RSPCA Press release 8 May 2008

Bans For Greyhound Suffering

Rebecca Hagger (20) and Rosemary Hagger (51) both received 10-year bans at Peterborough Magistrates Court on 28 April after previously pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to three greyhounds and failing to meet the welfare needs of another four greyhounds.

Rosemary Hagger was banned from keeping dogs for 10 years and her daughter Rebecca was banned from keeping all animals for 10 years. Rebecca was also ordered to do 200 hours of community service and Rosemary was given a 12-month conditional discharge. The pair from Edgerley Drain Road, Peterborough, were each ordered to pay £250 in costs.

The RSPCA was contacted in September 2007. Inspectors found three greyhounds which were emaciated and had infected sores, contrary to section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act, 2006. The remaining four were underweight and had flea infestations and were living in dirty conditions with no food or water available, contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act, 2006.

A vet estimated that two of the dogs had been made to suffer unnecessarily for at least two months and one dog for at least one month.

In mitigation the defendants said that the dogs had belonged to Rosemary's husband (Rebecca's father) who had passed away.

The court heard that both defendants had worked in the greyhound racing industry and decided to impose a ban, despite Rebecca still having a job in the industry.

RSPCA inspector Kat Parfitt said: "Animals deserve much better than the conditions these dogs were kept in and should have access to veterinary treatment when they need it.

Three of the dogs from the case still need new homes. White and black Boris and Tyler and Wilson, who are both black with white chests, are lovely, friendly dogs who are happy to laze around with just short bursts of exercise. Anyone who feels they can give a greyhound a good retirement home should call the RSPCA Peterborough & District Branch on 01733 248116.

Rebecca Hagger – licensed kennel hand, trainer and owner

Rebecca (known as Becky to her friends) Hagger was formerly a kennel hand for her father Frederick John Hagger; a trainer and owner attached to Peterborough greyhound stadium (one of 30 stadiums that come under the regulation of the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC)).

In 2007 Rebecca obtained a temporary trainers licence and was running the dogs at Peterborough stadium herself. It is reported that Rebecca shared ownership of the greyhounds with her father and was the sole owner after his death.

Racing Manager of Peterborough stadium Martin Race refused to say whether Rebecca was still allowed at the track and Noel Thompson representing the NGRC said: “As far as I am concerned if she is a licence holder or not has got nothing to do with matters has it?”