Standing Against Greyhound Racing
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What is greyhound racing?
Greyhound racing is a competitive ‘sport’ in which greyhounds race around an oval track in pursuit of a mechanical hare.
Why should greyhound racing should be banned?
Greyhound racing is cruel from the cradle to the grave, with dogs disappearing before they even get to the race track, and often being euthanised instead of rehomed once they’re not required anymore.
And when they are racing, running around the oval tracks at great speeds puts huge strain on greyhounds’ bodies so deaths and injuries are inevitable.
This is why we believe that greyhound racing should be banned and the greyhounds found good homes with kind people.
What do greyhounds usually die of?
The industries body the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) tells us how many dogs die each year but it doesn’t tell us the dogs that don’t make it to the track or any deaths at tracks not governed by the GBGB.
How long do greyhounds live?
Up to 15 years according to the Greyhound Trust. Greyhounds usually retire from racing at 3 to 5 years old.
Why is greyhound racing bad?
Greyhounds race around an oval track at high speeds which is dangerous. This was discussed in a report by Professor Andrew Knight.
There are concerns about poor welfare in the industry where greyhounds live in unhygienic, dirty damp kennels with poor lighting.
There are so many greyhounds retired from racing it is hard to rehome them all and many may be euthanised.
Is greyhound racing cruel?
Yes, greyhounds are dying trackside from injuries sustained in the races.
Is greyhound racing legal?
Yes, but we are calling for a ban. The sport has been banned in some other countries.
Is greyhound racing banned in the UK?
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has announced that Wales is set to lead the way as the first UK nation to move towards a ban on greyhound racing.
It is still legal in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Is greyhound racing still popular in UK?
Greyhound racing has dwindling audiences, but the gambling industry has strong links and many races are run behind closed doors to drive up their profits.
Why do people protest greyhound racing?
Because it is cruel and greyhounds are dying and getting injured.
Why do greyhounds stop racing?
Once they get older they slow down and can no longer races successfully. Sadly many die or get injured before the end of their careers.
Greyhound death and injury figures
Every year, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) must provide death and injury figures for racing greyhounds by law.
These figures, which go back to 2017, show a huge number of deaths and injuries every year.
109 greyhounds died
as a result of racing on greyhound tracks in 2023
Animals are dying for entertainment, the profits of which go to the gambling industry
4,238 injuries were sustained by greyhounds
while racing during 2023
A world of pain and suffering just for profit
55 greyhounds were put to sleep last year
as they weren’t found a home to go to, or were described as unsuitable for rehoming once the industry no longer had use for them
A callous disregard for the lives of greyhounds
1,234 greyhounds have died racing on greyhound tracks
since 2017
The death toll is unacceptable - greyhound racing should be banned
A report into greyhound racing conducted by Professor Andrew Knight and published by greyhound campaigners Greyt Exploitations, established in 2018 the dangers of racing at great speed around oval tracks.
Accidents or pile-ups at or approaching the first bend are notorious, and the report quotes from another source that congestion here accounts for many fatalities.
The report also highlights significant welfare concerns around the kennelling and standards of care applied to racing greyhounds.
Support our campaign to ban greyhound racing by taking action today.