Greyhound racing
Many people don’t realise the suffering caused by greyhound racing. Greyhounds who are involved in racing are not beloved companion animals, they are money-makers for their owners, and after a relatively short life out on the tracks, when they stop earning their keep, the vast majority are simply disposed of.
About 25,000 greyhound puppies are registered every year in the British Isles. Many are killed because they don’t make the grade.
Greyhounds are bred for speed, at the expense of their health, strength and stamina. About 10% of racing dogs suffer with injured toes, torn muscles and strained tendons, which can lead to arthritic joints, causing ongoing pain.
The average retirement age for a greyhound is 3-4 years old and they can live for 16 years. Every year, 10,000 dogs leave registered racing, but the Retired Greyhound Trust only organises homes for just over 3,000. Some of the remaining 7,000 dogs may find good homes, but others may be drowned, poisoned or shot.
