Greyhound racing is declining globally, but millions of dogs are bred, trained, and retired from the industry annually. Their welfare throughout the racing lifecycle involves significant challenges.
Racing greyhounds experience significant injury risk across their careers — fractures, soft tissue injuries, and collision injuries are common. Training methods historically included rough handling and inadequate socialisation, producing dogs with fear responses. The breeding supply chain for racing produces far more dogs than can be rehomed if the industry declines — creating disposal problems that result in killing of healthy dogs. Many racing greyhounds are kennelled in conditions that restrict social interaction and exercise, despite being highly athletic dogs requiring significant exercise. Greyhounds that reach the end of their racing careers face an uncertain transition — some are successfully rehomed, others are not.