'Distress' of greyhound slaughtering row

A MAN at the centre of a greyhound slaughtering storm yesterday said the affair had caused him "massive distress" but refused to talk about his actions.

David Smith spoke briefly after arriving at his home, which overlooks land where he is said to have killed and buried around 10,000 greyhounds

The father-of-three arrived at the detached house in Seaham, Co Durham, but refused to speak about his actions in killing greyhounds at 10 a time.

He said: "This has caused me a lot of distress, a massive amount. I have been told not to say anything about it and everything is with the RSPCA and the police. I am devastated by all of this."

A Durham Police spokesman said officers had twice spoken to Mr Smith but had not yet received any formal complaints.

The spokesman added that any public health issues arising from the burial of dogs on Mr Smith's land were a matter for the local authority and not the police.

Neighbours expressed support for Mr Smith.