South-East Cambridgeshire MP, Jim Paice, has called for better treatment of retired greyhounds after fears that thousands of dogs are destroyed at the end of their racing lives. Mr Paice s plea came during a visit to the East Anglia branch of the Reitred

South-East Cambridgeshire MP, Jim Paice, has called for better treatment of retired greyhounds after fears that thousands of dogs are destroyed at the end of their racing lives.

Mr Paice's plea came during a visit to the East Anglia branch of the Reitred Greyhound trust in Little Downham following a national newspaper report that two greyhound trainers in County Durham put down 10,000 racing dogs.

He praised the work of branch president Janine Pettifor in looking after and re-homing dogs from Mildenhall race track, and discussed measures to improve the welfare of the animals.

Mr Paice said: "Greyhound racing is a lucrative business and there is an obligation on those who are profiting from it - not least the Government - to improve the welfare of retired greyhounds.

"This week, we have all seen how important it is for greyhounds, especially those no longer able to race, to be cared for, but the Government has only loosely committed itself to welfare codes which probably won't be ready until 2010."

He said the industry had a part to play in improving the situation and that independent tracks should all adhere to the rules of the National Greyhound Racing Club.

"Together, they should be prepared to fund retirement schemes," he said.

Janine Pettifor said: "We are highly concerned about the welfare of retired greyhounds and are delighted that Mr Paice has taken the time to come and hear about what we do.

"Greyhounds make great family pets and in this area we have about 50 looking for homes," she said.

INFO: If you are interested in re-homing a greyhound, contact Janine Pettifor on 01353 698468.