JIMMY FENWICK, the leading North East breeder, said yesterday that he wished to point out that he had no connection with Sid Fenwick, one of two trainers suspended by the NGRC pending an inquiry into allegations that they had been involved with the deaths of two greyhounds in the Seaham 'killing field' of David Smith.

Jimmy Fenwick said: "Given 1 also live in the broad area, you canunderstand people wondering if I'm in some way connected - but I'm not. In fact I've never heard of Sid Fenwick before, nor David Smith -I suspect the bulk of his (David Smith's) trade would have involved flapping dogs.

He went on: '1 do know Sid Fenwick's son-in-law, Graeme Young, given the fact he bred the fantastic Laser Beam, and is also assistant racing manager at Pelaw Grange. I once presented him with a breeding prize, and I've never heard a bad word about him either.

"I do think is that this is a fantastic opportunity for the NGRC to move things forward and put the welfare of greyhounds at the top of the agenda. Using a bolt gun to kill greyhounds is unacceptble."

Meanwhile, retired greyhounds received some welcome, and loud, publicity last Friday when London's town crier, Peter Moore, took to the streets to call upon dog lovers to adopt a greyhound. Moore, owner of a retired greyhound called Basil, rang his bell outside City Hall, home to the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, and the Greater London Authority. and said: "I was shocked and deeply saddened by the coverage I have seen this week about the killing of thousand of greyhounds, and I wanted to get out here and help by spreading the word that greyhounds make great pets.

"The coverage serves to highlight that many more homes need to be found for the thousands of greyhounds retiring in the UK every year. The Retired Greyhound Trust is doing a sterling job, but more homes are still needed," Moore added that adopting 'Basil' was one of the best things he has ever done. "I can't imagine life without him," he said. "He's affectionate, relaxed and easy to care for. I'd love to see even more of Basil's friends finding a home, which is why I'm out here ringing my bell to encourage people to adopt a greyhound!"