Madame Tussauds

Calatria · Master

Madame Tussauds

niccimac · Old Hand

Calatria says 'I don't want to be a stick-in-the-mud, but "Best of British" hardly describes what most of us know about greyhound racing. In my opinion, Madame Tussauds are making it more acceptable to have "a night at the dogs" when they do things like this'

I couldnt agree more, and we, each one of us, ARE the greyhound charities, so perhaps each of us could write, email or whatever to voice our objections to such promotion of the industry and to be quite explicit about the reasons for our objections. Many people object but fail to make a public expression of their disgust so that the perpetrators have no indication of the strength of feeling, and so feel justified in ignoring the small number who do protest. Fact:The greyhounds will continue to be churned out in their tens of thousands, today, tomorrow, Friday..., to meet their horrfiic ends after a miserable life of abuse until public disgust becomes overtly loud enough that legislators have to act. Fact: For every one of these tortured creatures that we take into our homes, there are another 4-7 dogs right here and now, continuing in suffering and death. For every one of my four dogs, another 4-8 today got a bolt through its head, is currently screaming to its death with the pain of an injection of caustic soda, or had its ears hacked off and chucked out onto a motorway etc etc.
Wonder if Westmead Hawk will be handed into Dalkeith when he's tired out?

Thistle · Old Hand

Hi, I dont think you are being a stick in the mud either, I totally agree with the comments posted.

moptop · Master

I totally agree with what you all say. I have been logging onto the flappers dream website now for a few weeks. I hate everything to do with the racing industry, but, was intrigued by the whole racing business and was really just trying to understand their mindset.
What really upsets me, is the fact that they all move, sell on, or basically get rid of dogs. They just can't keep them all after they are finished racing. BUT they honestly believe they are very caring, by finding good homes for their dogs !!
They all pat each other on the back saying "Oh you are great, finding a good home for your dog, " I wish more were like you" etc;
So far, I have seen a few posts recently of the owners thinking they have done really well finding good homes for their dogs and are shocked at finding out they have been tied to railings and left abandoned. They all seem to admit that it is difficult to know who they are giving the dogs to.
Personally, I believe a dog is for life and I can't understand their way of thinking.

Marian

Isla · Enlightened One

I also totally agree with all the comments above. It makes me feel physically sick at the things that happen to these beautiful, gentle, trusting souls. cry

tootsmazza · Enlightened One

There is a contact e-mail for Madame Tussauds on their website <csc@madame-tussauds.com>
I would suggest people contact them to voice their protest wink

Calatria · Master

Just got this reply from Madame Tussauds

Thank you for your email, and for your interest in Madame Tussauds.

The decision to include Westmead Hawk in our Best Of British exhibit was made on the same basis as for any other new figure.

Madame Tussauds tries to reflect the wide range of interests of our visitors, and to feature individuals who are at the forefront of their particular field.

Greyhound racing is the one of the biggest and most popular spectator sports in the UK with millions of people following it at courses across the country each year. As such, Westmead Hawk represents the cream of canine athletes.

We hope that this new figure will be enjoyed by many of our visitors, but we of course appreciate and respect your views. Im afraid we cannot enter into any further correspondence on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Madame Tussauds Enquiries.

I'm feeling a bit fobbed off, especially with the "we cannot enter into any further correspondence". They're obviously not interested. I dread to think how many people will come away from that exhibit thinking that "a night at the dogs" sounds like a brilliant idea. cry

Isla · Enlightened One

It has to be said that one gets the feeling, that, much like the sport itself, as long as it brings punters through the doors, they don't give a damn what they're exploiting or promoting!!! furious

moptop · Master

I also sent a very angry e-mail complaining to them.
It will be very interesting to see if I get the same repy. I would think it would be the same standard computer generated e-mail that you got.
It does not surprise me, they don't really care, it's all about making as much money through the doors as they can. Same as the racing industry.
Marian.

tootsmazza · Enlightened One

Hmmm, I haven't received a reply yet. Will wait with interest. Calatria's right about it reinforcing the idea of a night at the dogs as a fun thing. The number of people I know who meet Mason and tell me about the fun they had at the dogs, unaware of the reality makes it clear how common this notion is.I only hope the increase in people adopting retired groos makes more people question what happens to them afterwards like they do once they've met us.
Marie

-- Edited by tootsmazza at 21:20, 2007-08-29