The RSPCA is warning that images of a greyhound being thrown into the sea is not an isolated incident and have launched an investigation.
A local Facebook page released the images on Thursday which showed a man throwing a dog into the North Sea during windy and freezing conditions.
Members of the public have both supported and defended the actions of the individual captured within the image.
Hartlepool News & Alerts released an image which showed a dog being held over the north sea moments before it was dropped into the water.
The RSPCA have now told BNT Media they believe the incident is ‘Not Isolated’ and have launched a pro-active investigation.
RSPCA launch investigation
They are now investigating a report that three men were seen dragging nine muzzled greyhounds along the pier and then throwing them 4ft into the sea and dragging them back out of the sea again and repeating the process.
The RSPCA has said “We are still making enquiries after we received a report that a group of men with a number of dogs were seen in Hartlepool repeatedly throwing one of the dogs a greyhound into the water last Thursday, November 2. An inspector attended the scene but the group were no longer there. Since then we have been contacted by a member of the public who provided photos of what appears to be a man throwing a greyhound into the water the week before, on
“An inspector attended the scene but the group were no longer there. Since then we have been contacted by a member of the public who provided photos of what appears to be a man throwing a greyhound into the water the week before, on Thursday, October 26.”
Please stop this Cruelty
Hundreds of people have left comments on the Hartlepool News & Alerts Facebook page reacting to the shocking image.
Julie Allen commented, “This is a cruel act the picture shows it all the poor dog will probably drown with shock please stop this cruelty!”
Jennifer Berry said “Maybe someone should tie a rope around them and throw them into the North Sea leave them just long enough to let the fear get to them that they are going to drown and die then drag them back out”
While Annie Bush added “ What is wrong with some people. people think it is ok to be this cruel”
Venessa Pagan said “Need the electric chair or to be hung what they did years ago”
Method of Training
A number of people confirmed that this was a method of training the Greyhounds to ensure they are able to strengthen their legs without the risk of a splint, they are apparently tied to a safety rope and walked back up the pier on the guide rope to ensure they are able to safely exit the water.
Mark Ellett supported the actions commenting that “In all fairness, I think those people could be greyhound trainers, making the dogs swim to strengthen their legs without the risk of a splint by running them”
Carl Foster added “It’s tied to a rope seen them do it loads of times. The tide is always bad in the north sea in the summer there in with the dogs walking along why the dogs swim beside them.
Kailee Carter, in conclusion, added ” it’s not a proper method of training racing dogs. Proper trainers use swimming pools that are temperature regulated. Training greyhounds using swimming isn’t that common actually anymore as it was found to not be very effective. That man in that picture whether training for racing or not clearly doesn’t care about the welfare of the animal. And I cant see it winning many races if it is being trained for that”
Anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents or may have more information should contact us on 0300 1234 999.”
