A COUPLE have been banned from the region's top greyhound tracks in the wake of a major inquiry into the killing of thousands of dogs.

Professional trainers Michael and Carole Allen, from Easington, County Durham, admitted breaching National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC) rules by concealing the circumstances of the death of one of their greyhounds, King Euro.

It was reported in July that builders' merchant David Smith killed as many as 10,000 unwanted greyhounds for £10 a time, before burying them on land outside his home in Seaham, east Durham.

When the allegations came to light, the NGRC began examining the records of a number of trainers, asking them to account for any retired greyhounds and to ensure all relevant paperwork was up to date.

While there is no suggestion Mr and Mrs Allen used Mr Smith to dispose of any of their dogs, investigators alleged a number of breaches of racing rules intended to monitor the welfare of greyhounds after they finish racing.

Mrs Allen, a trainer, and Mr Allen, her assistant, were subsequently disqualified from racing at NGRC tracks, which include Newcastle Brough Park and Sunderland, and fined £1,000 each.

King Euro, who raced twice at Brough Park, the last time on April 22 this year, had been reported to the NGRC as retired from racing and having been rehomed, but he had in fact died at kennels belonging to Mrs Allen.

The pair also admitted:

* Failing to maintain a greyhound kennel book required by the NGRC which details the status and whereabouts of greyhounds;

* Keeping greyhounds at a location other than authorised by the NGRC;

* Making a false statement in connection with documents relating to greyhound racing.

Last night, calls to the Allens' home went unanswered and no one from the NGRC was available for comment.

But Tony Peters, of the campaign group Greyhound Action, said the couple had been made "fall guys" by the NGRC, which was failing to properly investigate the killing of greyhounds at the alleged behest of trainers.

* Last month, trainers Sid Fenwick, 73, and his daughter Gillian Young, 44, were also banned from taking part in greyhound racing at any track regulated by the NGRC after pictures showed them taking dogs to Mr Smith.