Why it's time to end greyhound racing

We, along with other dog welfare organisations, had been members of the Greyhound Forum for many years we believed the best way to influence the industry and encourage change was through building relationships with those who had the power to make it. But unfortunately, too many of our recommendations were either not implemented at all, or watered down to a level where there was minimum welfare impact on the dogs.  

In 2023, we decided we could no longer call for improvements where we knew our asks were futile. Now, because of the lack of willingness to change by the industry, and because of the growing body of evidence that the welfare implications have a detrimental impact at every stage of a racing greyhound’s life, we believe the time is right to begin winding the racing industry down. 

Greyhound racing takes place lawfully in 10 countries, four of those being UK nations. It remains legal in: Australia, England, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United States, Vietnam, and Wales. 

There are a number of reasons. Some are inherent to the practice, and others could be improved with a willingness that is sadly lacking in the industry. 

The race itself is inherently dangerous because several high prey-drive dogs, in chase mode, run at speeds of over 40mph around oval tracks. Navigating bends at speed means their bodies are subjected to high pressures and asymmetrical forces, so the dogs have two options to avoid falling over; slow down, or run wider. The innate desire to catch the mechanical hare means they won’t slow, so instead they risk collision with the other dogs in the race. This is where injuries and fatalities most commonly occur. 

Off the track, there are significant concerns around kennelling, standard of care, and transportation of many racing dogs. These relate to space provided in kennels, lighting levels, exercise opportunities, sanitation, diet, and access to dental and vet care. 

The current regulatory framework for the industry does not ensure a minimum standard for greyhounds that assures a life worth living. 

Reality: Dog welfare is at the heart of our decision to call for an end to greyhound racing. We don’t want dogs to suffer, neither on the track nor due to a sudden end to the industry they are a part of.  

That’s why we’re not calling for an immediate ban, but instead to be phased out over five years. A pragmatic approach that takes into account the dogs’ needs and rehoming organisations’ resources means we won’t see healthy dogs being euthanised for want of a home. Our rehoming team is currently planning for how we can ensure we can accommodate dogs leaving the industry at Blue Cross. A great many dog organisations are committed to working with us to ensure the safety and wellbeing of retired racers. 

Reality: Sighthounds – including greyhounds, whippets and salukis – were bred to use their keen eyesight and agile bodies to quickly chase down prey. Today’s greyhounds love to run and chase, just as their ancestors did. But they weren’t forced to run in a way that is unnatural to their species; on sand tracks around tight oval bends which put them at risk of collision and can lead to injury and death.  

Off the track, the majority of greyhounds spend most of their days in kennels. While there are trainers and owners who do care for and love their dogs, there are too many recorded instances of greyhounds’ basic welfare needs not being met. These include little, if any, enrichment, poor diet and uncomfortable conditions including lack of space and access to light. 
 

Reality: While it’s true a night out at the dog races did attract audiences of millions in the 1940s, that’s no longer the case. A recent YouGov poll found 91 per cent of the British public neither attends greyhound races nor follows them*. Understanding of, and attitudes to, animal welfare have changed significantly over recent decades. Practices that were once commonplace are now accepted as being detrimental to animal welfare and, as such, outdated.  

We Brits love our dogs, but 40 per cent of the countries globally still allowing greyhound racing to take place legally are those which make up the United Kingdom. It’s time we caught up with the majority of the world and outlawed the suffering caused by this ‘sport’.