THE LEADER of the Harlow Green Party has questioned the council regarding the welfare of greyhounds.

Ms Steadman tabled a number of questions at full council on Thursday night.

Jennifer Steadman to Councillor James Leppard (Portfolio Holder for Finance):

Does Harlow council have any financial interests in Harlow Greyhound Track?

Reply from Councillor James Leppard (Portfolio Holder for Finance):

The council has no financial or legal interest in the Greyhound Stadium.

Jennifer Steadman to Nicky Purse (Portfolio Holder for Environment and
Enforcement):

Are the council aware of the types of injuries that the dogs at Harlow Greyhound
track sustain when they are running at speeds of roughly 45mph?

Reply from Councillor Nicky Purse (Portfolio Holder for Environment and
Enforcement):

Thank you for your question.

As a dog lover myself, I understand why people feel strongly about the welfare
of animals, particularly when it comes to racing.

It is important to clarify that the Council does not regulate or licence greyhound
racing activities. That responsibility sits outside of the Council.

However, we do support proper care and due diligence in any facility that
involves the use and care of animals.

Harlow Greyhound Stadium is a member of the Greyhound Board of Great
Britain (GBGB) and is one of 18 licensed tracks in the UK.

Across their licensed tracks, the GBGB states that greyhound safety is their
highest priority and that a number of measures are in place to safeguard the
health and wellbeing of greyhounds whilst they are at the track.

These measures include:

• Ensuring an independent Veterinary Surgeon is present at all GBGB tracks
  to check the health and wellbeing of every greyhound both before and after
  racing.
• No greyhound will race if a vet has any concerns.
• Quarterly visits to all GBGB licensed stadia by independent track safety
  experts (STRI).
• Providing every licensed stadium with expert advice and guidance on track
  safety from a dedicated Track Liaison Officer.
• Following an evidence-based and robust Weather Extremes Policy, which
  ensures that no greyhound races in conditions that are too hot or too cold.
  Animal welfare is something many residents care deeply about, and rightly so.
  Whilst the Council is not the regulatory body for greyhound racing, we would
  always expect any facility operating within the town to meet the required national
  standards and to prioritise the wellbeing of animals in their care.