Companion Animal Welfare

Greyhound Racing and Dog Welfare

Greyhound racing raises serious welfare concerns including injuries, overbreeding, poor kennelling conditions, and the fate of retired dogs.

Key Facts

Around 10,000 greyhounds are registered for racing in the UK annually
Greyhound injuries including broken legs and cardiac events are common
Many dogs spend 20+ hours per day in small kennels
Large numbers of greyhounds are exported to countries with poor welfare standards
Greyhound adoption charities rehome thousands of retired dogs each year

Welfare Considerations

Greyhounds used for racing face multiple welfare challenges: intensive kennelling that limits natural behaviour, injury risk during racing, stress from training regimes, and uncertainty at the end of their racing career. The disposal of surplus or underperforming dogs is a major concern. Some countries have banned greyhound racing; in others, welfare standards vary greatly between tracks.

What You Can Do

Adopt a retired greyhound through a rescue organisation
Support campaigns for better regulation or phase-out of greyhound racing
Avoid attending greyhound races or betting on them
Donate to Greyhound Rescue organisations
Advocate for improved welfare standards and adoption requirements at racing kennels