Greyhound racing has declined dramatically in many countries but continues to cause significant welfare harm through injury rates, early retirement, and inadequate aftercare.
Greyhound racing welfare encompasses breeding, housing, racing, and retirement. Breeding programs produce more dogs than racing requires, with surplus animals facing uncertain outcomes. Racing dogs in kennels spend most of their time in confined spaces with limited social enrichment. Racing itself causes musculoskeletal injuries that affect approximately 1% of race starters. Retirement — often at young ages when the dog is healthy but uncompetitive — creates a large population requiring rehoming that adoption programs have successfully placed.