'It could be the National and jump racing next' - should racing fear the RSPCA?

It was a statement which stunned a sport that has been at the heart of British culture for a century.

In late September, the RSPCA joined forces with two other animal charities to call for greyhound racing to be banned, citing welfare issues in the sport. Should they get their wish, within five years a sport that employs thousands of people and is enjoyed by countless more will have been consigned to history.

What made the demand even more shocking was that only in May the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the sport's governing body, had unveiled a long-term welfare strategy that had been applauded by the government. Development of the plan, which aims to ensure dogs are cared for at all stages of their life, was led by a highly respected veterinarian and renowned animal welfare expert.