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Is Greyhound Racing Cruel ? BLOG

8/1/2019

24 Comments

 
Picture
Bubbly Tottie, shown winning the Derby final in 2008. Please click the picture to read the full story.

Is Greyhound Racing Cruel   
 
Is Greyhound Racing Cruel?


Failures in Greyhound Racing
​

A. Failure to employ an independent governing body 
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is often challenged about a lack of transparency and failure to enforce/strengthen their regulations. During December 2016 the Greyhound Board of Great Britain offices in New Bridge Street, London were raided by the City of London Police, this was due to allegations of fraud and bribery. The investigation has ceased but nobody seems to be able to tell us any further detail.
B. Injury and death data is not independently audited.
C. Lack of transparency with record-keeping of track incidents. i.e Injured dogs may be euthanised at an independent vet practice, which could prevent the figures for euthanasia being logged on track records. 
D. UKAS is the complaints body that covers any concerns at GBGB licensed greyhound tracks, but there is no complaints body for concerns that are recorded outside of the greyhound race track, other than the industry's own regulators, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, who have a conflict of interest.
E. Introducing young children to a gambling and often a ‘social drug’ using environment where they may witness animals being injured. The impact of gambling on families and society are also a concern.
The below list states all the greyhound welfare issues that exist today due to greyhound racing.
An average of 16,000 greyhounds are bred each year in Ireland, primarily to supply the British greyhound racing industry with enough dogs for live-streaming purposes. 6,250 on average exported to Great Britain each year, and 6000 destroyed in Ireland, with an additional average of 1,000 destroyed in Great Britain each year.
1. Intentional over-breeding of greyhounds leads to hoarding of dogs, euthanasia, and rescue centres struggling to cope both financially and to re-home the dogs
2. Lack of traceability of dogs when no longer registered to race, or those who don't make the grade.
3. There is no legislation to prevent a greyhound being killed solely on economic grounds
4. The Captive bolt gun - It is fully legal for any untrained and unlicensed person to attempt to destroy a greyhound by use of the captive bolt gun, when the dog is no longer commercially viable. The Captive bolt gun has a massive capacity for misuse, it can cause extreme and prolonged agony for a dog, as it may NOT always render them dead. In 2010 the Royal College of Veterinary surgeons announced that the use of captive bolt guns on dogs was inappropriate.
5. There is no known legislation to prevent a greyhound trainer/owner killing their own dog, rather than euthanasia by a qualified vet
6. Poor construction of greyhound tracks, leading to an increased risk of fatalities, i.e poor surfaces, lack of maintenance.
7. No protection of greyhounds from cradle to grave leaving them open to serious neglect and abuse while registered to race and after they finish racing.
8. Over breeding of Greyhounds - Due to the over-breeding of greyhounds, surplus greyhounds no longer used to race are often found living in squalor in sheds on allotments, in condemned buildings within desolate areas and also hoarded on greyhound trainer premises with almost no human contact (Apart from feeding times)
On visits to some premises, we have found dogs exposed to dangerous surroundings, including barbed wire, toxic waste, and no light. On occasion, we have been told by RSPCA that these conditions are acceptable under the AWA 2006 
We have found that most hoarded Greyhounds are often deprived of the very basics. No clean water - No clean living areas - Inadequate diet - No proper ventilation - No Light - No stimulation
9. BAGS races (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) - BAGS Greyhound trainers are under constant pressure to provide a steady flow of dogs for racing, otherwise they could jeopardise their BAGS contract. This means, if one of their dogs has minor injuries, it may be raced repeatedly until he/she eventually goes lame, rather than opting to rest or re home the dog. Greyhound trainers/owners will sometimes wait until their dog goes lame, before  replacing them with another, as this is more cost effective for them, especially with the price of dogs rising.
10. Exports of greyhounds for commercial purposes to countries that have little or no up to date animal welfare laws, including Pakistan and China.
11. Breach of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order (WATO)  - We have witnessed multiple greyhounds being transported in vehicles that breach this order, i.e Greyhounds inside unsecured shoddy crates stacked above one another - No ventilation - No light - No air conditioning. Long journey times without stops to allow dogs to toilet.
12. Inadequate vet checks prior a race (Insufficient amount of time to properly examine a dog)
Due to the very brief vet check of each dog prior a race, (approximately 30seconds at some tracks), it is impossible to pick up on injuries that are not immediately obvious. 
13. Greyhounds used for racing often land up abandoned in emaciated states, this is sadly increasing - Periodontal and periodontal disease is quite common in greyhounds, and can lead to disease of the internal organs if not treated, this can be caused by poor diet. Greyhounds are often found abandoned, some are found in emaciated conditions.  It is also not unusual for dogs to have flea, mite and/or worm infestations and untreated or inappropriately treated injuries when taken into rescue.
14. Greyhounds are often found abandoned - Many Greyhounds end up in stray pounds. Greyhounds bred for racing are tattooed and Microchipped. Tattoos are found in the Right ear of an English Greyhound and in both ears of an Irish greyhound. These tattoos are intended to identify the original greyhound owner to prevent abandonment of dogs. Unfortunately, in cases of abandonment/ abuse trainers/owners can claim that they passed the dog onto a new owner, relieving them of any responsibility. In some cases, dogs ears have been burnt, or cut off to prevent the tattooes being identified. Microchips are very often not adequately registered to the responsible owners deeming them useless. 
When the GBGB is asked for ownership details of abused/abandoned dogs via microchip details provided to them, they are within their rights to quote the data protection act preventing us from obtaining any ownership details.
We believe the funds that are spent on Greyhound Welfare are minimal and should prioritise over  lavish carpets and new bars, that are found in some greyhound stadiums. 
What could be done to improve greyhound welfare standards at the greyhound tracks
a) The welfare of the dogs could be partially improved if the ability to gamble on them was removed. This would dramatically reduce the over breeding of greyhounds and alleviate some pressure from the greyhound rescue organisations,( at present it is impossible to re home the vast amount of dogs bred by the racing industry each year) 
But, unfortunately, this would be an unrealistic request to make as greyhound racing is financially dependent on the gambling establishments, due to the live streaming of Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service. Greyhound racing is live-streamed throughout many countries across the world, for gambling purposes and depends on a high flow of dogs for racing. Each dog that enters a BAGS race brings income from the gambling industry, regardless of whether they win a race or not.
b) Straight racing would be an option to reduce injuries and fatalities. Greyhound tracks are of a highly dangerous configuration. Tracks are oval and have bends that are lethal for the dogs. 
Once again this would be an unrealistic request as the dangerous bends make the races more unpredictable and exciting for the punters.
Falls usually happen on the bends, the first being the most common and lethal.  When the dogs are released from the traps, they will release adrenaline and accelerate in speed, sometimes crowding and knocking into one another, usually at the first bend. Dogs can suffer injuries from broken toes, to broken backs while racing on an oval track. There will always be horrific fatalities.
Crucially, there will never be enough homes for all the greyhounds who are used for racing. Bearing in mind those who are killed before retirement If good homes could be found for all of these young dogs as well as those leaving the industry, that would be a huge improvement but this is not a viable option given the current need for over-breeding of greyhounds in the search for 'winners' 
​

Abolishment of greyhound racing is the only viable way to end greyhound cruelty

Approximately 80% of UK greyhounds are bred in Ireland, therefore the Irish greyhound breeding industry are primarily dependent on the success of UK greyhound racing.
The greyhound racing industry has been established for over 91 years in the UK and in that time it has failed to prove that it takes the welfare of the dogs, from cradle to grave seriously and eradicate any problems.
There will never be enough homes to re- home the vast amount of greyhounds bred for greyhound racing.
Doping of dogs and disciplinaries 
It is important to recognise that greyhounds have a unique physiology and can be particularly hypersensitive to chemicals. 
Analysis of the GBGB disciplinary records show that opiates are frequently detected in urine samples taken at greyhound racing venues.
Example: Cocaine (also known as Benzoylecgonine) poisoning in dogs can cause many symptoms including;
Hyperactivity (and associated behaviours such as stereotypies)
Increased heart rate
Increased metabolism
Increased body temperature
Acute tremors
Increased respiration
Aggression (Not documented in greyhounds, but other breeds)
Vocalisation
Skin sensitivity
Serious side effects;  Seizures, stroke, heart attack and death.
There are numerous other drugs known to be administered to greyhounds (for purposes of race fixing and/or masking pain from injuries so that the dogs will still perform), that are extremely harmful and can lead to fatalities in greyhounds.
Here are just a few of many examples from recent hearings where breaches of rules and punishments meted out by the GBGB seem wholly inadequate: 
Pentobarbital. Penalty: caution, no fine.
Morphine, codeine and oripavine. Penalty: none.
Minoxidil. Penalty: a caution and £250 fine.
Glaucine. Penalty: none.
Cetirizine. Penalty: caution and £250 fine.
Dihydrocodeine. Penalty: none.
It is well documented that poppy seeds can deliver a ‘False’ positive result for opiates, and this has been frequently used as an excuse by greyhound trainers. The feeding of ABP1 and ABP2 meat which is high risk for contaminants, is also regularly blamed for positive drug test results, and has resulted in disciplinary advice being given against its use, additionally greyhound trainers have been advised that great care should be exercised when feeding dogs brown bread. (We believe that brown bread and ‘high risk’ meat is highly inadequate for a greyhound diet)
During many disciplinaries, the GBGB has advised that Greyhound trainers avoid the use of brown bread and contaminated meat in feed, but this advise seems to be ignored as greyhound trainers repeatedly continue to use these excuses when their dogs are tested positive for drugs.
While the greyhound racing industry remains self regulated, drug abuse in dogs will remain a serious problem. We understand that the decision to sample greyhounds at each track is normally down to an individual steward. 
The punishment issued to trainers cannot be considered a suitable deterrent.
​

Doping and the welfare of greyhounds

In many cases the drugs given to greyhounds to fix races or mask injuries are not licensed for use in canines, and even those that are licensed are usually only legally available via vet-prescription. Dangers can include seizure, heart attack, stroke, drowsiness, hallucinations, and death.
To give just a few examples, the dangers of specific drugs include:
Amphetamine – a Class B drug which in dogs can cause sedation, muscle tremors, seizures, increased heart rate, death.
Cocaine  - a Class A drug which has no veterinary application and affects dogs in the way it affects humans, by stimulating the brain. It can also have significant effects on other body systems including heart function. 
Cetirizine – can have a depressant effect on the nervous system.
Glaucine  - can cause weakness, sleepiness, hallucinations.
Minoxidil - has a stimulating and toxic effect on the heart
Morphine - can cause either sedation or excitement, constipation and other adverse effects. 
Pentobarbital - causes sedation, anaesthesia and death by cardiac arrest. If meat from an animal euthanized using pentobarbital is fed to dogs there is a realistic risk of adverse effects
Oripavine - highly toxic and can cause seizures
Why greyhounds may be given drugs
Predominantly, greyhound trainers give drugs to greyhounds to alter a dogs performance also known as race fixing or cheating.  Drugs may also be used to temporarily mask previous injuries which impair a dog’s performance at the track. 
Unregulated legal greyhound tracks
There are 4 Independent greyhound race tracks in the UK. These are Thornton, Scotland), Wheatley Hill and Askern in England and, The Valley, in Wales,  independent tracks do not have a regulatory body. Each track is licensed by the local authority in which they fall under, but there is no formal monitoring system and no accountability for injuries or death of dogs.
If a greyhound is lucky enough to finish racing at a GBGB licensed track, they then become unregistered, and are no longer the responsibility of the GBGB, so when their days on the licensed tracks are over, they may then be handed down to the hobbyists (also known as flappers) who race dogs at unregulated tracks. Once these dogs are no longer registered they fall under the supposed protection of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, sadly this act is not sufficiently enforced leaving these dogs wide open to abuse and/ or unnecessary death.

Vet services are often offered to euthanise dogs at these tracks, at a very cheap rate; Usually around £30 or less per dog.
Hobbyists don’t earn a big income from their dogs and many will opt to destroy them when they sustain minor injuries.
While these tracks continue to exist without any regulatory body,  and with no code of practice, we believe the only way to deal with the issue is for mandatory licensing and inspections by an independent body. Ideally though, we would like to see these tracks coincide with a phased out ban of licensed greyhound racing.
Export of Greyhounds
Exporting of greyhounds for commercial ‘use’ Racing, breeding, hunting, etc
Over the last 18 months the exports of Irish and UK greyhounds have been brought to our attention.  Barbaric practices are being carried out on greyhounds in countries where there are little or no animal welfare laws. For example, greyhounds are being found in the Chinese dog meat trade and are also being poisoned by IV administered 'Ecotraz' in Vietnam (A highly painful death) and are regularly being shipped from the UK to Pakistan, where we are told by Pakistan Citizens that they are only used to race for one season and are occasionally passed on to the pig hunters, where they will meet an horrific end when used to fight wild boar. (Birmingham Greyhound Protection have felt it necessary to set up kennels in China 'Candy Cane Rescue' to save greyhounds from the dog meat trade)

Both Champion greyhounds and those deemed no longer suitable for racing, are exported for use of breeding, racing, hunting to countries where they are not protected from horrific suffering and death.
In May 2016, Caged Nationwide intercepted a transport of 24 greyhounds on their way to China, and after bringing media attention to the case, Heathrow Airport Animal Reception declined to allow the dogs to travel due to the shoddy crates their owners were intending to ship them in. The dogs were returned to Ireland but the owners/ trainers and transporter involved were not punished. One of the transporter vehicles carrying the dogs did not comply with the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order (WATO) as it was an unequipped furniture removal van that was used to loosely stack the dogs in. 

In October 2016 we attended 'World Freight Services' (WFS) in Manchester, following a tip off in relation to 4 greyhounds being exported to Pakistan. After several hours, and discussions with the staff at WFS the dogs were declined to fly on that date due to a safety hazard, in relation to the containers that they were being shipped in.

On Sunday the 22nd October 2017 we became aware of another export of 4 greyhounds to Pakistan via World Freight Services (WFS) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). We believe a very small animal handling company had arranged the shipment. This case was greatly exposed on social media. We attended the WFS to protest the export of the dogs on the day they were due to leave, but on our arrival the police advised us that the owner decided to delay the shipment due to the pressure he was under. We kept watch for the remainder of the day but no Greyhounds were seen arriving to WFS that day, however we believe the owner will attempt to ship the dogs on another flight to Pakistan. 
We believe a minimum of 20 greyhounds had flown from Manchester airport, via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) within the following 10 months and with the help of just one small animal handling company. Additionally we believe that WFS World Freight Services had no objections to generally handling greyhounds as Cargo for PIA.
Please see UK and Irish greyhounds exported to China and Pakistan on the below links: 
http://www.cagednw.co.uk/chinaexports.html
http://www.cagednw.co.uk/greyhoundsinpakistan.html
https://www.candycanerescue.org/
Candy Cane Greyhound Rescue in China was founded By Kerry Elliman of Birmingham Greyhound Protection (BGP) to savel greyhounds from the Chinese dog meat trade.
Caged Nationwide collated a list of airlines who agreed to ship greyhounds overseas, including China. 
We are still liaising with airlines who we sent a proposal for an embargo, supported by 50 signaturies, consisting largely of animal rescue organisations (Including 4 who are very well recognised) who agreed to fully supporting a proposal in support of an embargo on the shipment of greyhounds for commercial USE, i.e breeding, hunting, racing, etc, with exception of greyhounds being shipped by legitimate rescue to their counterparts for the sole purpose of re homing in countries that have up to date animal welfare protection laws.
The letter is also supported by two TD's and the actress, writer, Pauline McLynn, and also the actor/comedian Ricky Gervais

We believe all greyhounds bred in the UK and Ireland should remain in these countries.
24 Comments
sue link
7/6/2013 11:15:46

I have 2 ex racers from Ireland. they are both lovley and loyal. follow me everywhere. so gentle and loving. CLOSE ALL THE EVIL DOG TRACKS. THEY ARE USED AND ABUSED. BASTARDS JUST MONEY

Reply
Racing man
12/16/2015 23:15:32

Shut up you mug !!! Racing is here to stay, Parasite !!!

Reply
KickAss
7/16/2016 08:43:30

Racing man I have one word for you - cunt!

Podge
7/16/2016 17:39:29

None of the pro-racing lobby seem to want to say anything about the numbers of healthy greys killed when they're deemed unsuitable for racing. For me this is the most reprehensible aspect of racing, although there are many others...

Realistic Joe
7/30/2013 05:42:52

We banned hunting with dogs, we banned coursing with dogs, now we want to ban racing too?? (lets face it, if it was not for the americans mechanical lure invention and the banning of coursing, things would still be traditional)

Bear and bull baiting was banned here, the countrymen then turned the dogs against each other, creating the dog-fighting sport to take-off.

Everything this nation does to cull tradition, leads to 'far worse' alternatives for our dogs.

Reverts the bans, and then lets see things go back to how they were, families with their working dogs, actually working their dogs with love and pride.

At the current rate of things, no dogs will have any work left to do, and we will lose our ability to selectively breed the best of each working breed, simply because we are breeding for 'pet' sake rather than working ability.

I love dogs as much as the next man, but, a dog MUST have a purpose of existing, not just to cuddle up to an owner. Mother nature is harsh, evolution and selection is harsh, this is how things should remain, but when we start banning things, we start forcing traditional dog-breeders and owners into a tight corner. Pet lovers are the cause of the destruction of a breeds heritage, if people want a pet, buy a rabbit.

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Laura
8/9/2013 17:17:00

@ realistic joe - oh my god!!! Shut the f-up! Did you not read the whole article. Learn of the absolutely depressing and cruel lives every greyhound has to endure. Yes racing would be a wonderful sport if it was full of happiness for the dogs, respect, decent welfare. But it's not. Plain and simple. So yes you typical testosterone filled 'man' Ofcourse it SHOULD be banned!!!!!!!!!

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Fabia
8/10/2013 03:40:39

Are you out of your mind?! There is absolutely nothing wrong with animals not having a purpose. What is your purpose,realistic Joe,seeing as you too are an animal and therefore must have one? Maybe we should muzzle and starve you,and watch you torn to pieces by your fellow men for the sports you are so keen to bring back? Traditional dog breeders are having a hard time?GOOD. I cannot wait for the day we see an end to dog breeding,animal experiments and meat and animal product eating. Not one single animal exists on this earth for us or our pleasure,and it is time we woke up to that and acted accordingly.

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NansRescues
9/8/2013 20:53:46

Realistic Joe, I don’t think I see anything that promotes zero breeding. Working dogs, treated humanely, get along marvelously with their humans. I am not familiar with them so can’t comment.

Greyhounds? Their purpose was not racing to line pockets. That is a 20th century invention that negates their heritage and goes back further than our forefathers. They were hunting dogs and companion dogs, originally. Not racing. Man’s greed chose to capitalize.

I have fresh off the track racers. Yep, loving these dog beds and yard. They are companion dogs. Back to the origins.

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claire link
11/13/2013 01:32:27

The people who destroy dog breeds are those who set ridiculous 'ideals' of breeds in dog shows etc. These, along with the greyhound industry, are responsible for over-flowing dog pounds and the daily euthanasia of hundreds of healthy dogs. Bluntly Joe, your 'arguments' are inaccurate, illogical drivel. Humans and dogs have lived in symbiosis for millennia. We have used them to help us catch our food, herd our animals, keep us secure, find things, keep us warm, transport us etc.. Greyhound racing does none of these things, pay attention to the truth of the situation, look up the number of dogs destroyed trackside, ask the RGBGB what happens to all the greyhounds born that do not make it onto the track. A bolt, a twelve bore or worse are not forms of natural selection, neither is a dog breaking its neck on the first bend because the track is designed to provide maximum visibility and therefore 'entertainment' for the punters.
Irrespective of whether greyhounds are incredibly loyal , loving, gentle, wonderful companions - which they are- the greyhound racing industry, its practices, methods and lack of welfare standards have no place in a civilised society. It's all pretty simple really.

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phyll
1/28/2014 23:07:52

"Realistic" must have a purpose of existing? What a sorry example of humanity you are, and what has been your useful addition to the planet.

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Not a cunt link
8/19/2018 14:23:12

Do you think you have a purpose? You don't. You're a fucking cancer mate.

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Podgie
8/20/2018 12:37:03

Wow, that's a thought provoking and persuasively eloquent argument from "Not a cunt" - or perhaps I'm confusing it with just a stream of moronic abuse.

Sue Green
9/8/2013 16:05:02

YES greyhound racing is cruel. the dogs are starved to within an inch of their lives just for the sport, they will run for you without being treated this way, they are born to run without the cruelty inflicted upon them by the trainers, these people don't love their dogs, to them they are just money machines.

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citizenken
9/9/2013 01:18:54

Ignorant Joe, you are obviosly a participant in this heinous sport as you blatanty ignored all the facts put forward,dog lover? I dont think so, more like profit lover ! Arguments are lost on people like you .It's breeders and their like that have the rescues full to the gills, it's traditionalists that have these dogs living a nightmare that only ends when the true animal puts them out of their misery. You and your ilk are despicable .

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Sheila
11/18/2013 11:04:39

Perhaps, Joe, all the things you moan about being banned were banned for good reason... men using animals to hurt other animals for 'sport' ie. human entertainment. Come on now do you want Christians throw to the lions ..that was 'traditional' at one time!
Racing is NOT a type of 'work' it is pure exploitation of the dog's talent to run for hunting, Greyhounds were used by Egyptian Pharaohs as an elite hunting dog and are the only dog breed mentioned in the Bible, for thousand of years they were NOT used for racing so yes lets go back to not using these dogs for racing, and if anyone wants to hunt with them let them do that as long as the prey is a nice aniseed soaked rag and not an innocent hare or rabbit that would not be used as food after the kill anyway.

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Rog
11/24/2013 08:56:00

I can't believe that anyone who is capable of typing (Joe) could come out with such inane drivel, or maybe someone typed it for you.
Your thoughts on how beneficial it would be to reintroduce the 'traditions' of bear and bull baiting say a lot about your humanity and you have the temerity to use the word love (twice) in your diatribe. I can only assume you have no idea what that word means.
You also repeatedly confuse the word work with exploit.
You warn against forcing breeders into a tight corner - that would actually be a very GOOD thing, or haven't you yet spotted how many dogs are in rehoming centres or destroyed every year?

I could go on, much as you unfortunately did, but I've concluded that nobody with a heart and/or brain could really mean what you've said and therefore you posted simply to be provocative. I therefore suggest that people ignore any future comments from Realistic Joe rather than get drawn into his moronic little world.

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Susan. Rees
2/9/2014 12:03:04

I have two of these beautiful dogs. Both ex racer. They are both scarred. This so called sport should be banned. Using and abusing these graceful dogs for money u greedy tossers

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AndreaT link
12/15/2015 15:04:37

I am currently writing a paper on the history and fame of greyhounds. I'm glad I stopped by, as because I discovered a lot of useful information. Thanks!

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Phoenix
5/2/2016 17:59:33

I don't understand how people can think the way the dogs are treated is okay!! Surely anyone could tell that this just isn't morally right

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Hound lover link
6/9/2016 08:24:16

Hello I'm honey and I'm only 11 years old but I've always loved greyhounds my entire life they are beautiful dogs and even though I don't have one my self (I have a saluki) I've met many and two in fact in a foster home for the greyhound rescue. I think these people who are racing these dogs are horrible horrible people and that greyhound racing should be banned forever. That's why when I'm older i want to foster and have many greyhounds because I believe all they need is a loving home

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Katie
2/7/2017 21:17:00

Hello! This was so helpful to my English speech on something I feel passionate about. I truely believe that it is so cruel to race the greyhounds. Thank you for this!!

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Gail Gillespie
5/22/2017 20:11:47

I think greyhound racing should be banned. 30 years ago, I took on a little abandoned greyhound who sadly died after 6 weeks, as her caring owners could pay for a hernia op to ensure that she could run faster, but could not afford the normal dog vaccination. By the time I found her, she was already spiking temps. I had her at the vet weekly throughout her short time with me, but, sadly, she had distemper and had to be destroyed. It's very sad to that so little progress appears to have been made on behalf of these animals in that time. . I cannot express my opinion of their owners, or the racing fraternity who support this abuse. Sometimes, these are the abuses which make one ashamed to be human. . I hope that, eventually, it is either banned or completely reformed and properly regulated.


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Jan Seagrave
4/3/2018 07:46:01

No animal should be used for humans to make money.Grey hounds should not be made to run it is evil!

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Jessica
10/12/2018 03:30:29

I have a former racing greyhound.Best dog I will ever own.He s smart,funny,loving and of course super fast. Even the rescue tried to lie to me about these dogs being 'treated well" by their racetrack kennel and it's BULLSHIT! He was emaciated and got dumped to the rescue after being one of the best on the track for...oh yeah...twisting his ankle. They didn't want to waste money on the dog that earned his former owners 15.000$ by feeding him or taking him to a vet! That's the industry for you.He's very lucky he didn't get put down like thousands of other greyhounds. Shame on anyone who exploits those wonderful dogs for profit. Yes, they are born to run, yes they probably enjoy racing BUT it's not worth it with being treated like a machine, locked up and starved so someone else can line their pockets with cash. Dog racing is just as cruel as dog fighting.

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