Greyhound Racing Welfare Standards

Greyhound racing has declined significantly worldwide due to welfare concerns, with track injuries, poor kennel conditions, and disposal of retired dogs driving reform and bans.

Key Facts

Greyhound racing has been banned in many US states, most recently Florida in 2020 following a referendum
Injury rates in greyhound racing can be significant, with fractures, lacerations, and cardiac events common
Greyhounds spend approximately 20-23 hours per day in kennels, severely limiting behavioral expression
Retired racing greyhounds are extremely gentle and adaptable companion animals
Ireland and Australia maintain significant greyhound racing industries with ongoing welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

Racing greyhound welfare encompasses the full lifecycle: intensive kennel housing with limited exercise and enrichment, track injury risk, and the fate of dogs that do not perform commercially. The extended kennel confinement for animals bred for extreme speed and activity represents a fundamental incompatibility between the breed's behavioral needs and racing housing conditions. Post-racing, greyhounds often face uncertain fates including euthanasia in countries without active rehoming programs. The Florida ban, passed by 69% of voters, reflects growing public recognition that commercial greyhound racing is incompatible with acceptable welfare standards.

What You Can Do

Never attend or bet on greyhound racing events
Adopt a retired racing greyhound from a reputable rescue organization
Advocate for greyhound racing bans in jurisdictions where it remains legal
Support greyhound rescue organizations that rehome retired racing dogs