We repeat call to bring an end to unnecessary deaths

Stats released by GBGB, the organisation responsible for licencing greyhound tracks in the UK, show that 244 dogs died or were put to sleep due to their participation in greyhound racing over the last year, and there were 4,354 injuries. This is on top of the more than 2000 dogs that have died or have been put to sleep over the previous four years.

There are two additional greyhound tracks in Great Britain that aren’t licenced under GBGB which means the number of dogs killed, put to sleep or injured is likely to be higher. These tracks are not required to publish their death and injury data.

This comes less than a year after three of the UKs largest animal welfare charities – Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Blue Cross – announced their joint call for greyhound racing to come to an end as soon as possible to put a stop to the unnecessary and completely preventable deaths greyhounds. This echoes the calls of other welfare organisations, including Hope Rescue and Greyhound Rescue Wales.

Working together as the Cut the Chase Coalition, Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue and Greyhound Rescue Wales have worked with the greyhound racing industry for many years to try to improve conditions for the dogs involved in the sport. While this has led to some improvements, there are still significant welfare issues for racing greyhounds which have not been resolved and cannot be resolved.  

The Cut the Chase Coalition believes greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved as running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs, and in some cases the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanise the dog.

Further to this, the coalition has concerns at every stage of a racing greyhound’s life including issues around inadequate welfare standards in kennelling and transporting the dogs. Some of the dogs used in racing are kept in poor, barren conditions, with little if any enrichment and fed a poor diet. The reviews also highlighted concerns around the general health of the dogs including the number and severity of injuries sustained during racing.  

There are also serious issues around the racing of greyhounds in extreme weather and the number of puppies that are unaccounted for between birth and racing registrations, so often referred to by the sector as the "wastage". 

Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue and Greyhound Rescue Wales want to see an end to greyhound racing as soon as possible.

In response to the publication of this new data, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says

“The release of these new stats highlight further why greyhound racing must come to an end in the UK as quickly as possible. It is unacceptable that so many greyhounds died or were put to sleep over the last 12 months, and many more injured, all in the name of entertainment.

“While GBGB will argue that the number of deaths and injuries have been reduced, it is not enough; one death or serious injury is one too many. For those lucky enough not to lose their lives through racing, many instead face being housed in poor conditions, with little or no enrichment.

“Greyhound racing must come to an end as quickly as possible to stop these completely avoidable deaths and serious injuries. We remain committed to protecting the welfare of these dogs until this happens.”

Emma Slawinski, RSPCA Director of Policy, Prevention and Campaigns, said:
“These figures show, yet again, the inherent danger to greyhounds of participating in racing.

 “The risk of death and injury posed to greyhounds as well as the reliance on the rehoming sector are just some of many concerns associated with the industry. We have long been committed to working with the industry to improve the welfare of these dogs.

 “The coalition believes that all dogs deserve a good life, however, the current approach to greyhound racing is incompatible with this. The only way to protect greyhound welfare is to phase out the sport across the UK.” 

Chris Burghes, Chief Executive of Blue Cross said:

“Another year and another set of dreadful figures which demonstrate unacceptable injuries and deaths.

“Britain’s dog-loving population would never choose to put their own pets at risk on a racing track or subject them to the conditions many experience off the track. Why, in 2023, is it still seen as an acceptable form of entertainment to exploit and endanger these greyhounds?

“Following on from many years of GBGB failing to deliver on their promises to improve welfare for these wonderful dogs, action is needed now. We reiterate our call to Government to bring in a phased end to greyhound racing and allow animal welfare organisations to step in and care for these dogs.”

About Dogs Trust  

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and normally cares for around 14,000 dogs across its network of 21 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. The charity, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, also focuses its efforts on understanding dogs and sharing that knowledge with the wider public to prevent problem behaviours that can result in relinquishment or abandonment. We are working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. 

About RSPCA 

The RSPCA is the largest and oldest welfare charity in the UK, and rescues tens of thousands of animals every year across England and Wales. Our rescuers work 365 days a year to respond to animal welfare emergencies, rescue animals in need, investigate reports of cruelty, and rehabilitate and rehome all animals from cats, dogs and other pets, to horses, farm animals, and exotic pets. We also work to help the public improve animal welfare, educate society on how to help animals, and lobby and campaign for change to work towards creating a world that is kinder to animals.

About Blue Cross 

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion. We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with, and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. Pets change lives. We change theirs.

About Greyhound Rescue Wales 

 Greyhound Rescue Wales is the rescue and rehoming charity for greyhounds and lurchers in Wales. From a small group of volunteers in 1993, the charity has grown significantly over its history and now finds a greyhound a new home almost every 3 days. We work for a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care. With almost 30 years' experience in greyhound welfare, we are proud advocates for the breed and work hard to give them a voice. We also work to raise awareness of greyhounds as pets and dispel the many myths that are often heard about their breeding, racing and suitability for pet life. Find out more at: www.greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk 

Press Contacts

Dogs Trust – Rebecca Saunders / 07780 232718 / [email protected] 

Spokespeople available

Dogs Trust

• Owen Sharp, CEO
• Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs
• Paula Boyden – Veterinary Director

RSPCA

• Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals

Blue Cross

• Becky Thwaites – Head of Public Affairs