A group of 20 greyhound trainers from the North-East last night spoke of their horror at reports that thousands of dogs had been slaughtered in the region.

Builder's merchant David Smith, from Seaham, County Durham, has admitted slaughtering old greyhounds and burying them in a field.

It is reported he may have killed and buried up to 10,000 animals on a one-acre plot of land.

Since the exposure, the greyhound industry has been told to "clean its act up" by the Government and welfare charities, and the police and local council are investigating Mr Smith's operation.

A statement issued yesterday on behalf of 20 trainers, who look after dogs racing at Sunderland Stadium and Brough Park in Newcastle, said: "We are as horrified as the public by the revelations. We are aware that members of the public have made the assumption that this is the norm with retired greyhounds. This is not normal."

Andrew Bell, who races greyhounds at Brough Park, said: "If you point to any sort of industry, there is always a rotten apple in every basket.

"We have no time for anyone who mistreats a dog, be it a greyhound or domestic pet."

David Hood, director of racing at Sunderland and Brough Park, said both stadiums were registered with the National Greyhound Racing Club and reached their required standards.