A Sunderland MP has called on the Government to tighten up controls on greyhound racing.
Chris Mullin, member for Sunderland South, has asked the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to reveal his plans for the industry, which came under fire in a recent damning report.
Former farming minister Lord Donoghue spent 18 month
s considering a catalogue of evidence after the case of Seaham greyhound killer David Smith.
A spokesman for the department said: "The Government welcome the recent report by Lord Donoughue into greyhound racing, and we endorse the view that the industry needs to introduce significant reform if it is going to meet the welfare standards expected in the 21st century.
"While any regulation would be a matter for my Right Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, we agree with the recommendation in the report that the industry must aim to be self-regulated.
"I hope that everyone involved in administrating, promoting, funding and providing gambling facilities for the sport will work together to develop a collective response to Lord Donoughue's recommendations."
The far-reaching new report by the Labour peer was commissioned by the greyhound industry after the shocking discovery of redundant greyhounds being killed to order by Mr Smith.
The newsagent and builder's merchant admitted killing and burying greyhounds on land near his home for £10 a time, but went on to escape a jail term.
Lord Donoghue's report made several major recommendations, including a call for the industry to track racing dogs from "cradle to grave".
It also proposed a new governing body and recommends injuries to dogs and their causes be monitored.
