Animal activists have staged a protest calling for a ban on greyhound racing at a Great Yarmouth venue that holds them.

The protestors were at Yarmouth Stadium holding various placards.

The East Anglia branch of Action Against Animal Cruelty demonstrated outside the stadium at the Derby race meeting to encourage racegoers to reconsider supporting the sport.

The group said they had a "good amount of support" from passing motorists responding with a barrage of car horns to their placard which read "Hoot for the Hounds".

Action Against Animal Cruelty East Anglia staging a protest outside of Yarmouth StadiumAction Against Animal Cruelty East Anglia staging a protest outside of Yarmouth Stadium (Image: Action Against Animal Cruelty East Anglia)

A spokeswoman for the group said: "We believe that greyhound racing should be banned due to its inherent cruelty and the significant risks it poses to the dogs involved.

"The industry often involves unethical breeding practices, poor living conditions for the greyhounds, and a high rate of injuries and deaths during training and races.

"Additionally, the use of live baiting in some regions is particularly abhorrent.

"The pursuit of entertainment and gambling should not come at the expense of animal welfare."

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In a greyhound welfare section on the Yarmouth Stadium website, it describes how the animals are looked after.

It says: "Greyhound Racetracks give greyhounds the opportunity to continue their love of chasing, in a safe environment."

It adds how dogs have to be inspected by a vet to ensure they are fit and healthy to compete following any injury and that there is an on-course veterinary scheme.

Crowds at the greyhound racing in Yarmouth Stadium by James BassCrowds at the greyhound racing in Yarmouth Stadium by James Bass (Image: James Bass)

There is also a scheme to rehome the dogs when they have finished their racing careers.

It adds: "At Yarmouth Stadium welfare is and always has been, our top priority."

 

Former Norwich City FC players Steve Morison and Grant Holt at Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium in 2013Former Norwich City FC players Steve Morison and Grant Holt at Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium in 2013 (Image: James Bass)