Greyhound racing – Animal Liberation South Australia

Greyhound racing

The Disturbing Reality of Greyhound Welfare in Racing

A night at the greyhound tracks might sound like fun on the surface, but the reality is that it’s far from fun for the animals.

In the fast-paced world of greyhound racing, behind the exhilarating spectacle lies a heartbreaking reality.

These beautiful dogs, known for their grace and speed and gentleness, often face a life marred by neglect, injury, and abandonment. From overbreeding to inhumane treatment and a lack of post-racing care, the welfare issues surrounding greyhound racing cast a shadow on the industry.

Read this horrific report from The Monthly.

On November 19^th, Kruger Dawn, 2 years old, died on the Gawler racetrack from ‘cardiovascular rupture’.

Horrors right from the start

The racing industry produces over 10 000 greyhounds a year, mainly by surgical artificial insemination, which is a horrific and painful procedure that is prohibited in many other countries.

Of the puppies born into the industry, about 40% aren’t fast enough to be ‘successful’ racers – these poor dogs are regarded as “initial wastage” and are put down.

For those which are deemed competitive, their lives are not easy. They undergo harsh training, and are punished if they don’t show enough commitment to racing. By no means are they ‘loved pets’, no matter what the racing industry claims! They are kept in small, stark cages, and often do not receive appropriate physical or mental care.

These dogs are not protected by laws governing pets but come under the Livestock and racing codes. This means owners can keep them isolated in cages for 23 hours a day.

Injuries on the track

Greyhound racing can be inherently dangerous for the dogs involved due to a combination of factors.

The intense speed at which these animals run around the track puts significant stress on their bodies, leading to a higher risk of injuries such as fractures, sprains, and muscle tears.

The hard surfaces of the racetracks also contribute to the impact on their joints and limbs.

Additionally, the competitive nature of the sport can result in collisions and accidents, which are often fatal. Despite the industry’s PR spin, all racetracks are dangerous and cause a range of injuries, from fatal skull fractures to painful abrasions. Dogs with leg injuries are frequently euthanased.

In 2023, there have been 113 deaths and over 10000 injuries in Australian greyhound racing.

And once the race is over …

Reality is sad indeed for greyhounds which are unable to meet the demands of their owners.

The racing industry produces over 10 000 greyhounds a year, mainly by surgical artificial insemination, which is a horrific and painful procedure that is prohibited in many other countries.

This is many times more dogs than can be rehomed.

Of the dogs born into the industry, about 40% aren’t fast or competitive enough to be ‘successful’ racers – these poor dogs are regarded as “initial wastage” and are put down.

For those dogs too old to race, prior success won’t guarantee a peaceful retirement. Over 70% of greyhounds are discarded every year when they no longer make money for their owners. Even if they are able to retire and escape the life on the track, their poor health and lack of healthy socialisation makes rehoming them unlikely.

The Disturbing Reality of Greyhound Welfare in Racing

Horrors right from the start

Injuries on the track

And once the race is over …

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