Greyhound Racing: Welfare Concerns and the Push for Bans

Greyhound racing raises serious welfare concerns including injuries, deaths, and substandard kennelling, and has been banned or is declining in many jurisdictions.

Key Facts

Greyhound racing has been banned in 42 US states and continues in only a handful of tracks
Ireland and the UK retain legal greyhound racing with some welfare regulations in place
Australian greyhound racing faced a short-lived 2016 NSW ban following live baiting revelations
Greyhound injuries including broken legs are common with thousands reported annually in active racing states
Many retired racing greyhounds require rehoming as they are not considered economically viable
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain records welfare data but critics argue self-regulation is inadequate

Welfare Considerations

Greyhound racing subjects dogs to injury risk, kennel confinement for long periods, and early death or abandonment when their racing career ends. The industry has shown limited capacity for self-regulation. The welfare case for phasing out greyhound racing is strong, as has been recognised by jurisdictions that have banned the practice.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for greyhound racing bans in jurisdictions where it continues
Adopt a retired greyhound through specialist rescue organisations
Avoid attending greyhound racing events or gambling on races
Advocate for mandatory welfare reporting and independent oversight where racing continues
Share information about greyhound welfare concerns to build public opposition to the sport