The Shady Side of Greyhound Racing: Welfare and Industry Issues

Despite the decline in popularity of Greyhound racing in the UK over recent decades, it remains a substantial industry valued at around "500 million. The sport operates through 25 registered stadiums and several unaffiliated ones, all contributing to this business. However, behind the glamour of the race lies a concerning reality for the dogs involved.

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) oversees industry regulation, setting welfare standards for trainers, breeders, and racing tracks. While this organisation monitors conditions, many animal welfare advocates argue it lacks sufficient powers and resources to safeguard greyhounds adequately, leading to ongoing welfare issues.

Greyhound racing treats dogs as economic commodities, with little tolerance for those who do not perform. This results in thousands of surplus or retired greyhounds annually, many of which struggle to find homes after their racing careers end. The average retirement age for successful racers is between four and six years, but dogs deemed unfit can be retired or removed as young as one year old. This leaves these intelligent and affectionate animals needing care and loving homes for many years afterward.

1. Industry Scale and Dog Origins

Only about 25% of racing greyhounds in the UK are bred domestically, with the majority imported, especially from Ireland and other parts of Europe. The greyhound is a native UK breed classified as (vulnerable) due to low numbers registered with the Kennel Club. Large-scale importation, often at lower costs, supports a largely unregulated breeding and racing environment.

2. Surplus Racing Dogs

The racing industry reports a surplus of roughly 13,500 dogs every year. These include retired, injured, or unsuitable dogs. Sadly, more than 4,000 of these dogs become "unaccountable," with no known whereabouts or outcome. Many are never raced and disappear without trace, highlighting serious concerns about their welfare.

3. Rehoming Challenges

While about 3,500 greyhounds are rehomed annually through dedicated charities, the remaining thousands rely heavily on private arrangements. The sheer number makes private care challenging, and many dogs with little experience of domestic life face adjustment issues, slowing rehoming efforts.

4. Injuries and Euthanasia

Racing greyhounds face significant injury risks, with approximately 4,000 track injuries annually. Although veterinary care is often provided, economic considerations sometimes lead trainers to euthanise dogs with minor injuries instead of treating them.

5. Puppy Culling

The welfare group APGAW estimates that up to 12,000 greyhound puppies are culled annually as they are considered unlikely to perform on race tracks. This disturbing practice raises pressing ethical questions about breeding standards in the industry.

6. Notorious Abuse Cases

One notorious example includes the conviction in 2007 of David Smith, a racer who was found guilty of killing and burying up to 10,000 greyhounds on his property. Although extreme, such cases illustrate the potential horrors behind the scenes in some parts of the industry.

7. Welfare Regulation Concerns

Many greyhounds are bred in Ireland, where welfare and breeding standards are reportedly unregulated. This gap increases the risk of substandard care and mistreatment before dogs even arrive at UK tracks.

8. Rehoming Obstacles

Ex-racing greyhounds often require dedicated care and acclimatisation due to their lack of experience with domestic environments. This need for specialist support further strains the resources of welfare organisations already overwhelmed by the volume of retired racers.

9. Betting Industry and Welfare Funding

Less than 1p from every pound wagered on greyhound racing contributes to the welfare and retirement provision for the dogs. This minimal funding highlights a systemic failure to reinvest in the animals that generate the industry's profits.

10. What You Can Do to Help

• Consider rehoming an ex-racing greyhound rather than purchasing a dog from breeders. Greyhounds make affectionate and loyal pets for the right homes.
• Support animal welfare groups advocating for reform in the racing industry, including the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW).
• Raise awareness among friends and family about the realities of greyhound racing and the importance of ethical adoption.

Greyhound racing presents a complex ethical challenge in the UK, balancing tradition, business interests, and animal welfare. By supporting rehoming efforts and welfare reforms, we can help improve the lives of countless greyhounds who have given their best on the track.