Miriam Margolyes passionate statement amid fears of future

A letter by the 84-year-old actress to Oxford City Council has resurfaced as the greyhound racing track hits trouble.

Sports broadcaster Sports Information Services is to stop covering racing at Oxford Stadium in Sandy Lane from Monday in a move described as “disastrous” to greyhound racing.

Oxford Speedway promoter Jamie Courtney has reassured Cheetahs fans in light of the announcement that events on Wednesday will still go ahead.

Greyhound racing (Image: Photo: Fortitude Communications)

Back in 2022, Ms Margolyes wrote to Oxford City Council urging it to oppose the venue which she said is being used for “cruel blood sport” in favour of an animal-free alternative.

She wrote: “I’m not alone in thinking it would be abominable for Oxford to support greyhound racing: an archaic and – let’s face it – sadistic ‘sport’ that is responsible for so much suffering and death.

“In fact, 71 per cent of the local public with an opinion on the matter would prefer that Oxford Stadium be used for another, kinder purpose, for example as a velodrome.”

READ MORE: Oxford restaurant shut down as dead mouse and poo found inside

Ms Margolyes, from Oxford, said there is “much I love about the city I grew up in” but said greyhound racing should remain “firmly in the past”.

“Let’s be clear: this is not a sport. It’s animal abuse, and it has no place at Oxford Stadium,” the Harry Potter actress said.

“This ghastly business causes thousands of dogs each year ailments ranging from broken legs to heart attacks.

“Some are even doped with drugs like cocaine, and it’s hardly surprising that many animals die as a result of being forced to race.

“But the casualties don’t end there. Once their racing days are over, many dogs are killed or abandoned in shelters that are already bursting at the seams.

“An additional 12,000 greyhound puppies may be killed every year because they’re deemed not fast enough for racing.

Oxford Stadium

“We call dogs ‘man’s best friend’, but greyhounds used for racing don’t have a warm bed to lie in or a human companion to love and care for them.

“When these sociable animals are not being forced to race, they spend 95 oer cent of their time confined to a cramped cage or kennel, often muzzled.#

“I can’t bear to think about the pain and loneliness they must experience – all for human entertainment.”

Oxford Greyhounds promoter Kevin Boothby said last week that talks are now ongoing with Premier Greyhound Racing to explore a potential contract.

Mr Boothby said at the time that the accusations by ms Margolyes and PETA are “entirely unfounded” and show they are “totally out of touch with the reality of our sport”.

“Our greyhounds are loved and are cared for before, during and after their racing careers,” he said.