Greyhound races in review after traps malfunction

The race on Tuesday night had to be abandoned after the incident

Warning: This article contains graphic images

Greyhound races in a city are being reviewed after traps malfunctioned, leaving dogs stuck.

The incident happened in Sunderland on Tuesday night, when traps at the 450m start failed. It followed an issue with separate traps at the 261m race on Friday.

Sunderland Greyhound Stadium said equipment had been fully tested before the events and no problems had been found.

It added one greyhound had suffered light bruising, but needed no further treatment and all other dogs involved remained "fit and well".

Both incidents have been reported to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and upcoming fixtures are under review.

GBGB chief executive Mark Bird said the board was concerned over the malfunction and had asked all GBGB-licensed racecourses to review and report back on their current trap operational policies and maintenance procedures.

Sunderland Greyhound Stadium said the dogs involved were deemed fit to travel after a veterinary assessment

An event today has also been cancelled, Sunderland Greyhound Stadium said.

"The 450m traps are entirely separate to those previously used at the 261m start, with which there was an issue on 21 November," it said in a statement.

"As at all fixtures, all mechanical elements of the racing operation, including the traps and hare, were fully tested before racing began with no issues found.

"We have reported both incidents to GBGB and continue to work with them on a full investigation.

"Today's fixture at Sunderland has been cancelled, and upcoming fixtures remain under review, until further notice."

It added all dogs involved in Tuesday night's incident had had a thorough veterinary assessment and were passed fit to travel.

Mr Bird said: "We are very concerned at recent trap malfunctions which are a stark reminder that, although not common, failures with these systems can have potentially significant implications on welfare and operations within the sport.

"Whilst we welcome and support the announced investigation at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium, we are also putting in place additional measures across the sport.

"In the immediate term, we have asked all GBGB-licensed racecourses to review and report back on their current trap operational policies and maintenance procedures.

"This work will precede a full root and branch review of traps within the sport to include manufacturing, procurement, maintenance and operation of these systems."