Shut Down Central Park Greyhound stadium
The Issue
Greyhound racing is unacceptable to the majority of the British public, and Central Park in Sittingbourne is a good example of the reason why: season after season dogs are injured while racing, some fatally. This 'sport' can never be risk-free for the dogs who are forced to race for the benefit of the corporate bookmakers, so we are calling for Swale Council to withdraw their licence, and to bring forward a plan to reclaim the site so that it can be redeveloped for the benefit of the community.
The number of greyhound stadia in England has decreased dramatically over the past few years (with only 15 remaining at time of writing), and for good reason. The so-called sport of greyhound racing has been banned in both Scotland and Wales, and two recent surveys of attitudes towards greyhound racing in the UK found that around 60% of Brits think it is unacceptable. There are currently campaigns running against all 15 remaining tracks in England, including a campaign by East Kent Animal Action at Central Park in Sittingbourne.
Last year, according to the industry's own figures, over 160 dogs were euthanised at trackside as a result of injuries from racing. This was an increase on the previous year, despite an overall reduction in the number of greyhound tracks. This is the proof that this sport can never be safe for any dog. Even one dog injured would be unacceptable, because these animals are being forced to race purely for the benefit of human beings, the purpose of which is to fuel the gambling industry. Gambling is a social disease which can destroy human lives, so the cost of greyhound racing can be counted in both human and non-human lives.
The stadium in Sittingbourne is owned by the council, but run by a company based in London. Under the terms of the lease, the council can exit the agreement in 2029. We understand that the council has drawn up a proposal for the demolition of the stadium, and a redevelopment of the site as a community resource. We would like to see this enacted as soon as possible, so we are asking the council to withdraw the licence issued for the racing of dogs, as it is abundantly clear that the management company are unable to safeguard these animals.
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The Issue
Greyhound racing is unacceptable to the majority of the British public, and Central Park in Sittingbourne is a good example of the reason why: season after season dogs are injured while racing, some fatally. This 'sport' can never be risk-free for the dogs who are forced to race for the benefit of the corporate bookmakers, so we are calling for Swale Council to withdraw their licence, and to bring forward a plan to reclaim the site so that it can be redeveloped for the benefit of the community.
The number of greyhound stadia in England has decreased dramatically over the past few years (with only 15 remaining at time of writing), and for good reason. The so-called sport of greyhound racing has been banned in both Scotland and Wales, and two recent surveys of attitudes towards greyhound racing in the UK found that around 60% of Brits think it is unacceptable. There are currently campaigns running against all 15 remaining tracks in England, including a campaign by East Kent Animal Action at Central Park in Sittingbourne.
Last year, according to the industry's own figures, over 160 dogs were euthanised at trackside as a result of injuries from racing. This was an increase on the previous year, despite an overall reduction in the number of greyhound tracks. This is the proof that this sport can never be safe for any dog. Even one dog injured would be unacceptable, because these animals are being forced to race purely for the benefit of human beings, the purpose of which is to fuel the gambling industry. Gambling is a social disease which can destroy human lives, so the cost of greyhound racing can be counted in both human and non-human lives.
The stadium in Sittingbourne is owned by the council, but run by a company based in London. Under the terms of the lease, the council can exit the agreement in 2029. We understand that the council has drawn up a proposal for the demolition of the stadium, and a redevelopment of the site as a community resource. We would like to see this enacted as soon as possible, so we are asking the council to withdraw the licence issued for the racing of dogs, as it is abundantly clear that the management company are unable to safeguard these animals.
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Petition created on 2 October 2026