Last weekend was Greyhound Remembrance Weekend, when events were held across the UK in memory of the hundreds of thousands of greyhounds that have suffered and been put to death in the 83 years since commercial greyhound racing began in this country on July 24, 1926.

The greyhound racing industry is a lot smaller these days than it once was, but according to the international greyhound protection organisation, Greyhound Action, as many as 15,000 greyhounds are still being "put down" every year, after failing to make the grade as racers or when their "careers" on the tracks come to an end.

An RSPCA report has stated that "at least 20 greyhounds a day – either puppies which do not make the track, or 'retired' dogs aged three or four – simply 'disappear', presumed killed".

In addition, a large number of greyhounds sustain serious, sometimes fatal, injuries while racing.

Members of the public can help put an end to this horrific situation by not attending dog tracks or betting on greyhound racing, so this appalling industry fades away through lack of financial support.

For more information, please visit Greyhound Action's website at:

www.greyhoundaction.org.uk

Emma Harvey, Oadby.