BBC 2 9pm - Waterloo Cup

Steve · Master

BBC 2 9pm - Waterloo Cup

mclarchitects · Old Hand

Steve,

I watched the programme about the last Waterloo Cup and I had mixed views about it. I liked to see the dogs run and I'm sure that they enjoyed it. I didn't like to see the odd hare being caught and killed but I did take on board the comments about 10,000 hares a year being shot for "fun" compared with about 180 killed coursing.

I wondered if running the dogs with muzzles on would have placated the Politicians but probably not.

I also noted that one of the trainers said that due to the then impending legislation banning coursing, he had already had some of his dogs PTS. It's a Bl***y shame that perfectly healthy and beautiful dogs are PTS just because they are no longer commercially viable. For this reason alone, I'm probably glad that it has been banned.

Regards,

FAJ · Enlightened One

I watched the programme and the thing that got me worried (apart from wincing every time one of the dogs tumbled) was the potential for Joe Public thinking that the sight of greyhounds running is so wonderful that they'll take themselves to the races to see it in person.

Calatria · Master

mclarchitects wrote:

10,000 hares a year being shot for "fun" compared with about 180 killed coursing.

Well, I'm totally disgusted at the idea of any animal being killed/injured in the name of sport - whether it's our beloved greyhounds or some nameless hare. And when the powers that be are quoting figures like the above, as if "only" 180 dismembered hares is somehow OK, you can see how far the animal protection societies have to go in this country.

I'm very glad the Waterloo Cup has had its day. Anyone who takes pleasure in this kind of thing has a real problem.

BOWGANG · Master

I watched the programme too and I must admit I'm glad that was the last Waterloo Cup. Although it is a joy to watch greys run I can not accept that chasing,catching and even killing a hare is sport. Apart from the way some of the dogs skidded and tumbled what kind of stress levels do the hares endure? It's so sad that some of the dogs have already been PTS because they no longer have a financial benefit to the trainers.

Shirley

denbri · Old Hand

We also watched this programme yes is was nice to see the dogs running (but not tumbling on the ground) but what angered me most was the attitude of the owners ,seeing as its banned they are having the dogs pts ! I am glad it's been stopped .

Steve · Master

Was really quite interesting but spoiled by a few silly comments.