End the Race: Call for a UK-wide ban on Greyhound Racing
Wales recently became the first UK nation to ban greyhound racing following a Government consultation with cross-party support and a petition of over 35,000 signatures. In recent years, the once popular sport has been criticised by animal welfare organisations, and this ban is the result of years of advocacy from animal rights groups, veterinarians, and members of the public who believe the harm done to greyhounds, both physically and mentally, is significant. More and more countries across the world have been implementing bans with just a handful of countries – including England and Northern Ireland – yet to call a stop to the sport. Isn’t it time the rest of the UK joined Wales in a UK-wide ban?
A sporting history
Greyhound racing became a popular sport in the UK in the early 20th century, with tracks popping up around the country in the 1920s. For years, it was considered a thrilling form of entertainment that drew large crowds but, as new forms of entertainment have emerged and awareness around animal welfare has increased, greyhound racing has seen a steady decline. Today, there are just 20 operational tracks in the UK*, with well-known venues like Crayford Stadium in London recently closing its doors due to declining attendance and financial struggles.
Born to run
The greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds – believed to have originally come from ancient Egypt where they were used for hunting due to their exceptional speed and keen eyesight. Their slim bodies, long legs and deep chests mean they are one of the fastest dog breeds, capable of reaching up to 45 mph. They are also know to be calm and sweet natured dogs who love to spend their days lounging around – hence being known as ’45mph couch potatoes’!
Most greyhounds in the racing industry are bred specifically for the sport. They are born in litters of 6 to 8 puppies and those showing the best racing potential are selected for training. The life of a racing dog is very demanding both physically and mentally and, sadly, injuries such as muscle strains, broken bones and head injuries are all too common – in fact, between 2018 and 2023, more than 26,000 injuries were recorded*, highlighting the horrible physical impact racing can have on these dogs. According to the RSPCA, around 3,000 greyhounds are euthanised every year due to racing-related injuries, a figure that really puts into perspective the harsh reality many dogs face in the industry.
Many people also question the living conditions of racing greyhounds, which often involve overcrowded kennels, long periods of inactivity between races and limited enrichment or social interaction with people and other animals. One of the most heart-breaking aspects of the sport is what happens to the dogs once they’re no longer fast enough to race and are ‘retired’ – typically between the age of 3 and 6. Around 6,000 greyhounds leave the racing industry each year* and while some are lucky enough to find loving homes through rescue organisations, many others are not considered suitable for rehoming due to medical or behavioural issues and are sadly euthanised.
Despite being trained as racing dogs, many retired greyhounds form close bonds with people when given the opportunity to live in family homes and are generally calm, gentle, and affectionate animals, known for being great companions. Having volunteered at a kennel for retired greyhounds myself, I’ve seen first-hand the heart-wrenching realities behind the sport and the incredible resilience of these gentle giants.
Animal welfare versus economic benefit
Supporters of greyhound racing argue that the sport offers entertainment to many people and provides economic benefits, such as jobs and betting opportunities. They also argue that racing is a regulated activity, and since welfare concerns have been raised, some tracks have made efforts to improve standards, like enhancing living conditions and doing more to rehome retired greyhounds. The sport is currently still legal in England and Northern Ireland and Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, recently said in the Commons, “We have absolutely no plans whatsoever to ban greyhound racing. We appreciate the joy that it brings to many, many people in our country and the economic contribution that it makes.”
An uncertain future
The future of greyhound racing seems uncertain and there’s hope that Wales’ recent step to join the growing number of countries around the world banning the sport will help to shift public opinion and give strength to animal welfare organisations in pushing for a complete ban across the UK.
If you’re concerned about the welfare of greyhounds and the future of this sport, consider signing this petition, or reaching out to your local MPs to advocate for a UK-wide ban.
Sources
https://www.hud.ac.uk/news/2019/february/history-of-greyhound-racing
https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/greyhounds?utm_source=chatgpt.com