Greyhound Racing
What is greyhound racing?
Greyhound racing is a competitive ‘sport’ in which greyhounds race around an enclosed track in pursuit of a mechanical hare.
Is greyhound racing cruel?
At least 200 greyhounds died trackside at stadiums across Britain
in 2020 despite a racing schedule reduced by a third due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nearly 40,000 greyhound races were held in 2020
a drop of 17,000 from 2019, and yet track fatalities only decreased from 207 to 200, indicating that greyhound racing proportionally had become even deadlier.
3,375 greyhounds sustained injuries in 2020
which indicates that nearly one in four dogs are being injured every year — or that some dogs are sustaining multiple injuries. An average of nine dogs were injured every day of the year.
411 greyhounds were listed as dying, with other excuses including sudden death
being designated as unsuitable for homing, treatment costs, or being put to sleep away from the racecourse on veterinary advice.
Racing greyhounds normally retire from racing between the ages of two and three years so are relatively young dogs.
The State of greyhound racing in Great Britain: a mandate for change
In 2014 we released a report on greyhound racing in Great Britain. ‘The State of greyhound racing in Great Britain: a mandate for change’was produced in conjunction with GREY2K USA Worldwide and shows that the life of a racing greyhound consists of abuse, neglect and early death. [ES4] [NW5]
Main findings:
- Racing dogs spend 95% of their time in small, barren kennels without social contact
- Those that are housed in pairs are kept constantly muzzled which is highly distressing
- Many dogs do not receive adequate basic health care or care. Dogs were found to suffer from flea and worm infestations, untreated injuries, malnutrition and dental problems
- Industry sanctions against those who treat dogs in this manner are feeble and ineffectual
- Poorly maintained tracks and racing frequency can cause painful and often lethal injuries, such as broken backs and limbs
- They industry is not required to declare greyhound injuries
- At least 10,000 dogs are deemed surplus to requirements every year. 8,000 are retired racers, the rest are young dogs that didn't make the grade
- British charities re-home many surplus dogs, but thousands are unaccounted for each year. Some are abandoned, killed crudely or sold for dissection
How can I help greyhounds?
- If you live near a greyhound track, write to your MP and ask their view on greyhound racing and its cruelty.
- Join our supporter groups