Greyhound racing has declined significantly in many countries as welfare concerns have gained public prominence. Understanding the welfare record of the industry helps advocates finish the work of closing remaining tracks.
Greyhound racing causes welfare harm through selective breeding for extreme running performance, intensive training, racing injuries, and the fate of dogs that fail to perform or retire. The live baiting scandal in Australia — where live rabbits and possums were used as training bait — exposed the worst of industry practices, but the everyday welfare of racing greyhounds involves training from a young age, track injuries, and the threat of death if performance declines. The significant progress in banning greyhound racing in several jurisdictions demonstrates that sustained welfare campaigns can achieve legislative change. Greyhound adoption programmes address the immediate welfare needs of animals leaving the industry.