Free us from Anti Propaganda

I attach a copy of a letter sent to the GBGB, if you agree these figures ought to be published then please sign the petition so we can present it to them. "I read this week yet another damning article regarding the greyhound industry and the way owners and trainers abuse their hounds, discard and dump 10,000 dogs a year. Please take some time to read this article and tell me how we can continually attempt to defend ourselves against what, on the face of it appear to be inflated and wholly inaccurate figures. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/mar/17/greyhound-racing-industry-dogs It is an impossible task for as long as our governing body refuse to acknowledge the true figures of deaths and injuries on track, those PTS by their owners and those rehomed directly by their owners who currently do not show in the numbers of dogs homed. There is seemingly no visible defence coming from the GBGB or it’s PR machine, rather it is left to individuals within the sport to attempt to defend with unsubstantiated figures. Without this credible evidence, the anti’s and overzealous hacks are going to continue to have a field day at our expense, tracks are closing and the sport is in decline at an alarming rate. Surely the archaic refusal to publish these figures and add transparency to show all are doing as much in their powers to clean up the sport’s image is in fact more damaging in allowing those so inclined to publish figures that no one else can substantiate. Whilst these true figures may not make pleasant reading, in my opinion they would be better than the current alternative where no one is able to effectively defend against these articles that are gracing the pages of more and more newspapers, magazines and websites. They might also add leverage to force owners and trainers in particular hotspot’s to clean up their act. I think it is time to come clean. I await your reply. Yours Sincerely Mike Nightingale (Owner and Trustee of Brighton & Hove Retired Greyhound Trust) "