400 racing greyhounds died or were euthanised in 2020, despite COVID-19 restrictions that drastically reduced the number of races.

Margolyes adds, “I’m not alone in thinking it would be abominable for Oxford to support greyhound racing: an archaic and – let’s face it – sadistic ‘sport’ that is responsible for so much suffering and death. In fact, 71% of the local public with an opinion on the matter would prefer that Oxford Stadium be used for another, kinder purpose, for example as a velodrome.”

To date, more than 30,000  concerned residents and PETA supporters have taken action by urging Oxford City Council to intervene.

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk or follow the group on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Contact:

Jennifer White +44 (0) 20 7837 6327; [email protected]

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