Greyhound Racing and Animal Welfare

Greyhound racing has declined dramatically due to welfare concerns, with many countries and US states banning the industry.

Key Facts

40 of 50 US states have banned commercial greyhound racing
Florida's 2018 ballot initiative ending greyhound racing freed over 8,000 dogs
Racing greyhounds are typically euthanized or sold when their racing careers end at 4-5 years
Dogs in racing kennels are typically housed in small stacked crates 20+ hours per day
Injuries including broken legs, cardiac arrest, and heat stroke are common in racing greyhounds

Welfare Considerations

Greyhound racing is one of the animal welfare success stories of the past two decades, with dramatic declines in the industry driven by public opposition based on welfare concerns. Racing greyhounds spend most of their lives in small crates and face significant injury risk during racing. The disposition of retired racing dogs has been a major welfare concern, with many being euthanized or sent to laboratories when they can no longer race competitively. Adoption programs for retired racing greyhounds have grown alongside the decline of the industry. Florida's 2018 vote to end greyhound racing was a landmark moment in animal welfare ballot initiative history.

What You Can Do

Support greyhound adoption programs that rehome retired racing dogs
Advocate against greyhound racing where it remains legal
Adopt a retired racing greyhound if you are able to provide a suitable home
Donate to organizations working to end greyhound racing globally
Celebrate and build on the success of greyhound racing bans as a model for other reforms