Greyhound racing involves significant animal welfare concerns including racing injuries, poor kennel conditions, and the fate of retired dogs. Industry reform and adoption programs address some but not all welfare problems.
Greyhound racing imposes welfare costs throughout a dog career — intensive training, racing injuries, kenneling conditions, and eventual retirement. While adoption programs have dramatically improved the fate of retired dogs in some markets, the welfare of dogs during their racing lives remains concerning. The rapid decline of the US industry following Florida prohibition demonstrates that informed democratic choice can change industry practices that animal welfare advocacy alone cannot. Remaining markets face increasing scrutiny and declining social license.