'A sport is not a sport where there's a chance that animals can be killed'

Animal rights activists fighting to end greyhound racing have gone straight to the horse's mouth - by protesting outside South Tyneside's only stadium.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Sunderland Greyhound Stadium in East Boldon was targeted by protestors.

In a bid to persuade punters to turn their backs on the sport, they targeted Sunderland Greyhound Stadium at East Boldon ahead of a packed race night on Friday.

Supporters of North East Animal Rights (NEAR) said they wanted racegoers to better understand the death and injury to dogs they say is all too common.

The borough-based group, which campaigns across the region, is demanding greyhound racing be outlawed the same as badger baiting or cock fighting.

Last month, Scotland and Wales did just that - but there are no plans for England to follow suit.

But NEAR said it hoped its protest would contribute to the debate and help sway public and government opinion in favour of a ban.

However, stadium bosses hit back, insisting animal welfare was top priority and the highest levels of welfare were upheld.