THE owner of Evesham's Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue has spoken of her shock at accusations that 10,000 racing dogs have been shot because they are no longer wanted by their trainers.

The Environment Agency this week opened an investigation into reports which named a Durham man as responsible for carrying out the killing.

He is alleged to have slaughtered the healthy animals at home and then buried them on his land.

Pip Singleton, of Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Centre, in Hinton Road, Childswickham, near Broadway, said: "We never cease to be horrified by barbaric acts such as those brought to our attention by such news this week.

"Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue has been in existence for 17 years and the Retired Greyhound Trust for 30. These and other such rescues have assisted with the rehoming of thousands greyhounds over the years. There is absolutely no excuse for culling these dogs.

"Our only hope is that these greyhounds have not died in vain, that public awareness is raised and something is done to help the plight of these gentle creatures."

Since 1997, anyone can own a bolt gun to kill animals without a licence. They can be prosecuted if animals are put down inhumanly or without the owner's consent. A new code of practice in the animal welfare bill would restrict the killing of greyhounds to vets, using lethal injections.