Greyhound racing: yes or no?
As a Lurcher, I'm part sighthound, and, as far as I'm concerned, that makes me a distant relative to the Greyhound. However, although I'd like to run as fast as a Greyhound, I am actually quite glad that I'm not one. Why? Let me explain...
Here at Dogs Trust we know that Greyhounds love to race - after all, you can't force a dog to run like that. It's what they've been bred for, and the joy and excitement on their faces as they run at top speed is unmistakable. However, behind these apparently happy racing dogs, there is a sad tale to tell. Around 10,000 Greyhounds are bred each year for use by the racing industry. Most dogs are past their racing peak and are retired by the age of five because of injury or from loss of racing form. If 10,000 dogs are bred each year, this would imply that 10,000 dogs should be retired each year. Responsible owners/trainers will keep their dogs or hand them over to rehoming organisations like Dogs Trust and specialist Greyhound rescues. But this only accounts for some of them – the numbers just do not add up, and thousands of Greyhounds seemingly disappear without a trace. We don’t know exactly what happens to these Greyhounds. Some may be exported abroad to continue racing in appalling conditions, some are just abandoned or killed (as recent cases in the newspapers have shown) and some never even make it to the racing track in the first place because they weren’t fast enough or didn’t want to run. These ‘disappearing’ Greyhounds may end up dead long before their potential natural old age of 12 years or more.
Dogs Trust has worked tirelessly to improve the lot of racing Greyhounds, with special emphasis on their welfare once their racing days are over. Dogs Trust is part of the Greyhound Forum (our Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, is the Chairman) – a group made up of several animal charities and the racing industry (the National Greyhound Racing Club and the British Greyhound Racing Board). Working together with the racing industry achieves so much more than fighting against them, and, during the 12 years of the Greyhound Forum, we have achieved many improvements, including:
• Reviews and better enforcement of Rule 18 – which says that the NGRC Stewards shall hold the last registered owner responsible for the welfare of a Greyhound and also for making acceptable arrangements for his/her retired Greyhound.
• The introduction of the Greyhound Charter and Code of Practice. The 16-point plan and the accompanying guide to best practice aims to assist the industry in getting its house in order: to help ensure the Greyhound’s welfare from birth, through rearing, training, racing and into retirement.
These two points are just two of a long list of improvements, and we thank the NGRC for that. However, Dogs Trust would like to see compulsory regulation of all Greyhound tracks with better welfare provisions for all racing dogs. We hope that if the Animal Welfare Bill becomes law, this will happen as soon as possible.
So, here’s my question to you: should Greyhound racing be banned, or should it continue but with better regulations?
Please email me at poppy@dogstrust.org.uk and let me know! Please remember that your comments may be subject to some editing by my colleagues in the Communications Department
Until next time, when I'll be barking on about another hot hound topic,
Best woofishes,
Poppy, Office dog
Poppy says: Why not rehome a Greyhound? They make great pets because:
• They are lazy couch potatoes and are as happy with a couple of 20-minute walks and a run as with a nice, long hike. Whatever speed or as far as you like!
• They are gentle and loving – usually good with children and many can live happily with cats.
• They don’t take up as much room as you think and won’t eat you out of house and home.
• They don’t moult very much and many allergy sufferers can tolerate them.
• They usually walk nicely on the lead and do not pull.
• Because there are so many available for adoption, there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you!
What a great response! Thank you to all of you who sent comments on this subject. There were too many to post them all, but please do send me your comments on another subject here at Poppy's opinions.
Here are your comments:
My partner and I have owned 5 greyhounds, our first coming from your Shoreham branch when she was 14 weeks old, but now own three rescue greyhounds one of whom was bred in Ireland and was sent to Spain from where we rescused her...she was appallingly treated and has needed all the love we could give her to get her back on her feet...She and the others are the most loving dogs we have ever owned and feel that better regulatory action has to be enforced in order to protect these wonderful and defenceless creatures. Only when this happens can greyhounds be safe from the often cruel and thoughtless actions of those who profess to 'love'greyhounds for the sport that they provide.
Of course we would prefer a total ban on racing but, and there is a big but, the force of the industry will fight any decision to ban racing and what will happen to the dogs already in the system...there a enough dogs who at present are treated abominably at the end of their racing/training days...goodness knows what the impact will be if a ban is to come in.
We support all actiion taken by all Greyhound groups to enforce new and meaningful regulations which can be policed and action taken against those who ignore the laws.
Good luck in all that you are doing for the benefit of the Greyhound and the other dogs that come into your care
Barry Smith & William Key
I really think that greyhound racing needs to be banned if we are to stamp out the cruelty involved. Any regulation would have to be 'policed' - who would do the policing and who would fund it? People who are cruel to animals will not change.
Margaret
After reading about the disgusting treatment of many greyhounds if they are not making their owners money; owning a rescued Irish racer for several years, who was full of scars and a bag of nerves; I really do not condone the use of animals to entertain humans, especially when they can be so lucrative. I`m including horse racing and all animal related sports in this matter. Regards, Jo.
Hi Poppy. My wife and I read your article in the Wag Magazine concerning Greyhound Racing. We both believe Greyhound Racing should continue but with better regulations. Regards, Ian Gallagher.
Hello Poppy
We adopted a greyhound earlier on this year from Northamptonshire Greyhound Rescue. We have always had adopted dogs, but of a terrier type, so this was a new venture for us. After initial nervousness she has settled well and is the most affectionate, loving and gentle dog we have ever known. She even managed obedience classes, even though at first she was rather overwhelmed by the number of different dogs and strange people. By the end she was really enjoying going, and simply loves to please.
As far as greyhound racing goes, that is what they are bred for, and there is no way you will actually stop it. If greyhound racing was banned perhaps the breed would also cease to exist in time. Any blanket ban would only cause the racing to go underground as it has already to some extent with illegal coursing and so forth. Also it would carry on abroad regardless of what happened in this country.
I think that the answer lies prior to the actual greyhound trainers and tracks themselves - it lies with the breeders. If the breeding of greyhounds was more strictly regulated then there would be fewer dogs who never make it to the course, less chance of interbreeding causing genetic deformities and a better controlled regulation of these dogs if all puppies had to be tattooed and registered at birth. This way perhaps fewer will "slip through the net".
Sadly you will never actually stop those unscrupulous people who cut off their ears to disguise the identity of the dog, or have them shot for pennies, but it might go some way towards helping.
Regards, Fiona Anderson (and Katie)
Hi there.
Firstly, I was the proud owner of a re-homed Ex-racing Greyhound. I would have no hesitation in recommending a retired Greyhound as a pet as they make fantastic 'couch potatoes'! And are very loyal, and still have the same welcome for you when you come home each day, or get up in the morning.
With regards to your question - Should Greyhound racing be banned, I think if the dogs enjoy it and are well looked after, I think it should be allowed to continue, but with better regulations such that when the dogs retire, they are looked after properly.
Kind regards, Tara-Jayne Field
Hi,
In answer to your question, i say No at this time, although i could change my mind when the Animal Welfare bill becomes law. There are far to many greyhounds bred. I think there are more than 10,000 as your article states. Approx 25,000 are bred in Ireland, of which approx 60% come to Britain plus those bred here. Breeding should be controlled and the NGRC could do that by approving a sire and dam for mating, and only those approved can be registered for racing. Many greyhounds are bred indiscriminately with little thought about the sire and dam,and if they make a suitable match.
Regards, R.Madsen
Dear Poppy
My Uncle, who raced Greyhounds, never mistreated his dogs and thoroughly enjoyed his time with the dogs on and off the race track. He ended up with 11 Greyhounds because when they retired he couldn't bear to part with them.
It seems to me that a handful of people are putting a harmless and enjoyable sport (for the people and the dogs) under threat. These people give racers a bad name. I do not think greyhound racing should be made illegal for one main reason. It will continue to happen, only with no control or legislation in place. The scenario of that happening doesn't bear thinking about.
A more stringent approach is needed to ensure 'responsible racing'. The dogs enjoy racing, so let them race. The people enjoy seeing the dogs race, let them see it. We just need to ensure it isn't to the detriment of this amazing breed. The only thing the Greyhound is guilty of is being too dam nice.
Kindest Regards, Rebecca Vaughan, Full time mom & dog lover
Hi Poppy,
My name is Sprocket, like you I am a Lurcher so therefore have part greyhound in me, I love running around at top speed through the fields near where I live. After my owner Susi read me the piece about greyhound racing I urged her to email you for me.
I don’t think Greyhound racing is a worthwhile sport, I know the dogs may enjoy doing what comes naturally to them but to be bred just for this is wrong. It’s like saying humans are only bred for running or sitting in front of the tv. Surely not all the dogs enjoy it and as you say the conditions can sometimes be appalling.
So therefore I think Greyhound racing should be banned and that Greyhound lovers should breed them purely for their breed, loving, not much exercise needed, cheap to feed, and they are the most wonderful dogs with cats and children alike and I’m sure my owner would agree..
Lots of Woof’s, Sprocket
Hiya, i think greyhound racing should be banned. As long as they are bred for racing, there is always going to be a problem with overbreeding and not finding enough homes for these beautiful dogs. I have a retired greyhound who is only 3. At least her owner was decent enough to surender her to the greyhound awarenes league for rehoming.
Jennifer Mckay
Dear Poppy,
I have just read your article regarding greyhound racing, and whether it should be banned. You are correct in pointing out the very good reasons for giving a dog a home, but please don't go down the road of making out that all racing owners are evil, and that the sport should be banned. Those of us in the sport; I have a 3 year old, a puppy, and an 8 year old who has been my best mate since the day he was born, do realise there is a huge problem with over breeding which eventually leads to a the problem at the end of the racing cycle. And we are doing what we can to address the situation, and are horrified about the number of healthy dogs that are being destroyed. We are trying to find a way of helping our sport,as you could see if you check out the greyhound forums like greyhoundscene, and know that any bad publicity is just more ammunition for the antis. The majority of greyhound owners love their hounds and would like to see harsh sentences for anybody who harms them. Turning dog owners against each other does nobody any good.
Please keep doing all the good things at Dogs Trust, and support the work of the Retired Greyhound Trust whenever you can.
Many thanks, John, Dicksy, TJ, and Beauty.
In an ideal world I'd love greyhound racing to be banned but as that is highly unlikely, then better regulation by an OUTSIDE BODY is a MUST. Bronwen Gradwell
I have just read your article with great interest, being a rescue greyhound owner myself . I feel that no, racing should not be banned and this would seem impossible odds to even begin to try, but I do feel that the breeding of greys should be monitored, how or who by I am not sure but it seems to me that it is imperative that this is addressed at the root of the problem.
As you have said in your article 10,000 are born each year for the sake of making someone a bit of money, will it be a winner!, can it make me loads of dosh! and if the dogs does this to be rejected at the first fail of this winning goal. I know that there are genuine trainers out there who do care, but there is a lot who just want to make a quick buck and then no longer care what happens to the dog once " its off their hands".
The breeding must be regulated to stop the horrendous waste and shortened life of these majestic dogs of kings being eradicated. Mrs Nora Thomson
I think greyhound racing should be banned because cruelty still hasn't been stamped out despite a 12 year old campaign! Compulsory regulation of ALL greyhound tracks could take another 12 years. Too little too late. I have seen with my own eyes the cruelty inflicted on these gorgeous, gentle creatures by greedy, callous owners who shouldn't be allowed to own a dog let alone race one. And to be honest I think the racing industry turn a blind eye, after all, why don't they simply close down unregulated tracks? I for one have never, and will never go to a greyhound meet and would urge others not to go either.
Bryony Darley
Dear Poppy
I am appalled to read recently in the papers about the thousands of greyhounds which may be destroyed each year. I strongly object to humans using animals this way purely for their own pleasure. I am sure many, British people are totally unaware of what "goes on." For instance, I have several educated colleagues and friends who have gone greyhound racing for a fun night out, who I am certain would not have supported this sport had they known.
I am not sure if the sport should be banned as this may result in illegal meets. In addition, as you say these dogs do love to race. However, I do strongly believe there should be a LOT more awareness, a LOT more controls, and perhaps huge licensing fees and severe penalties if retired dogs are not properly rehomed.
Judy O'Brien, Wilmslow
Yes, I do think that greyhound racing should be banned.
Whilst it is good to see that the NGRC have taken and are taking steps to improve the welfare of both running and retired greyhounds, I do not feel that this goes far enough.
There are still too many injury risks associated with greyhound racing; far too many are bred, often by irresponsible breeders just out to make money with no thought for the welfare of the dogs, or what will happen to them at the end of their "career"; and then when they have worked hard for their (often numerous) owners, so many of these beautiful creatures are either re-homed to unsuitable places, cruelly worked again, or killed - often in inhumane ways.
I realise that realistically, it will probably not be possible to have this banned, but please at least, continue to press for far better control and harsher penalties for those not complying with regulations.
Breeders should be reduced in number, properly licensed and monitored. Owners and trainers likewise, and proper retirement facilities set up and paid for by those participating in greyhound racing - i.e. punters, dog owners, track owners, and breeders.
Thank you. Philip Ashman
I own a retired greyhound, named Bobby, and he is now 7 years old. He is a rescue greyhound from a rehoming scheme, near where I live. Greyhounds do make great pets and I love every minute I spend with mine! It's shame that so many people do not know about how fantastic they are as pets. I have tried my best in educating many people about the breed! As a result of owning a greyhound and reading about greyhound racing, I do think that Greyhound racing should be banned.
Regards, Lisa Allen
Greyhounds are just another creature exploited by mans greed. YES it should be banned.
What sort of a person could dispose of a beautiful loyal creature when they are no longer physically able to fund their blood money. If it were to be banned it would reduce such terrible suffering to these wonderful animals, it would also stop puppy markets!!
Hello my name is Cara Gresly, and i am speaking on behalf of both my mum and me. We don't think it should be banned completely because it's in a greyhounds blood to run, but we do think that they should change the regulations so that every healthy greyhound can be given in to an animal rehoming centre like Dogs Trust, or just kept as a pet (whether they keep it or give it to someone else). Thank you for reading our point of view.
Dear Poppy. I read your WAG article on Greyhound Racing with great interest as I’ve adopted two beautiful boy Greyhounds who were unwanted by their previous owners in the dog racing industry. Bob was a six-year-old retired racer when he came to live with me; and two-year-old Billy was a racing reject. Obviously Bob and Billy were two of ‘the lucky ones’ as they were both handed over to Greyhound rescue organisations for re-homing. Their fate could have been far worse ... they might well have been amongst the thousands of Greyhounds which simply ‘disappear’ when their profit-making potential ends.
But despite this apparent ‘stroke of luck’ both boys left the racing industry in very poor physical condition. Billy, in particular, was initially so underweight that the vet was unable to safely anaesthetise him for his castration operation. Furthermore, he had been malnourished to such an extent that his poor sparse, dry coat literally fell out in clumps at the slightest touch. Bob arrived with a heavy infestation of worms and ear-mites. His white fur still hasn’t grown over the massive scar on the bridge of his nose which was caused by repeated and prolonged friction from a wire racing muzzle. But Bob and Billy’s health issues are in no way unique … almost everyone who has adopted a Greyhound from a racing background will have had to address their canine companions’ physical or psychological problems - and many will have been a lot more serious in nature than those endured by my two boys.
So why should this be the case? There is already a law on the statute books which forbids owners from causing uneccessary suffering to animals. Clearly this law isn't being applied to those involved in the Greyhound racing industry. So why should any of us who are concerned about the fate of Greyhounds assume that the forthcoming (and much hyped) Animal Welfare Bill will make any difference at all to the well-being of dogs that have been bred purely as disposable commodities for the ‘sport’ of gambling?
Furthermore, let us consider this … What sort of individual requires legislation to be passed before they will ensure that animals in their care are treated humanely? The NGRC must be a very malevolent bunch of people indeed if they are only willing to consider Greyhound welfare because they are now being oblidged to do so by: a) recent adverse publicity; b) pressure from organisations such as Dogs Trust; and c) the passing of a new Law!
So my answer to your question: “Should Greyhound racing be banned or should it continue but with better regulations?” is that it should be banned!
(I'll look forward to reading other peoples' opinions on the subject!). Best wishes, Paula Ziane
Hi Poppy,
I read your article on the last "Wag" and I think Greyhound racing should definitely be banned. How can you be sure the regulations, even if there are some new and better ones, will be observed by all Greyhound owners? If lots of dogs are "vanishing" every year it's because it can't be controlled.
Thanks for your article and I find the magazine useful and interesting!
Gabby, London
My opinion is that if it is to continue new regulations must be brought in and also any dog who runs has to have after racing care plan. If any of this isn't achieved then it should be banned.
Also recently I have noticed a advert on t v for greyhound racing night out. Why have they started this, people views have obviously changed and not going as much as they use to, or they may be encouraging the new generation of people. It all looks like good fun on the advert drinking and winning etc, but it doesn't show the pain of the dogs after wards when they no longer race. I think at least the adverts are banned until they at least get the regulations sorted out
Dear Poppy,
Some weeks ago there were reports in many of the national newspapers about a man who "performed the service" of killing greyhounds for £10 a time. It was alleged that he'd disposed of many thousands of dogs over several years. I was so sickened by the article that I wrote to one of the papers and, although my letter was published, it had been edited - much to my annoyance. A crucial comment that was deleted was my assertion that the main reason why so many fit, healthy, young dogs were being killed was directly due to the demand by the greyhound industry to breed them.
I find it totally abhorrent that any healthy animal should be put down, especially a wonderful animal like a greyhound, but even if the estimated 8,000 - 10,000 that are killed every year were to become available for adoption, how could the rehoming organisations possibly cope and find homes for them all, bearing in mind that there are so many lovely dogs already languishing in rescue centres.
The solution to the wholesale destruction of these beautiful dogs is to stop the demand for them in the first place, in other words to outlaw greyhound racing. Killing fit and healthy young dogs, just because they become "surplus to requirements", is simply too high a price to pay to allow greyhound racing to continue.
Regards. Roger Brenton
I've just received my latest magazine from you and would like to join in the debate about Greyhound Racing.
Surely there should be some law in the country to stop the killing of these wonderful dogs when they are no longer "entertainment" and money making machines for the majority of the trainers. I know several greyhounds and they are all so gentle and quiet dogs, these have been the lucky ones to have found homes. Please try and get a bill through parliament to stop this murder of such lovely dogs.
Woof, Malcom
I believe Greyhound racing should be banned. Whenever an industry requires the breeding and subsequent use of animals for entertainment, it sends out the message that animals have no intrinsic value i.e. individual animals are themselves worthless and their only value comes from the monetary value placed on them by their owner. The inevitable consequence of this is that no matter how frivolous the wishes of the owner may be and how important the needs of the animal may be, whenever these are in conflict the owner’s wishes will always prevail. Further, as the animal’s value declines due for example to injury, age or a loss of inclination to perform, then because the principle of no worth has been established it is a small step to feelings of no obligation as to how the dogs are discarded. As we know only too well for Greyhounds this means a most uncertain future if indeed a future at all. Because rules and regulations and even laws start by accepting the above principle that comes with ownership, they can never fully protect animals from abuse nor can they ensure basic needs are met. This is a concern for even companion animals - how much more of a concern must it be when large sums of money are at stake and gambling as an industry inevitably has links to serious crime?
Ban it! The only way to ensure that no dogs suffer is to ban this unnecessary "sport" - it could easily be replaced by "virtual" racing using computer generated dogs. Wherever there is money at stake there will ALWAYS be cruelty involved - no amount of legislation will prevent it. It's very cheap to breed dogs & very easy to dispose of unwanted ones - so many are already unaccounted for. It is appalling & shameful that in this country of "dog lovers" we condone this situation.
Val Rumsey
Hello Poppy
What an important dog you are! I read your article on greyhound racing and thought I would let you know my opinion.
I think it would be ok to continue with it as long as very strict controls are put in place to safeguard the wellbeing of both racing and retired dogs.
Keep up the good work. Pauline Fulton
Dear Poppy,
I am really pleased with what Dogs Trust have already acheived regarding greyhound racing. They do a great work with all their appeals and I find Wag very informative. I have always loved Greyhounds and have had concern for the welfare of retired greyhound racers. Even more so now, since being a sponsor to Brock at the Newbury Dogs trust centre. He is a retired racer. I have been deeply saddened and utterly distressed at news of retired racers being dumped, left for dead, or their owners even paying to have them shot as they are surplus to requirements. This is not love for their dog. It is utterly appalling. Only recently I saw an advert in a local shop advertising an ex greyhound racer needing a good home because their racing days were over. Yes the owners are disposing of their dog humanely by re homing him, but how distressing is that for the dog. The dog doesn't understand that he is no longer wanted or needed because their job is done. I appreciate that there are some genuine owners who look after their retired greyhound, but lets face it. Greyhound racing is a big business and its all about lining the pockets of the owners and all those involved. It is my opinion that greyhound racing should be banned all together. As you have said, greyhounds make lovely pets, so why not let them be just that.
Keep up the good work.
Dear Poppy,
Dogs (like all animals) should not be viewed as objects which you can make money out of, but as living being whom you should respect. It is not natural to breed dogs with specific characteristics in my mind, which greyhounds are. This believe that it is acceptable to bred such dogs only encourages the view that animals are here for people to use as they want to, be it for good or bad reasons e.g. greyhound racing.
Greyhound racing is a cruel sport which should be confined to the history books, many people say it to ban it will only lead to a mass slaughter of racing greyhounds in this country because their owners will not look after them. If this is the case I believe it shows that these people do not care about the dogs at all and that is better to have a final mass slaughter than the continual slaughter we have now of ex-racing greyhounds being destroyed after they leave the racing industry.
Stuart Tideswell
People can bet on anything, it doesn’t have to be greyhounds, and with casinos and on-line betting taking off, hopefully greyhound racing will die a natural death. I’m just a fat spaniel and I’d love to run like a greyhound, but I’m also glad I’m was born with long ears and not long legs!
Yours sincerely, Smudge
There are elements of greyhound racing now which are to say the least undesirable, banning racing will cause this element to flourish. I believe that the only way forward is to educate the general public and to continue the works that have already started involving government, greyhound racing bodies together with strong representation from both animal welfare and the specific greyhound welfare groups to ensure that the Greyhound Charter can grow into something near legislation. I also feel that the various greyhound welfare groups could try to merge together to be a stronger force.
The greyhound rescue groups do a sterling job but what about if they too were regularised and had some sort of official standing. I have the privilege of sharing my life with a rescued greyhound and can only re-iterate the positive things that are said in the article about what wonderful pets they can make. The newspaper coverage of the recent case where so many thousands of greyhounds had been shot did much to raise awareness of the plight of greyhounds and in an odd way has been positive - I've lost count of the number of people who have stopped me and referred to it. Please continue both the good work of the Dogs Trust and raising the profile of the wonderful greyhound!
Should greyhound racing be banned? NO !!
I thoroughly agree that it is far better to work with the racing industry than to fight against it. I despise cruelty to animals and there is no doubt that many racing greyhounds lead a sorry life, but surely it is a far more achieveable goal to negotiate better conditions for them than fight the losing battle of trying to ban it completely.
Keep up the good work! Hazel McNaught.
Our view is that GH racing and breeding should be regulated a great deal more and the welfare of the dogs closely monitored and tracked in some way. In the real world they are going to have to put some down, due to too many being bred and too few homes being available but this should be done humanely. People found to be starving them, throwing them on to motorways, left to die in shed, ears hacked off to get rid of the tattoos should be imprisoned and fined to put others off disposing of them in this manner.
There is nothing better than to see a GH in full flight but we can't do this at home or nearby, due to there being no secure land but you can see this at a race track and if properly cared for there should be no reason not to continue with them running, as with horse racing etc.
Many thanks, Heather Parkes
On the subject of greyhound racing, of course, every dog lover and, indeed, any right thinking person would be appalled at the shocking waste and destruction of so many of this beautiful breed when their racing days are over.
The facts are that there is too much breeding and too much racing for the re-homing agencies to cope with the vast numbers of dogs requiring a home. The racing authorities have consistently failed to enforce the rule that requires owners to take care of their dog when its racing days are over and have failed abysmally to protect the animal that provides them with their sport.
I do not think that greyhound racing should be banned but it certainly is time that the welfare issue is put into the hands of an independent body that puts the interest of the greyhound first. Like any other breed of dog the greyhound is entitled to live out its natural lifespan. I would add that if an independent body is set up then it should have at least equal, if not more power than the N.G.R.C. in the management of the sport.
From personal experience I would like to stress that there is more to the greyhound than chasing a mechanical hare around a race track. One of my retired racers has achieved the K.C. Good Citizen bronze, silver and gold awards. Also, I take two of mine visiting retirement homes as Pets as Therapy dogs. Throw in a bit of showing, fun and/or serious, and there are a lot of activities you can do with your pet greyhound. There are many good people in the racing industry but there are still a lot of people involved in racing who view the greyhound as merely a racing machine and a way of making money and they can’t all be winners.
Yours sincerely, Peter Chaplin
Dear Poppy
Myself and my family are totally against it. We think it should be completely banned as it is such an unfair, cruel and horrible 'sport'. If it cannot be totally banned we would like to see the whole greyhound racing industry very strictly regulated especially about what happens to these poor dogs once they are no longer used for racing.
It's brilliant that Dogs Trust is highlighting this and working towards helping these beautiful dogs.
Best wishes, Julia
There is no good enough reason for greyhound racing to continue. There is too much cruelty and abandonment of dogs that are no longer of use... The way forward is virtual racing! Kill the racing, not the dogs!
Sue Cole
Hello Poppy. Without a doubt greyhound racing should be banned. There may be some lucky dogs who find good homes after their short racing lives but for many thousands the end is unbearably sad. They end up abandoned, shot, ears chopped off and all kinds of other dreadful things happening to them. You only need to look at the Action For Greyhounds website to see for yourself. The fact that one of these beautiful, friendly dogs ends up like this is justification for banning this so called sport, but when you know that thousands suffer so terribly there can be no justification whatsoever for allowing it to continue.
Lots of Love to you and all the world's animals, Gill xxxx
Dear Poppy,
Thank you for bringing up the subject of the cruelty inherent in the greyhound industry. You have highlighted many of the issues at the core of the debate and although I disagree that working with the industry achieves more than working against them, I am glad to see that the Dogs Trust, a very useful charity for which I, like many people, have the greatest respect, is taking such an interest.
I feel strongly that greyhound racing should be banned. Unfortunately, no amount of regulation or welfare laws will put a stop to greedy individuals abandoning dogs, sending them to Spain to be tortured (from where the last registered owner can never be prosecuted), cutting off ears to avoid prosecution, etc. Of course, some owners genuinely love their dogs, but in my experience, even the so-called "dog-lovers" among them keep other breeds in the house as pets, while the unfortunate greys are treated as second-class citizens and used merely as a means of gaining status and wealth.
Banning it altogether is the only way to end the misery of tese gentle and beautiful dogs, who deserve to be treated just as well as poodles, King Charles Terriers and Yorkies.
Yours sincerely, Catherine Keating (Ireland)
Dear Poppy,
To me the situation is quite simple. In any industry, there will inevitably be pressure to make as much money as possible. In our capitalist society, that’s largely what an industry exists for. If that industry involves making money out of animals, the pressure for profit is bound to mean that as little money as possible is spent on looking after the animals.
To some, this may seem acceptable if the industry is seen as essential, and where the animals are not regarded as highly intelligent. Neither of these things are true of the greyhound racing industry, and I can see no way it could possibly be regulated which would completely cut out cruelty, neglect, and needless death.
The greyhound racing industry should have been banned a long time ago. Robert Barnes, Ascot, Berks.
I'm from the Us of A first of all, my dear pup..I've got two lovely hounds sitting on my couch as I write this. I work with a promotion group who supports the placing of hounds here in the states...mostly in AZ. There are bad tracks, bad trainers and bad owners...I am not against racing..but I think that there should be a no tolerance law with them. These dogs have raced for hundreds of years and they will always. The tracks are ran by humans and we humans aren't perfect, but we can stand up and let others know that we won't stand for these wonderful animals to be harmed...we can hold them accountable.
I think that I've said my piece and thanks for your time. Kara Wright
Dear Poppy,
It's not so much racing that is wrong, as the treatment of dogs as an industrial commodity (and disposing of them accordingly). In Sweden, racing is not illegal, but betting on dog-racing is. Therefore greyhound racing is only carried out by those who genuinely enjoy seeing their dogs race, without financial gain, and it is therefore a sport, rather than an industry. People in this country have Afghan races and Boxer races for fun, and I think greyhound racing on that basis is fine. Perhaps we should be looking for a ban on betting, not racing.
Best regards, Helene Nowell
As a veterinary surgeon, for the better part of 25 years in animal welfare, I would say that the sheer volume of greyhounds discarded by the racing industry will always overwhelm the number of households able to provide them with loving care.
By allowing the racing industry to purpose-breed such large numbers, no amount of legislation will provide a humane solution to what is as much a cultural problem (compulsive betting) as it is a welfare one.
I would therefore like to see a ban on greyhound racing. Your sincerely, Andre Menache MRCVS, Scientific Consultant to Animal Aid
I would also like to comment on a couple of the statements made:
You say 10,000 dogs are bred for racing each year. The NGRC website (
http://www.ngrc.org.uk/default.asp?articletype=Fact%20Sheets) says that it licences 11,000 dogs a year for it's 31 tracks. There are an additional 18 unlicensed tracks in the UK, which on a pro rata basis would mean at least 16,000 dogs a year are entered into racing; one would imagine that a similar number should retire each year. Then there are those like our Monty who never make it to the tracks due to injury or unwillingness to chase. I would suggest the number bred is at least 20,000, probably closer to 30,000 when dogs for Irish and Spanish tracks are included.
You say greyhounds like to race. I disagree. Yes they like to run (but not as often or as far as many might think), but to race? That is just "humans" forcing a dog into a particular form of behaviour for financial gain.
I hope you publish these comments on your site, and thank you for a) giving people the opportunity to comment and b) taking the time to read them.
Best regards, Chris Yates
Ban it? Would like to but would be totally unrealistic bearing in mind that the only motive is money and not sport!
Better control? Of course, but how realistic is THAT either?
Can you honestly believe that every greyhound would be closely monitored from the day of birth, right through its racing/breeding career and then on into happy retirement? Somehow I don't think so.
However, we have to live in the real world and whatever can be achieved in the second option has to be welcomed, provided nobody is complacent and that improvements and ever tighter controls are brought in, implemented and properly monitored as time progresses.
The other point is that any breaches HAVE to be dealt with seriously and penalties have to be severe (ie hit the pocket or involve a ban of keeping/racing). Penalties HAVE to be a deterrent.
Thank you, Mary Knott, Cats in Crisis, Margate
Hi Poppy,
I'm a lurcher too, but I live with a 'proper' greyhound (which makes him think he's superior!) who was adopted by Mum & Dad nearly 6 years ago, with his litter brother who sadly died a couple of years ago. Which is when they adopted me, foolishly thinking that I'd be company for him, but as you probably know, greyhounds can have a few airs and graces (something about being the "dogs of kings" or something) and don't want to play ball or rag toys or steal food or do any of the fun things that 6 month old lurcher puppies want to do, and even now I'm two and a half, we just about rub along.
Anyway, from what he's told me, being in racing kennels wasn't a lot of fun. They were only two when they were adopted but their previous owner was going to have them shot because they were no good for racing. He already had a few bumps and bruises from the track and you can't blame him for not wanting to chase a bit of flag. Now, I've seen him chase rabbits and that's a whole different ball game!
At first they was terrified of the house and wouldn't go inside but after a few visits, gaining confidence with each one, they all agreed to try it overnight. Needless to say, they never went back to the Sanctuary! They even managed to live happily with the two tiny but incredibly fierce furry things called cats. I tried to chase them myself a few times, but they got rather savage and chased me out of the house and around the garden - Mum had to rescue me so it's 'live and let live' now.
Anyway, the point is - should greyhound racing be banned or better regulated? Well, all the time there are race tracks and kennels, breeders will keep breeding more dogs and not all of them (in fact the majority of them) won't make it at all or won't be able to race beyond the age of 4/5 years due to injury etc. The design of tracks in this country make injury inevitable leading to long-term health problems or in the worst cases dogs being destroyed. The track owners are unwilling to invest more money in lengthening the bends (less tight bends means less strain on hips and less damage to dogs) because there is always a steady stream of dogs to make money for their owners.
Of course, greyhounds love to race but even a better regulated industry would not reduce the numbers coming off the track looking for homes or being shot or destroyed as per the recent expose in the press. How could we limit the numbers being bred (or imported/exported) for the track? and how could it be policed? I don't think it is possible to do this effectively.
Wouldn't it be nice if you humans just bred greyhounds because they are beautiful, sweet natured, loving and loyal dogs who thrill you with their amazing physical ability? I'm half Saluki and no-one ever tried to make my Mum race around a track!
Keep up the good work Poppy,
Best wishes, Tara
Hello
I am interested in the welfare of greyhounds and have part-owned 2 racers, both now retired, I have one 'Chas' and another of the joint owners has the other one 'Rio'. I don't think greyhound racing should be banned and realistically its not going to be and if it was this in itself would obviously create a massive amount of homeless dogs in the short term. Changes for the better on the welfare side have happened since we got our first dog 3 years ago, but a lot more changes are needed. Interestingly a very recent development, a charter produced by the 'Greyhounds Voice' committee does address the issues very well and comes up with sensible solutions, being as these are people who know what they are talking about. The Animal Welfare Bill is good, but not specific enough on some aspects. New codes of practice that are adopted do need to be enforceable and the NGRC and BGRB cannot be trusted to do this, although their actions on welfare have improved. In terms of enforcing Rule 18 the NGRC were pretty inefficient regarding both our dogs. It is the owners who need shaking up and people coming into the sport, as potential owners should be warned that euthanasia is not acceptable. If this means less racing and a few less tracks then so be it.
Cheers. Mark
ps. Greyhounds are brilliant pets
I think that if you banned official greyhound racing it would just go underground and the dogs would suffer even more. I think that it should be regulated by an independant body not connected to the racing industry, there should be strict traceability of dogs - they can trace cattle and other farm animals so why not greyhounds. There should be severe penalties for anyone not following the rules - if fox hunting can be a criminal offence why can abuse of greyhounds not be one too?
The Irish government should also be encouraged to address the over breeding of greyhounds that they support and the consequent welfare issues - it's about time someone took resposibilty for this appalling situation.
Julie Sadler
With reference to your item in the Autumn edition of 'Wag'. I would prefer if Greyhound racing were banned, but I realise that, realistically, that isn't likely to happen. However, there should definitely be tighter control of Greyhound breeding, and a strict system in place to monitor what happens to greyhounds when they are no longer wanted. Many are re-homed as pets, but many just 'disappear'. What happens to them? Unfortunately, Greuhounds and many other animals are treated as a commodity, instead of as sentient beings. If we can't stop them being 'used' in this way, at least we can stop them being abused.
Keep up the good work.
B.Bell
Hello Poppy
In response to your question - should greyhound racing be banned or better regulated - I think I have to lean towards the sport being better regulated rather than being banned. I am owned by two rescued ex-racers (we did have three but sadly one passed away recently) & I cannot think of another breed of dog that I would want to share my life with.
Although I do not know an awful lot about the greyhound racing industry the fact is that these dogs are bred purely for the purpose of racing and whilst nobody can say whether the dogs really enjoy racing or not - that life is all the dogs know until (the lucky few) find homes with people like us who want to give them their "forever" homes where their day consists of eating, have a nice walk & sleeping on a comfy sofa!!
My concerns are that by banning racing, 1, the "sport" will go underground and many unregulated races will take place without track-side vets in attendence etc and, 2, "just anybody" will be able to breed greyhounds which would result in the loss of the pure breed and also result in more unwanted puppies.
The Government needs to enforce better regulation on the racing industry, mainly to make owners & trainers take more responsibility for the welfare of dogs that never make the grade or have come to the end of their careers.
Jo, Cornwall
Although I do not have a greyhound, I am a member of SOL, where I read all about the awful things that happen to these poor dogs here and abroad, so YES greyhound racing should be banned, and nutil such time this happens there should be much better scrutiny of this awful pastime.
G Duffy
