I write in response to Christine Holder's letter of May 29, entitled "Don't back cruel greyhound races." It attempted to promote a minority group of animal rights activists called Greyhound Action and included a series of misleading and highly offensive claims.

The fact is that, when their racing career is over, most greyhounds will live out a happy retirement.

Less than 10,000 greyhounds are now coming into licensed racing each year.

Almost 4,500 are rehomed annually by the Retired Greyhound Trust - twice as many as five years ago. About 3,500 find homes either with their owners, their trainer or through other rehoming charities.

Some of the others will continue their careers on independent tracks or will return to their native Ireland. Some are euthanased, because, for example, they are temperamentally unsuitable for rehoming or for health reasons.

The rules lay down that this be done by a registered vet and anyone doing otherwise risks a ban from the sport and even prosecution.

Greyhound racing is not in rapid decline. In fact many of the 30 tracks in Britain are currently enjoying an upturn in business.

The vast majority of people in the sport love their dogs and there is absolutely no place for those that mistreat these beautiful animals.

Our rules and regulations, combined with the Animal Welfare Act, give greyhounds increasingly robust protection This year we are spending over one third of our annual income to raise welfare standards still further.

It is notable that, unlike the Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, RSPCA etc, Greyhound Action refuses to work with the sport to improve welfare standards.

Ms Holder's letter did at least serve to highlight one important point. This was that retired greyhounds make fantastic pets. For any readers who are interested, a branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust (www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk) can fix you up with a low-maintenance greyhound who will be your faithful, friendly companion for life.

Lord David Lipsey, Chairman British Greyhound Racing Association