Extracts from a letter to the Daily Telegraph (27 July 2002) by Denis Beary, Vice President, Society of Greyhound Veterinarians, Nottingham

"The state of the greyhound racing industry in this country is as bad as that in America (Features, July 24). A visit to a city track in Britain may present an impression of a thriving sport with a rising betting turnover and a younger audience. The reality is different: promoters are doing very well but money is not going elsewhere. Training fees can be as low as £4 a day in some parts of the country.

Prize money has not kept pace with inflation; open races worth £50-£60 in the mid-1960s are now worth £100-£150. Owners with greyhounds in training at most tracks will be lucky to cover two weeks' fees with a win.

The consequences are that corners are cut. Veterinary bills cannot easily be afforded by trainers, who struggle to make ends meet. Tracks pressure them to keep the maximum number of greyhounds "on the strength" so they can receive bonuses. One trainer was suspended and fined for daring to refuse to run his dog for the second time in three days as he considered he had not recovered from his previous run.

The only source of income from the bookmakers is a voluntary levy, and the promoters control the body that disburses it. One London track has received £100,000 to build toilets but most lack proper watering systems or air-conditioned kennels for animals who may be confined for up to six hours."