planete
Well-Known Member
It may seem extreme and is probably biased, but is it inaccurate? Are their recommendations outrageous?
Greyhound racing (beware, its long and I'm on my soapbox here!)
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It may seem extreme and is probably biased, but is it inaccurate? Are their recommendations outrageous?
{97702}
...
No I don’t believe it is inaccurate, and I don’t think their recommendations are at all outrageous. For me, I feel uncomfortable with the way they express themselves in very emotive language. I suspect this is a ‘British’ thing 😳
Blazingsaddles
Well-Known Member
Fact, unfortunately. I’m going back 25 years though. Told to me by a racing greyhound owner friend of the family. He got his dogs from Ireland. Not sure a lot has changed though.☹ï¸
CrazyMare
Well-Known Member
My experiences are totally opposite.
I got Lucky the day she left her trainers kennels. She was bathed before heading to the Greyhound Trust kennels, she was sleek, shiny and happy. She is the most gentle soul. I'm in touch with her trainer who said she was an absolute gem in kennels, everyone's friend and super easy to handle. She posted me all of her racing records and keeps in touch periodically via WhatsApp. I have an open invite to her kennels, but sadly she is miles away. She chooses to use the particular branch to rehome because they are so proactive.
My friend has also vetted for greyhound racing. She has really high moral standards and took the job because you can influence change from the inside. She always said how pleasantly suprised she was by the trainer and owner attitudes to the dogs and any injuries, basically telling her to do whatever was needed without worrying about the cost.
I got Lucky the day she left her trainers kennels. She was bathed before heading to the Greyhound Trust kennels, she was sleek, shiny and happy. She is the most gentle soul. I'm in touch with her trainer who said she was an absolute gem in kennels, everyone's friend and super easy to handle. She posted me all of her racing records and keeps in touch periodically via WhatsApp. I have an open invite to her kennels, but sadly she is miles away. She chooses to use the particular branch to rehome because they are so proactive.
My friend has also vetted for greyhound racing. She has really high moral standards and took the job because you can influence change from the inside. She always said how pleasantly suprised she was by the trainer and owner attitudes to the dogs and any injuries, basically telling her to do whatever was needed without worrying about the cost.
Aru
Well-Known Member
The stories I've read from some of the track vets in Australia make me glad it was banned in NSW. Horrific blatant cruelty and no punishment from the industry even when it was proven and a conviction granted against the trainer.
I did, however, work with some wonderful greyhound men in Ireland...unusual as most see greyhound specific vets there. They very much do things their own way- it took a parvo outbreak to get them vaccinating! but all the same,but would bring their retiring dogs in for rabies vacs and check-ups before they were sent to Sweden for rehoming as pets. They don't all chop off their ears and bullet them....but that happens to.
The regulation of the industry is failing miserably at controlling the bad apples....and welfare has never been the highest priority.
I also remember hearing a story from when one of the most recent track's was built in Ireland...it was advised to modifying the track's degree of turn because that would reduce the injury rate to the dogs quite dramatically and reduce the risk of career-ending breaks etc...that was declined as it would not make for as exciting of a race for the punters apparently.... pretty much sums up the issues with the industry tbh. The dog's welfare is not a consideration at the top.
I did, however, work with some wonderful greyhound men in Ireland...unusual as most see greyhound specific vets there. They very much do things their own way- it took a parvo outbreak to get them vaccinating! but all the same,but would bring their retiring dogs in for rabies vacs and check-ups before they were sent to Sweden for rehoming as pets. They don't all chop off their ears and bullet them....but that happens to.
The regulation of the industry is failing miserably at controlling the bad apples....and welfare has never been the highest priority.
I also remember hearing a story from when one of the most recent track's was built in Ireland...it was advised to modifying the track's degree of turn because that would reduce the injury rate to the dogs quite dramatically and reduce the risk of career-ending breaks etc...that was declined as it would not make for as exciting of a race for the punters apparently.... pretty much sums up the issues with the industry tbh. The dog's welfare is not a consideration at the top.
meggymoo
Well-Known Member
We have had three retired racers. All three have been scared of men and of walking sticks! Our middle one was afraid of men wearing a cap. One can only draw ones own conclusions to that. Credit to the men in my life that with quiet gentleness and love, they have been won over. Our current one still 'shys away' if I am visited by an uncle who walks with a stick. None of them have know how to play or how to accept or give any affection when we have first adopted them. Having said all that, given time, love and patience, they make fantastic pets and the first time they snuggle up to you is priceless.
MuddyTB
Well-Known Member
Our 2 are from the North Yorkshire branch. They are different to many as they don't have their own kennels, all the dogs are rehomed direct from one of the 2 main kennels they deal with. (Ours were actually sent to the second kennels from the first to be rehomed as the first was full, but they have an agreement in place for that). So you go to the kennels and meet the trainer when you go to see the dogs. We/the dogs are very fortunate.
TwyfordM
Well-Known Member
I've had two retired greyhounds through the RGT, first boy never raced, apparently wouldn't chase and given his very nervous nature that never really went away completely, he would never let you behind him, would freak if cornered or in a tight space. I really don't think he had the best of times in the kennels. He was part of a large litter of pups and none of them would chase despite having two champion parents. At 18 months old the entire litter and 9 year old mum were shipped from Ireland to Kent for rehoming.
Lucy on the other hand did race, she was born and raced in England. Came second everytime so sent for rehoming at 2 1/2 years old. Definitely fast enough, but spending some extra time on training not considered worth it so move onto the next... They're treated as disposable. She has loads of scars, bald back legs due to time in kennels and is in constant need of fuss and reassurance, its like being around people and attention will be taken away from her any second and she literally clings onto you.
I don't think racing itself is the problem it's the lack of regulation and acceptable standards for trainers. They live to run and chase, but being treated like disposable commodities without basic care, good food, training and meeting the dogs mental needs. Racing life really messed with both my dogs minds, in two very different ways.
Lucy on the other hand did race, she was born and raced in England. Came second everytime so sent for rehoming at 2 1/2 years old. Definitely fast enough, but spending some extra time on training not considered worth it so move onto the next... They're treated as disposable. She has loads of scars, bald back legs due to time in kennels and is in constant need of fuss and reassurance, its like being around people and attention will be taken away from her any second and she literally clings onto you.
I don't think racing itself is the problem it's the lack of regulation and acceptable standards for trainers. They live to run and chase, but being treated like disposable commodities without basic care, good food, training and meeting the dogs mental needs. Racing life really messed with both my dogs minds, in two very different ways.
numptynovice
Well-Known Member
My first greyhound retired at 4 after racing close to 100 races. She was in fairly good shape physically, but has multiple scars and was very shut down and no idea how to play. She’s come out of her shell now but is still pretty reserved. We adore her.
My second greyhound was retired at two having shown little interest in racing. He was not in great shape, very thin, terrible digestive problems, coat harsh and dull and could not walk for 20 mins without panting. He last raced about 4 months before we got him and I suspect he’d sat in a kennel with very little exercise since. He’s the loveliest, most friendly loving boy with the waggiest tail.
What really bothers me about the racing industry is the total lack of responsibility shown by the bookies towards the dogs. I got my dogs from a small local rescue and the volunteers who run it work full time and are selling their own personal properties to try and locate a permanent home for the rescue centre, the rest is funded by the efforts of volunteers and supporters like me. In the meantime, the bookies contribute next to nothing to the dogs’ retirements and cream off huge profits. I’m aware that one of the big bookies has recently made a commitment, but in my view a contribution to the costs of the dog’s retirement and rehoming should be included in every bet.
My second greyhound was retired at two having shown little interest in racing. He was not in great shape, very thin, terrible digestive problems, coat harsh and dull and could not walk for 20 mins without panting. He last raced about 4 months before we got him and I suspect he’d sat in a kennel with very little exercise since. He’s the loveliest, most friendly loving boy with the waggiest tail.
What really bothers me about the racing industry is the total lack of responsibility shown by the bookies towards the dogs. I got my dogs from a small local rescue and the volunteers who run it work full time and are selling their own personal properties to try and locate a permanent home for the rescue centre, the rest is funded by the efforts of volunteers and supporters like me. In the meantime, the bookies contribute next to nothing to the dogs’ retirements and cream off huge profits. I’m aware that one of the big bookies has recently made a commitment, but in my view a contribution to the costs of the dog’s retirement and rehoming should be included in every bet.
littlefluffball
Well-Known Member
I don't like either! I have known/had ex racing dogs exactly as you describe above and unfortunately all the ex race horses I have worked with (albeit less than 10) have also come with their fair share. I am sure there are good/responsible people involved in both of course you cannot tar everyone with the same brush but iunfortunately not enough (that I have seen) to convince me to support either
some show
Well-Known Member
My lad is from GRWE as well and was born in Ireland, used for racing and hare coursing, then shipped over to a trainer in County Durham who for whatever reason left him shut up in a shed for four months, fed him but never walked him or exercised him at all. It may be because he has a toe that must've dislocated at some point and they didn't fix it properly, so it pops out at least once a day (doesn't seem to bother him luckily and is easily put back). He had loose tendons in his hind legs from lack of exercise, scabby elbows and hips because he didn't have any bedding, just a concrete floor. Terrible teeth. He has pancreatic enzyme deficiencies probably due to some nasty gut infection at some point, he was very shut down when I got him, took a YEAR for him to start playing with toys and wag his tail more than a brief sway, months before he would even look me in the eye. He wasn't socialised AT ALL and possibly taken away from his mum/siblings too early because he has no clue about doggy communication.
I've had him for three years now (he's six) and he's the love of my life, absolutely gorgeous and a great character (finally!), really placid and polite (aside from a MENTAL prey drive!) but I do so wish he hadn't had to go through all that in his youth. He didn't deserve any of it, and none of them do.
I've had him for three years now (he's six) and he's the love of my life, absolutely gorgeous and a great character (finally!), really placid and polite (aside from a MENTAL prey drive!) but I do so wish he hadn't had to go through all that in his youth. He didn't deserve any of it, and none of them do.