Greyhound racing

[Jenko109]

What are people's opinions?

I can't see that this has ever been discussed on here before.

Blue cross are currently campaigning for a five year phase out which I have personally added my signature.

End greyhound racing

Sign our petition. It’s time to stop dog exploitation.

www.bluecross.org.uk

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Weirdly conflicted. Without the industry I wouldn't have my lovely Ivy. But also I don't particularly like the racing. And I know she is one of the lucky ones not fatally injured or dumped or shipped off to China. If I had a bigger house, I'd adopt a whole pack of them!

 

[skinnydipper]

I can't see that this has ever been discussed on here before.

End Greyhound Racing. Blue Cross petition

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/campaign/EndGreyhoundRacing

forums.horseandhound.co.uk

 

[Jenko109]

Yes. I saw that but it didnt discuss greyhound racing. It was just the link to sign.

I am interested in opinions for and against really.

I admit I do not know all that much about it. I just cannot be onboard with so many dogs needing to be rehomed. It does not sit right with me.

 

[pistolpete]

It does seem wrong as with racehorses that their career ends so young and they become surplus to requirements. I know a few greyhounds and they make lovely pets. So glad they exist.

 

[Jenko109]

KC registered greyhounds are on the rare breeds list which seems bonkers.

 

[Smitty]

Apparently, there are some tracks where dogs are more likely to be injured (the calliper or the bend?) and I have seen campaigns to shut these down.

I think they fare worse in other countries than England but seem to be just a total nuisance if they are not up to the job and loads seem to be killed, their ears cut off so they can't be traced etc etc. It seems like a horrible dark underworld to me.

My sister always has rescue greys as pets. The last one took some persuading to go in her house (probably saw the crumbling walls).

I have no opinion as I know nothing about it, but it seems to me that greys and lurchers are the most abused dogs out of all breeds/types.

 

[skinnydipper]

Are UK greyhounds still shipped to Pakistan and China?

 

[SkylarkAscending]

Are UK greyhounds still shipped to Pakistan and China?

Yep, it’s common - and a lot from Ireland too.

In response to the original question, there is no “debate” to be had as far as I’m concerned - it should be banned outright and immediately.

Thousands of greyhounds are bred and cast aside as detritus when they don’t make the grade, those that go into training are often treated as expendable commodities by syndicates and trainers who couldn’t care less about the animal as long as they make money.

Of course not all owners are like that, nor are all trainers bad, but the good ones are few and far between

 

[SkylarkAscending]

Weirdly conflicted. Without the industry I wouldn't have my lovely Ivy. But also I don't particularly like the racing. And I know she is one of the lucky ones not fatally injured or dumped or shipped off to China. If I had a bigger house, I'd adopt a whole pack of them!

You need more lol - i had 4 in a mobile home, its easily manageable

 

[Clodagh]

Trouble is, as I see it, is there is no accountability for the dogs. At least horses have inspections, trainers are licensed and there is pressure for suitable rehoming measures.
But it would be sad if it went, you’d end up with only the KC greyhounds who could run about 5 yards before going lame or expiring with exhaustion.
Sports/working breeding is good for soundness and ensuring fit for function.

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Individual dogs shouldn't have to suffer for the wellbeing/survival of the breed though.
If they do then it really rather suggests that there's no place for the breed in the modern world, which is sad but arguably better in the long run for the animals.
Does greyhound racing have a similar % breakdowns/fatalities as horse racing?

 

[Jenko109]

From the Dogs Trust website

Stats released by GBGB, the organisation responsible for licencing greyhound tracks in the UK, show that 244 dogs died or were put to sleep due to their participation in greyhound racing over the last year, and there were 4,354 injuries. This is on top of the more than 2000 dogs that have died or have been put to sleep over the previous four years.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Trouble is, as I see it, is there is no accountability for the dogs. At least horses have inspections, trainers are licensed and there is pressure for suitable rehoming measures.
But it would be sad if it went, you’d end up with only the KC greyhounds who could run about 5 yards before going lame or expiring with exhaustion.
Sports/working breeding is good for soundness and ensuring fit for function.

This would be my worry too. Not that it is enough on it's own to keep racing going. I bet they would end up buggy eyed and spindly, like giant Italian Greyhounds. Nothing against Iggy's but a big version of them doesn't seem like a great idea. I know Greyhounds are not without breed related disease but on the whole seem quite healthy/functional.

 

[SkylarkAscending]

From the Dogs Trust website

Stats released by GBGB, the organisation responsible for licencing greyhound tracks in the UK, show that 244 dogs died or were put to sleep due to their participation in greyhound racing over the last year, and there were 4,354 injuries. This is on top of the more than 2000 dogs that have died or have been put to sleep over the previous four years.

Thats a tiny proportion of the true picture - GBGB are hand in glove with the trainers, it is well known in greyhound rescue organisations.

I would never be able to prove it as it is all undercover but I’m willing to bet about 2000 dogs a year die in Ireland because they don’t make the grade

 

[Annette4]

Didn't want to read and run but in short, can't stand the industry.

 

[planete]

Racing injuries seem quite common, fractured hocks especially. The bends in the tracks are mostly too tight, the dogs collide with each other at top speed and they often weigh between 30 and 40 kg each. The ones who survive face either being put down when they can no longer race or being dumped in some fairly apalling kennels that are loosely termed rescues and where they can moulder for years. The one I have now was in rescue kennels for two years after he stopped racing and left with untreated injuries by the rescue until a good samaritan got him into a proper rescue. There is too much abuse, neglect, wastage and even cruelty in the industry for me to wish it should go on even though I love seeing a greyhound run.

I also agree that greyhounds will probably become physically altered for the worst if the only influence on their breeding is breed standards and I would hate to see that. The solution of a caring racing industry geared to the animals welfare would be worth fighting for but would require some serious money to be achieved and implemented. And the backing of the racing industry itself of course and that has not been forthcoming so far.

 

[Clodagh]

Greyhound Racing is so incredibly cheap (compared to horses). It shouldn’t be so cheap that dogs can live in cages, only get treadmill exercise and be neglected when injured.
It needs the powers that be to get off their butts. Are you sure they aren’t affiliated to the Kennel Club? . All about money with no welfare considerations

 

[Ratface]

In the past, I have owned greyhounds, lurchers and my favourite dog of all time, The Grippet - a greyhound x whippet. She was a loon of a dog, loved and beloved by all who knew her. She made an excellent hot water bottle, apart from her habit of stretching her long, skinny legs and pushing me to the edge of the bed, so I had to slide out, go round to the other side and get back in again!

 

[ycbm]

Time we phased out using all live animals as for fodder for the betting industry and its customers.

I'd like to see dog racing given a 10 year notice and horse racing a 25 year notice. Well I'd like to see both stop tomorrow but that wouldn't be fair to people.
.

 

[I'm Dun]

Trouble is, as I see it, is there is no accountability for the dogs. At least horses have inspections, trainers are licensed and there is pressure for suitable rehoming measures.
But it would be sad if it went, you’d end up with only the KC greyhounds who could run about 5 yards before going lame or expiring with exhaustion.
Sports/working breeding is good for soundness and ensuring fit for function.

That would be such a shame. Id hope not though as whippets and lurchers have on the whole, stayed athletic working dogs. Although I guess thats because enough people still work them. Not many people actively work greys, they just cross them in, so who knows what would happen.

 

[I'm Dun]

In the past, I have owned greyhounds, lurchers and my favourite dog of all time, The Grippet - a greyhound x whippet. She was a loon of a dog, loved and beloved by all who knew her. She made an excellent hot water bottle, apart from her habit of stretching her long, skinny legs and pushing me to the edge of the bed, so I had to slide out, go round to the other side and get back in again!

I think all of the little sods do that! I sleep in a sort of v berth so walls either side so it doesn't work anymore

 

[Esmae]

I have less problem with the concept of racing. As it stands dog racing needs a total overhaul. The biggest problem is the attitude towards dogs that don't make the grade/get injured etc. That needs to properly legislated and overseen so that this "chuck out" way of thinking is outlawed completely. Maybe a good beginning would be a limit of pups bred so that less would go into racing to begin with. I have had several retired greys, all wonderful dogs. Not sure that banning the sport would end up with a real solution. I would have concerns that unlicensed tracks would become the norm with no regulation at all and the dogs left in the same situation or worse. Betting is the root of the problem in my view. The love of money and all that. Hare coursing is illegal but it still happens every single year regardless and if the perpetrators are caught they get a slap on the wrist and usually abandon the dogs. All because of the money aspect.

 

[I'm Dun]

I have less problem with the concept of racing. As it stands dog racing needs a total overhaul. The biggest problem is the attitude towards dogs that don't make the grade/get injured etc. That needs to properly legislated and overseen so that this "chuck out" way of thinking is outlawed completely. Maybe a good beginning would be a limit of pups bred so that less would go into racing to begin with. I have had several retired greys, all wonderful dogs. Not sure that banning the sport would end up with a real solution. I would have concerns that unlicensed tracks would become the norm with no regulation at all and the dogs left in the same situation or worse. Betting is the root of the problem in my view. The love of money and all that. Hare coursing is illegal but it still happens every single year regardless and if the perpetrators are caught they get a slap on the wrist and usually abandon the dogs. All because of the money aspect.

I think you've hit the nail on the head. There's lurcher racing up and down the country at country fairs and greyhound tracks. There's no money in it, no betting and while a lot of the dogs are working dogs, some are pets that are taken for an outing. The dogs are well looked after and don't get discarded if they aren't any good. I'm about to start my youngest off now hes 2 and seems to have stopped growing, because almost all of them absolutely love doing it.

 

[Esmae]

I think you've hit the nail on the head. There's lurcher racing up and down the country at country fairs and greyhound tracks. There's no money in it, no betting and while a lot of the dogs are working dogs, some are pets that are taken for an outing. The dogs are well looked after and don't get discarded if they aren't any good. I'm about to start my youngest off now hes 2 and seems to have stopped growing, because almost all of them absolutely love doing it.

I've taken my whippets Lure racing. OMG do they just love that. It is well run, very friendly both to dogs and the owners. The dogs are really well looked after and loved, and not a penny changes hands. Super day out if it isn't raining.

 

[twiggy2]

I think you've hit the nail on the head. There's lurcher racing up and down the country at country fairs and greyhound tracks. There's no money in it, no betting and while a lot of the dogs are working dogs, some are pets that are taken for an outing. The dogs are well looked after and don't get discarded if they aren't any good. I'm about to start my youngest off now hes 2 and seems to have stopped growing, because almost all of them absolutely love doing it.

There is an awful lot of money and gambling surrounding lurcher racing, winning the championships like the pride of the peaks is a huge deal, your dog or bitch and its offspring will be worth a fortune and the gambling is huge.
Many lurchers that are bred to race (and work) that don't make the grade are dumped, many dont live a good life.
I used to run a big show, show my dogs, run my dogs and work my dogs. There is money in lurcher racing but unless your part of the cycle you dont necessary see it. Small local shows are often not part of the big money side of things but big names can turn up to run a dog whilst someone who wants to buy is watching.
I loved running my dogs and watching them run and work, seeing fit able dogs do what they are meant to be doing is incredible they are true athletes.
I wish all these dogs had a better existence but I dont believe a lot of pedigree, pet, kc registered dogs always have a better life than racing dogs.
In greyhound racing there needs to be more regulation and accountability, horse racing the same.
I do feel that at least the dogs are running because their drive is to chase/hunt and that's what they are doing, it will make them feel good.
As I get older I question horse racing more from the perspective that maybe a prey animal will only run that hard for that long if its running to stay alive, a prey animal urley wouldn't put itself at risk by running so hard that it would struggle to outrun a predator?

 

[Clodagh]

I wish all these dogs had a better existence but I dont believe a lot of pedigree, pet, kc registered dogs always have a better life than racing dogs.
In greyhound racing there needs to be more regulation and accountability, horse racing the same.
I do feel that at least the dogs are running because their drive is to chase/hunt and that's what they are doing, it will make them feel good.

Alleluia to that.
Off topic, next door has two collies, they are scruffy and eat very cheap food. They sleep in the porch in an old pallet converted bed. (With a blanket). They spend all day out with the farmer. Not a behavioural issue to be seen.
Yes the pet collie, spinning at cars in town, would be considered by its owner to be far more loved.

 

[SkylarkAscending]

I have less problem with the concept of racing. As it stands dog racing needs a total overhaul. The biggest problem is the attitude towards dogs that don't make the grade/get injured etc. That needs to properly legislated and overseen so that this "chuck out" way of thinking is outlawed completely. Maybe a good beginning would be a limit of pups bred so that less would go into racing to begin with. I have had several retired greys, all wonderful dogs. Not sure that banning the sport would end up with a real solution. I would have concerns that unlicensed tracks would become the norm with no regulation at all and the dogs left in the same situation or worse. Betting is the root of the problem in my view. The love of money and all that. Hare coursing is illegal but it still happens every single year regardless and if the perpetrators are caught they get a slap on the wrist and usually abandon the dogs. All because of the money aspect.

I’m genuinely not wishing to be stupid, but I don’t really understand your argument?

To try and paraphrase, you seem to be saying that if greyhound racing was banned it would still take place illegally, if I’ve got that right?

It happens illegally already - there are flapping tracks up and down the country - but (in my view) having it as a “legitimate” sport hugely increases the number of dogs that are affected.

I totally agree welfare standards and regulation have to improve, but greyhound charities have been trying to influence improvements for over 30 years now with limited success.

Its a bit like saying the Kennel Club should improve welfare and responsible/ethical breeding of pedigree dogs - they actually have to WANT to do that for any progress to be made, GBGB just don’t want to upset the trainers (and a lot of them are trainers so have a vested interest) by demanding effective change IMO

 

[tda]

A friend of mine helps to rehome some off the track, she doesn't say a lot but admits the ones that get to her are the very thin end of of a very large wedge
The waste (awful term ) is massive
Like with horse racing, it's the betting industry that drives it

 

[Esmae]

I’m genuinely not wishing to be stupid, but I don’t really understand your argument?

To try and paraphrase, you seem to be saying that if greyhound racing was banned it would still take place illegally, if I’ve got that right?

It happens illegally already - there are flapping tracks up and down the country - but (in my view) having it as a “legitimate” sport hugely increases the number of dogs that are affected.

I totally agree welfare standards and regulation have to improve, but greyhound charities have been trying to influence improvements for over 30 years now with limited success.

Its a bit like saying the Kennel Club should improve welfare and responsible/ethical breeding of pedigree dogs - they actually have to WANT to do that for any progress to be made, GBGB just don’t want to upset the trainers (and a lot of them are trainers so have a vested interest) by demanding effective change IMO

Yes I know about flapping tracks. I just feel though that outright bans usually make things worse in some way. Hunting springs to mind. Hare coursing. It's the reverse psychology thing. "You can't have it so you want it more" type of thing. The whole thing needs better regulation. You could be right about "legitimate" sport driving increases in dogs affected. I really don't know if there are any stats to support that or not. It's all about money at the end of the day and the greedy barstewards who drive that have a huge amount to answer for.