A group of activists protesting against the return of greyhound racing to Oxford caused a “ruckus” outside the stadium, as more than 3,000 spectators turned out to watch the sport.
PETA supporters joined members of the League Against Cruel Sports and Oxford Vegan Action outside Oxford Stadium in Sandy Lane yesterday evening as the first race at the reopened venue got underway.
The stadium hosted its biggest crowd since it reopened in April, as organisers were forced to extend capacity because tickets sold out so quickly.
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Managing director of Oxford Stadium Kevin Boothby secured a 10-year lease to reopen the derelict site last year and was keen to bring speedway and greyhound racing back.
Prior to the event, he told this newspaper: "It promises to be an emotional but memorable night for the many thousands of individuals and families we’re excited to welcome through our doors, many of whom would not have stepped foot in our building for at least 10 years."
At the event, spectator David Tuck said: “I've travelled from Brighton to be here, I know it's been ages since there's been dog racing in Oxford so I thought I'd come and see.”
Another fan of the sport, who did not wish to provide their name, said: "My kids have never seen the greyhound racing so I wanted to show them, they're so excited.”
However, strong opposition from animal rights activists saw around 30 people turn up with placards.
Some of the signs protesters held up included the phrases ‘You Bet, They Die’, ‘End Greyhound Racing’ and ‘Greyhound Racing Is Animal Abuse’.
The protesters decried the sport to spectators who piled into the stadium and called it “cruel”.
PETA senior campaigns manager Kate Werner said: “Greyhounds are sensitive individuals, not moneymaking machines, and they deserve the same love and attention we lavish on other dogs.
“PETA urges everyone to boycott the races and cut off the cash flow that keeps this blood sport going.”
League Against Cruel Sports Regional Campaigns Manager Emily Lawrence said: “The League will continue to call for an end to greyhound racing in Oxford until this so-called sport is permanently ended at Oxford Stadium and the dogs are finally safe from being injured or killed purely for people’s entertainment.”
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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.
You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry
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