Frontline Scotland - Special Report

Dave · Enlightened One

Frontline Scotland - Special Report

denise · Master

And the greyhound rescuers Any idea who?

Denise

Teresa · Enlightened One

can GAL get their side of the story on to the programme??

max · Enlightened One

One to watch with great interest ! Nora

-- Edited by max at 22:27, 2006-02-11

Christine Young · GAL Newsletter Editor

Very interesting, Dave! I'll make a point of watching it. It's a pity that GAL weren't contacted for their input, unless of course you know different!

Christine

Dave · Enlightened One

no idea who the rescuers are, the lady doing the program was in touch with us earlier last year and she did an interview up at the kennels and had a look at the dogs up there, the interview wasn't recorded so it won't be shown. To be honest at the time she was more interested in the cruelty / neglect aspect rather than the GAL 'rehoming' aspect and she never got back in touch with us...

max · Enlightened One

That is a pity. Nora

FAJ · Enlightened One

Thanks for the info, Dave. Steve's going to watch this but I can't bear to. I know that's so wussy, but I can't be emotionally detached - I just see these things and think how awful I'd feel if it were Harry and Pearly.

Hats off to you rescue people. Yet again I'm reminded of how incredible you are.

Ambers Mo

Dave: Thanks for letting us know about the TV programme. I will tune in, but whether I manage to stay with it is another thing. I get emotional and angry when I see the reality behind so called sports like greyhound racing. On a lighter note, I had two heating engineers in my house on Saturday morning, just as I was about to go to Bothwell Bridge for a shift of greyhound cuddling and wandering about trying to raise these magical dogs' profiles. I was wearing my GAL t-shirt and the guys asked what it was all about. So I elaborated and one of them stated that he sometimes had a "punt on the dugs", but said that he would no longer do so now that he knew about the cruelty. Hope he was serious. The other one saw one of the scarfs I had knitted and ordered one for himself, saying that he wanted to look like Marc Bolan! He gave me the tenner up front. So in some small way I felt that something positive for GAL had come out of my new radiators!

Remember that you can order an Eskimo wool scarf through Dave, who will pass your request to me. The wool shop in Hamilton, Stitching Time gave me the last 2 balls of wool as a donation, which was very kind of them. So instead of GAL just getting £5 they will benefit by a tenner. Every little helps!

Joyce MacDonald

-- Edited by Ambers Mo at 22:31, 2006-02-13

Amber · Master

Yes, will be watching avidly, this sounds great exposure. Actually had a suspicion that the rescue in question was maybe GAL, but looks like I was wrong on that! Perhaps it is SSPCA?

Dave · Enlightened One

Apparently the 'rescuers' featured in the program are from Anne Finch's 'Greyhounds In Need' (an English based rescue) bit of a shame a Scottish rescue wasn't featured, never mind, thanks to Denise we've blagged a mention in the show so watch out for GAL's details at the end..

Suzanne · Guru

will be watching with interest tonight ....

max · Enlightened One

If you miss the show you can watch it on BBC NEWS/Scotland/ FRONTLINE SCOTLAND web site. Nora

JENNY · Big Cheese

Well that surely must have raised the profile a bit for greyhound rescue?

The sight of the dogs lying on the sofa and carpet at the end would make me want one!

I thought they might have concentrated a bit more on the scottish rescues other than SSPCA though

Jenny

mclarchitects · Old Hand

I'm stunned. I don't cry very easily, but I did feel a few tears welling up tonight.

What was amazing was that Douglas and Lulu watched the programme from the couch and both whined and barked all the way through. I can understand Lulu doing this because she was a racer, but Douglas has never seen a race track. I can only assume that the terror of these poor dogs was being felt by Doug and Lu.

Given the vast rewards that can be available to the breeders and owners of successful dogs (I heard figures of £100,000.00 being discussed on the Greyhound Racing Programme last night, for the cost of a top Class Dog with Derby potential), then there will be more and more Greyhounds being bred, with very few ever "making the grade".

GAL and its supporters can only continue to do their best, but horrific scenes such as we've seen in tonights programme will be repeated year on year unless the Government clamps down firmly on the unlicensed tracks, trainers and owners.

Jennifer · Big Cheese

I shut my dogs through in the bedroom before it even started as i know they get distressed when they hear dogs crying or barking on tv

That was really upsetting to see that programme tonight although i already know what goes on but seeing actually makes it worse.

I think its good that they do, 'say it how it is' as it will make more people aware of what really does go on behind the scenes.

Amanda · Master

Made for very hard viewing. Blue was whimpering a bit espcially at the noise of the traps at the flapping tracks - lots of cuddles soon helped (us as much as him).

Great to educate people on what happens and also to see lots of greys all over the ex trainers sofa and rugs but I was hoping they would mention a bit more local issues and unless I missed it Gal didn't get a mention

BOWGANG · Master

I watched this with tears in my eyes too and Jamie actually got quite distressed when he saw the track and heard the barking.

I have actually e-mailed the programme direct to say that although it was good that they told it 'like it is', it was a great pity that a 'local' charity like GAL wasn't mentioned and that we were trying hard to raise funds for a sanctuary. A mention like that would have raised GALs profile on a national level and may have helped with some donations.

Dave..hope it was okay for me to do that as I feel quite strongly that a Scottish programme should have featured a Scottish charity. Like you Amanda I didn't hear GAL mentioned.

Shirley

-- Edited by BOWGANG at 20:04, 2006-02-15

greyluvver · GAL Membership Co-Ordinator

Even though I already know what happens at the race tracks and what happens to many of the hounds, I still found it very difficult to watch, and I guess I always will

It was disappointing that a long interview was had with a Spanish Galgos rescuer but no interviews or even a mention of any British rescue group (such as GAL) apart from the SPCA!! Almost like we don't exist

And we all know that there are hounds rescued in much worse condition than the one they featured at the SPCA. They didn't even mention the use of drugs on the hounds.

Maybe a one hour slot would have been better to fit more info in

Anyway hope the programme has given an insight to some of the public who may be totally unaware of behind the scenes greyhound racing.

Well done Shirley for sending an e-mail. I'm going to check the Frontline Scotland website.

P.S. I have also sent Frontline Scotland an e-mail to say how disappointing it was that no Greyhound Scottish Rescue charities were focussed on or even given a mention!!

-- Edited by greyluvver at 20:20, 2006-02-15

-- Edited by greyluvver at 20:46, 2006-02-15

C_J · Master

It was pretty much as I expected really. I thought it was good to raise awareness and any exposure on the cruelty that goes on is good but thought the programme made out the NGRC tracks, like the one in Walthamstow they showed, were good tracks and that all the dogs were cared for there, vets on hand, air conditioning etc etc. I thought that didn't help putting people off betting on these races

CAROLE ROBINSON · Old Hand

My first greyhound, Ruby, came to us as a direct result of my reading an article very much along the lines of tonights programme. At the time I was considering spending a large sum of money to buy a pedigree pup! Hopefully, some of tonight's viewers will be similarly influenced!

Dave · Enlightened One

well we didn't get our promised mention at the end of the program I'm disapointed with that, have received 2 applications since the program ended via the website so I guess it has done some good..

Points to make;

Yeah the presence of vets should be mandatory at the flapping tracks, goes without saying but the bottom line, using the dog that got injured as an example, it was more than likely killed in some way or other but what would a vet have done? simply saved the trainer the tenner he bunged his mate for doing it by PTS'ing the dog himself (as he would have to on instruction from the trainer)

The program made out the main issue was the flapping tracks, not the case, the same things (in regard to the welfare of the dogs) still exist at NGRC tracks, just take a visit to Shawfield as an example.

There really isn't a high portion of 'scottish' dogs being shipped over to Spain, the vast majority of the dogs that end up there are shipped over direct from Ireland. Most trainers in Scotland are well aware of the conditions in Spain and won't send their dogs over.

The new track at Wallyford is a White Elephant, if it ever gets off the ground Howard Wallace's promises with regard to the welfare of the hounds running there will be broken, if he does get his NGRC licence we may see the apperance of a Wallyford branch of the RGT which may be enough to sooth his conscience but not mine.

Yeah, agreed that the state of the Flapping tracks is a disgrace but who's fault is that? Investment in these tracks are needed by the track owners, the local authorities and the bookies.

It's worth pointing out that the state of the kennels at Corbiewood are so bad it is kinder to leave the dogs in the car before the racing starts.

*Dave gets off soap box*

Trust me, that program made you cry? Come be me for a day.. www.kennelfund.gal.org.uk

Dawn · Guru

Dave wrote:

Yeah, agreed that the state of the Flapping tracks is a disgrace but who's fault is that? Investment in these tracks are needed by the track owners, the local authorities and the bookies. It's worth pointing out that the state of the kennels at Corbiewood are so bad it is kinder to leave the dogs in the car before the racing starts. *Dave gets off soap box* Trust me, that program made you cry? Come be me for a day.. www.kennelfund.gal.org.uk

and some do gooders......have argued the point on the GAL website that this type of cruelty doesnt exist!!! Yeah Right!! I say no more!!

Dawn

max · Enlightened One

Felt the programe was not long enough, did not mention rescue centre,s in Scotland, did not show enough of behind the scenes at the flapping tracks etc, etc. Very dissapointed overall, though it may have got some points across. Howard Wallace is a very nice man, I met him once in North Berwick and had a long chat with him, but to all intent a purposes no matter what he plans for his state of the art stadium the story of the greyhound will still be the same. Nora

Carol · Master

Wakey, wakey rise and shine time.

Personally, I think they got off lightly.

Nice to hear it from someone else though...makes a change from me banging on about it all the time.

Steve · Master

Great that Frontline Scotland raised the dark side of greyhound racing and I'm sure it will do something to stir a few people looking for a dog to contact grey rescues but I think the programme lost any focus. The trip to Spain was interesting but totally pants and wasted time on what should have been about the scene in Scotland.

If I was working for the racing board then I would be chuffed to bits as it came out brilliant for them. They appeared to be the saviours of all racing greyhounds! If I was Jo Public then I would get the impression that it is fine and dandy to go to the big registered stadiums - a great night out and the dogs are fine for evermore.

The stadium at Wallyford - hmmm...I've heard that all that was about is planning gain - get the okay for one planning issue by promising another one that never comes to fruition eg the race track (not a bad thing!).

The whole sinister side of flapping tracks was raised and highlighted in all the pre programme trails but they never put anyone under pressure to answer for why they still let the tracks continue - not the Frontline that I used to know! Frontline Scotland used to be really hard hitting but I suppose being at 7pm limits what you can do - shame as in the past they have really made an impact on issues.

Just found the content a bit of a missed opportunity but you certainly can't fault them for taking up the story - well done BBC. Think the biggest winners out of the prog is the racing board.

haz25a · Old Hand

Haven't visited the forum site recently although i keep up to date with the official gal site. Though I'd log on after watching the Frontline Scotland programme to see what was being said. As some of you may already be aware i'm not in favour of "banning" things. With regards to greyhound race tracks I think that unofficial or flapping tracks should be closed down. I think the only greyhound racing that should take place should be in registered tracks. I think the laws need to be tightened immensely to protect the dogs and that these laws should be enforced vigorously. I take your point Dave that its not only on flapping tracks that dogs are abused, hence the need for much stricter legislation AND the demand that it be enforced on the licensed tracks. Hopefully this will happen soon and have some effect on the neglect that takes place. Was really glad to see this programme on prime time tv as greyhound racing is still a very popular sport (whether we like it or not!) and i'm all for showing the public the darker side that exists

Considering Frontline Scotland is made by BBC Scotland and the scottish guy (forgot his name) is proposing to open a venue like Walthamstow in Scotland, it was VERY disappointing not to see any Scottish charities on the programme.

Glad to hear you've had some applications following the programme and hopefully there will be more to come.

Well, that's ma tuppence worth! Off to take my dug out for her bedtime walk.

Regards.

Hazel.

P.S. My dog lay on the couch beside me whilst i watched the programme. She had her ears pricked and whined when she heard barking but to honest she does a lot when she hears dogs barking on tv.

Dawn · Guru

Steve wrote:

Just found the content a bit of a missed opportunity but you certainly can't fault them for taking up the story - well done BBC. Think the biggest winners out of the prog is the racing board.

I agree totally Steve with your points. But, its not as easy as it looks to infiltrate these thugs.........take it from me I do have experience of this, honeslty....... and if an undercover journalist ask's just one 'leading' question, these guys are on to them, simply because they know they are doing wrong and therefore they are on guard 24//7!!

Much as it makes me unpopular on the website.......i still stand by everything I have said esp in previous posts, regarding the fact that racing should be banned..............in all aspects.

Dawn

haz25a · Old Hand

Interesting point at the end of your post Dawn. Made me smile. I feel I make myself very unpopular on the website for the opposite reason! Good for you for "sticking to your guns"!

Best Wishes.

Hazel.

haz25a · Old Hand

Just thought I would add that I am well aware that there are some very "Dodgy" characters (scum is the word i would normally use) involved in greyhound racing. These "people" should be identified, banned from owning a dog and punished severly by the authorities. Heavy fines usually work on these people as they are only in it for the money, although custodial sentences would be appropriate in some cases. Some of you will argue that "its too late for the dog". True, but my vision of future greyhound racing is one where these people will no longer be able to operate. This is up to the authorities and they should act NOW!

However, on the other hand, is is unfair to say that all greyhound trainers neglect or mistreat their dogs. Some are genuine animal lovers who care deeply for their dogs and would never dream of mistreating them and despise the "dodgy" characters who are responsible for "tarring everyone with the same brush"

Ok, that's it, I'm done. Off to bed. Promise. No more posts.

Hazel.