Greyhound racing is naturally harmful for the dogs included. Running at speed around oval tracks triggers substantial injury to numerous dogs, and in many cases, the injuries are so serious that it is required to euthanise the dog.
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) is the self-regulating organisation that governs certified greyhound racing in Great Britain. Data from GBGB reveal that over 2,000 greyhounds passed away and almost 18,000 injuries were taped from greyhound racing in between 2018 and 2021, with extra dogs hurt on independent tracks.
Comprehensive internal evaluations carried out by us, in addition to Dogs Trust and Blue Cross, highlighted severe issues at every phase of a racing greyhound’s life consisting of concerns around insufficient well-being requirements in kennelling and transferring the dogs.
Some of the dogs utilized in racing are kept in poor, barren conditions, with little if any enrichment and fed a poor diet plan.
The evaluations likewise highlighted issues around the basic health of the dogs consisting of the number and intensity of injuries sustained throughout racing.
There are likewise severe concerns around the racing of greyhounds in severe weather condition and the variety of puppies that are unaccounted for in between birth and racing registrations, so frequently described by the sector as the “waste”.
The evaluations likewise discovered there to be disjointed and inadequate policy within the sector, an absence of openness concerning market practices, and extra issues around the enforcement of regulative requirements.
All 3 organisations likewise think that the lack of a sustainable and constant income source for the market has actually grossly affected any significant modification for the dogs included. However, even if the significant financial resources required to continue were provided, a total overhaul of the sport is required to guarantee it works with good well-being.
We’ve now signed up with forces with Dogs Trust and Blue Cross and wish to see an end to greyhound racing revealed as quickly as possible, and anticipate the phase-out to be possible within 5 years to permit the racing market and animal well-being organisations to thoroughly prepare and collaborate the care of the numerous dogs impacted.
In 2021 there remained in excess of 18,000 certified greyhounds qualified to race in GBGB races, with extra greyhounds racing on the independent tracks.
In some parts of the UK, such as in Wales where there is simply one track, it is anticipated that the phase-out duration required will be substantially much shorter.
Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, says:
We’re totally dedicated to the well-being of all greyhounds impacted by our require a phased end to the sport. We’ll continue to work collaboratively with the market and other stakeholders to guarantee the well-being of dogs is not jeopardized while working towards this.
Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of RSPCA says:
We’ve attempted to deal with the market throughout the years to generate much better defense and enhance well-being for the dogs however we’re not pleased that sufficient development has actually been made.
We feel that now, moving forwards, the only method we can secure good lives for these dogs is to require the sport to be phased out and we wish to see greyhound racing consigned to the past
Chris Burghes, Chief Executive of Blue Cross said:
With injuries and death swarming on and off the track, there can be no reason provided for making use of these animals and we appeal for federal government to take immediate action. We’re dedicated to dealing with and encouraging the market and federal government regarding the fastest, most effective method to bring greyhound racing to an end, whilst providing the greatest concern to the dogs and their well-being throughout this time.
You can reveal your assistance for a phased end to greyhound racing throughout social networks by utilizing #cutthechase.
