Members of the greyhound racing industry have raised more than £9,000 for a charity after their fundraising event had to be cancelled after protests by an animal rights group.

Brighton’s Rockinghorse charity was due to hold a race night at Hove Greyhound Stadium.

However, they called it off following a campaign of abuse on social media by the Greyt Exploitations group.

Ryan Heal, chief executive, estimated that they had missed out on £5,000 as a result, which they were going to spend on a new children’s cardiac monitor.

However, they have now more than double what they were expecting after members of the greyhound racing industry put out an appeal.

Mark Whittaker, who runs a syndicate of greyhounds, said: “We informed the greyhound racing world about what happened and set up a Just Giving page in response.

“People all over the greyhound racing world were appalled that the charity had to cancel its event.

“We have had donations from Australia, America and a lot from Ireland.

“We have had a tremendous response.”

Mr Whittaker said he could hardly believe it when the money started to come in, adding that he hoped to reach £10,000 by next week.

Mr Heal took the decision to cancel the fundraising event as he feared for the safety of his staff.

Members of the animal rights group had bombarded his staff with emails and messages on Facebook with one activist making a joke about betting on sick children in hospital.

He said: “A big thank you to all our supporters from Sussex and beyond. We are overwhelmed with the generosity shown.”

Greyt Exploitations co-ordinator Trudy Baker, who launched the campaign against the charity, said she was sorry if people had taken offence but added that charities should make informed choices about how they raised funds.

To support Rockinghorse visit rockinghorse.org/donate.