Greyhound racing has faced sustained welfare campaigns. Understanding the welfare problems and the progress made helps advocates work effectively in jurisdictions where racing continues.
Greyhound racing causes welfare harms through injury during races, inadequate kennel conditions, and the disposal of dogs no longer economically viable. Racing injuries including broken legs and spinal injuries are occupational hazards that cause suffering. Kenneling conditions in commercial racing operations are often inadequate for social, active dogs. The overbreeding that produces racing candidates generates surplus animals many of whom are killed or abandoned. Adoption programs for retired racing greyhounds have been highly successful, demonstrating that these dogs transition well to companion life.