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What’s your view on greyhound racing? by RSPCA
The race to protect greyhounds 3:46 p.m. | Wed 8 Jul 2009
Comments
animalrspca July 31, 2010 at 7:12 p.m.
greyhounds are constantly suffering. forced to do something they may not enjoy puts a massive amount of not just physical strain but also mental strain on those harmless creatures. their pushed to their limits for our entertainment and i cant bear it. many are injured due to this awful "sport". some even killed. its got to stop!!
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charliedebz April 19, 2010 at 8:16 p.m.
Everytime I comment on either greyhound racing or horse racing, I am constantly bombarded with people who tell me that the animals enjoy it. I am not denying that, as running at high speeds is in their blood, greyhounds dont enjoy the adrenalin rush of the race. As with circus animals, many people feel this way because they dont know what happens behind the scenes. Apart from the few times a week they are raced, the rest of the time they can spend in cramped, dirty conditions, or are constantly trained and pushed to the limit by owners. After they reach their peak - often at just a few years old - they are put down. I've begged my mum to adopt a retired greyhound, I think its so sad how they gave so much just to be shoved aside when they have nothing left to give. I used to be taken to races when I was younger by my dad, but now I know better, I wouldn't attend one.
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Thumper February 16, 2010 at 2:36 p.m.
I can't honestly say that greyhound racing is cruel. I also can't honestly say that greyhound racing is fun for the greyhounds. Why? Because it's most likely a mixture of both. Some dogs will prefer it to others, and some owners will be more caring towards their greyhounds.
When a working animal is currently not needed, it's very important to make sure they're still loved and looked after. I don't see why they shouldn't be treated as any other well-loved pet while they are off the track.
As for when they're working; some greyhounds are going to love racing whereas others will not be so keen. Probably an easy way to determine which greyhounds are happy enough to race is by giving them a few simple commands to do with racing, and see if they respond happily. Try giving them a practice race; see if they like it on the track. If they are stubborn and don't want to work then it may not be right for them. Obviously, any act of cruelty upon a greyhound (i.e. forcing it to run) needs to be stopped, and the best way to stop it is to let the greyhound not race.
I don't know if many greyhounds are forced to race, but if they are I can almost guarantee that the reason they force them is because they've already bought the greyhound and now own it for racing purposes. It's sad but true to life; people like their money.
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animalrspca February 9, 2010 at 7:34 p.m.
Although others may enjoy it it is whether the animal will enjoy it!
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andrewholland January 13, 2010 at 2:57 a.m.
The racing of any Animal for the "entertainment" and financial gain of any number of human beings is a sick and cruel practice and I feel such sorrow and anger that we live in a world that widely accepts and even promotes such things. The people involved should be ashamed of themselves. Greyhound racing is a particularly worrying case and becomes more and more stressful the further you look into the 'underworld' which exists around it. These people don't care about animals. They care about being payed first, and being entertained second.
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Puppy28 December 10, 2009 at 6:28 p.m.
I think it is alright for grey hounds to race, i think they enjoy it but I have read that they get sent to have experiments done on them after races and I think that is cruel!
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pawzdannii November 21, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
i feel that no matter wether it;s horses or dogs no animal should have to race untill the owners say your not fast enough and obviously hurt them they have to win or cruelty occurs its not right it's not nice and i am sick of seeing them they are treat like machines and they are not they are living things and i love greyhounds and when im older i am going to rescue as many as i can.
we need to stand up to it dogs (and horses) shouldn't be made to race because of humans greed for money and popularity.
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Newportritchie September 16, 2009 at 1:22 p.m.
Racing that uses animals should never be allowed. When Walthamstow Greyhound track was closed recently I cheered.
Greyhounds run their hearts out for their owners, for what? earning them much wealth, their rewards, a bowl of meat, the same as horseracing, it makes me sick when you see a horse being led into the winners enclosure and the trainer or jockey patting the horse. They have no compassion or affection for the animal, all it represents is pound notes on four legs. I remember many years ago when I was a child and taken over the old Haringay Arena race track one evening for a dog race, the wrong dog it would now seem was winning the race and someone threw a live kitten over the fence to interupt the race.
Sadly while there are humans on this planet animals will always be exploited.
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meg419 September 13, 2009 at 1:34 p.m.
I personally don't see any major issues with greyhound racing as a sport as the dogs themselves are bred for speed and get the oppotunity to really stretch their legs on the track. I also feel that, like with all issues concerning animal welfare, it is more a case of filtering out the cruel minority than abandoning the sport as a whole and completely back the RSPCA's campaign to ensure all racedogs live happy and contented lives.
However, I feel the greater issue within this sport is what happens after the dogs racing life is over and they inevitably retire. I would like to see more of a guaranteed lifetime security for these animals as greyhounds can live for around 12 years yet their racing life is over after about 3. Unfortunately, because of this many dogs are abandoned or put down after they reach retirement age as they are no longer finacially useful to their owners.
A further aspect of this issue which the breed encounters is the public perception of the greyhound as people believe that, being ex-racers, greyhounds are going to be extremely hard work. However the opposite is true as providing they get at least one decent walk a day - like any other breed of dog - greyhounds are fairly docile and are content to just laze around the house and be fed.
I feel the RSPCA could do more to raise awareness of the greyhounds breed profile and encourage more people to take these ex-race dogs into their homes so they can live out their well earnt retirement in happiness.
In order to achieve this I think the RSPCA should encourage greyhound racing tracks to promote retired dogs as family pets. I also feel that these racing tracks should take more of a responsibility for the retired dogs that kept their business afloat in their prime and subsequently donate a percentage of their profits to rehoming causes.
I also think the RSPCA should make increased social contact an essential element of the dogs kennelled life so they can be easily rehomed into a family environment upon retirement.
My grandparents had 2 retired greyhounds as pets which were a wonderful addition to their home, its upsetting to think that they like many others could have been destroyed at an early age. It would be fantastic to see more people overcoming the taboos about this breed and welcoming more ex-racedogs into their homes.
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marie36 September 6, 2009 at 11:01 p.m.
i am a greyhound owner and i can see were all the negative comments are voiced yes as in every sport there is good and bad pepole in it. not just owners of animals but human athletes also. my dogs are well cared for and live in kennnels that are inspected by the rspca. and they do not spend there lives in little cages, or are you saying the kennels that the rspca are little and are inhumane, as my dogs kennels and runns are alot bigger then re-homing centres. yes there are horrid evil pepole in this world whom dont deserve to have animals but all you hear is what bad things happen to greyhounds. not that most trainers keep there dogs in there homes and kennels and give them love.
no you hear how some rotten so and so has miss treated these wonderful dogs.
and belive me if these dogs didnt want to run around a track they wouldnt. so please keep up the good work and finding these awful pepole but not every one mistreats these dogs.
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trudy August 31, 2009 at 12:54 a.m.
Anne 1
I have to disagree with you.
For every puppy makes the grade or chases, another puppy will be culled in Ireland who breed 80% of greyhounds licensed on UK tracks.
The 'good' trainers are well aware of the over breeding and the 'bad' trainers but they do nothing to oppose it or speak out against it and therefore perpetuate the misery of greyhounds not in their care.
Regradless of good or bad trainers - all trainers knowingly subject their dogs to a high risk of pain and injury - something I consider is not only irresponsible but in fact in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.
Would you subject you dog to this - fi you truly care for him/her?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZjzY3COods
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baggley999 August 29, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.
In the perfect I would have all kids of animal racing to stop and
the once that people bet on such as;
Grayhound Racing
Horse Racing
But even if they never stop I would at least like to see the welfare of these animals inproved with help by ALL of us!
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ellagordon August 20, 2009 at 10 p.m.
I would like to apologise for the upset I appear to have caused to people who knew my retired greyhound, before he went into retirement, in my earlier blog. I am only able to comment on how I see the hounds when they come into the rescue centres, and on what I am actually told. I am aware that a lot of information on the dogs' racing history is withheld because of the unsavory people wanting to race retirees on the flapping tracks, but maybe a little of their history given to the adopters would allow them to understand how they came into the retirement homes in the first place, and enable us to see that it wasn't due to lack of care during their racing and care.
I would just like to say that 'R' was and is a happy hound, and that he is my best friend. I hope that this statement goes some way to an apology to the people concerned who I have upset.
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kinkiii August 16, 2009 at 2:04 p.m.
dont know if its cruel to race them or not, its like this if they happy chasing rabbit let them do it if it makes them sad dont make them that would be cruel. Never seen a greyhound for years dont think many must be bred these days
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Sue August 11, 2009 at 9:18 a.m.
aimee - yes, you are right, greyhounds who are not winning and are considered past their shelf life DO get shot, and much worse. This is the whole point. Whether the racing of them itself is cruel, I don't know. I am less concerned with the fact that they are raced than I am about the conditions they are kept in and the way they are treated afterwards. But what I would say is that wherever you have a sport involving animals which makes profits for humans, (and this probably includes horse racing too), there is nearly always abuse, because humans can't control their selfish greed. Animals by contrast never act out of greed or selfishness. some humans consider animals as being little more than a means to an end, a tool to enrich themselves, and the problems occur when self interest and profit take over. If humans can't treat animals with respect, then yes, all "sport" involving animals should be stringently regulated or as a last resort, banned. We really don't deserve our best friends sometimes do we?
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aimeeaimee2 August 10, 2009 at 7:57 p.m.
Greyhounds which do racing in my opinion have a horrible life, living in a small cages when off track and obviously injured in races, maybe more than once. There not in to let the dogs have fun or exercise their owners are in it to win it, i wouldn't be surprised if their dogs lost so many times they would shot it. Drasatic action need to be done about greyhound cruelty. STOP IT NOW BEFORE IT'S TO LATE!
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Sue August 7, 2009 at 12:22 p.m.
Well Korky - it looks as if our last posts have been something of a conversation killer!!! Maybe (and with any luck) this is because everyone is too busy trawling the greyhound rescue sites to offer a home to one of these fabulous dogs!! Well, we can but hope!
I think dogs are at their happiest when they have a job to do, and so to a degree I find myself not really at odds with people who will say that greyhounds love to race, just as I accept that border collies enjoy herding sheep. What I find reprehensible about the racing industry is that not enough attention is paid to safety for the dogs, to their comfort and well being. Here they are making big money for their owners and trainers, and they deserve better. They shouldn't be made to do anything which doesn't come naturally for them. Perhaps racing them on a circular track is something which should be looked at, and certainly, their kennelling needs to be much improved. How can a dog which is sore from lying on a hard surface then be expected to get up and win a race? If more attention was paid to safety, then good racers might not be injured so often and would make even bigger profits for those who stand to gain. Then when the dog is considered past its best, it should have a dignified retirement. There are places for retired greyhounds which are not doggy knackers yards, and where they will be cared for by people who have their welfare at heart. Not all owners and trainers ill treat their dogs, but those who do and those who aid and abet them are the lowest of the low and deserve everything they get once they are found out.
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korky August 3, 2009 at 10:09 a.m.
Sue how right you are my greyhound likes nothing better than her bed on her back with her legs in the air, we walk her round the fishing lakes near us about two miles round one of them after about 30 to 45 minutes she will turn round and head for the car and if we stop to talk to anyone she will lie down, Greyhounds are great pets if you can not get around very well she knows I can not go at a fast pace so she adjusts to my pace, if my daughter takes her she will go a little faster BUT only for a short time. Greyhounds are great pets for the elderly, inferm and are wonderful with children
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Sue August 3, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.
sw179508 - fully share your sentiments, save for one thing, which I had to mention, and this is that greyhounds do NOT need lots of exercise. I have a greyhound X and if you read other posts, they all agree with me. These dogs exercise in spurts, but for the rest of the time they love nothing better than a comfy bed to curl up on. This is just one of the things which makes them great pets for busy people. We walk ours for 2 x 30 mins sessions every day, and frankly, if she could get out of this much, she probably would! People think of greyhounds as being really energetic and therefore hard work to own as pets, but they are anything but! If you don't already have a greyhound as a pet, please reconsider and don't be put off by the idea that it would run you ragged!
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sw179518 July 31, 2009 at 5:18 p.m.
I've always loved greyhounds, and seeing them raced and ruined like this is heartbraking for anyone who has seen or heard about it! To think that people can push dogs to the limit on the track, and then hole them up in tiny cages is abominable! Obviously greyhounds need lots of exercise, but even THEY can't be surviving well in those positions! HELP IT STOP NOW!
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korky July 30, 2009 at 10:54 a.m.
Marta I'me so sorry for you and you greyhound I wish you both all the best with all my heart,I too have a rescue greyhound and she is my angle on four legs, she was also retired because of broken toes but lucky for us we have not had any trouble they mended but at an angle, the tracks are not only round but the dogs only ever run anti clockwise so that puts all the strain on one side, horses run both ways,I don't agree with any sport that put's an animal at risk,people talk about nasty animals but it's humans that make them that way, well done Marta for taking care of your greyhound, and hugs for Jim
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TillyFlop July 29, 2009 at 4:50 a.m.
Greyhound racing should be illegal. The dogs are bred to excess & the conditions they have to live in are poor. Once they can't race they're of no use to the owner. Why should a dog exist purely for the entertainment of humans !!
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mariaxmatthew July 27, 2009 at 9:44 p.m.
Im goin to try and b good because then people say to me wot do i think about dog racin i start f**kin this and f**kin that. they shouldnt be aloud to do it i rescue ex racer nd try my best to help them get over ill health due to it. iv av to give it up for a bit as iv had to rescue a puppy staffie after just losing both my two grayhound ne last sept at the age of 17 and my baby in jan at just 7 i got him at 6months and he was only given a year as we found out he had bin shot but made it till 7 he did well. and if i ever find the person that did it il kill them myself. my other dog was an ex racer however and he was brought to me for his own safty as he couldnt race any more nd the owner was goin to kill him for this so they wouldnt be able to track him with the markings but they did he is never aloud animals again. but that isnt good enough they kept him lock in a cage that wasnt big enough for him, fed on a poor diet (you could see all him ribs) beat him when he didnt do well and after losing a few races was guna kill him for not doin his job. what job we are the ones that are meant to have jobs to look after them there job is that they are a pet, to be loved given all the water and food they need and if they get ill we pay for them to get better not get left in a cage with no room to move and left to die. the people that do this should be given the same treatment and left in a cage and see how they feel. I hate these people. thats it now cant put no more its upsetin my thinkin a bout it.
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kul12 July 26, 2009 at 10:28 p.m.
http://en.uniteddogs.com/stopkillingdogs/#signform
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kul12 July 26, 2009 at 10:26 p.m.
Sorry i know this aint got nothing to do with the topic, but please animal lovers espcailly dog lovers please sign the petition on this website http://en.uniteddogs.com/stopkillingdogs/#signform They need 1 million signs to stop dog meat in south korea
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yassiec July 25, 2009 at 8:06 p.m.
I have a friend who adopted a retired grey hound and he is a fine happy dog, although i still think it is disgusting that most people use these dogs for money and when they retire just dump them and dont care about what happens to them. i disagree with dog racing and agree with 'marta' that making the tracks circular is cruel.
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marta July 25, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.
i've already said somethings about my views on greyhound racing. I RESCUED jIM mARCH 08 and when I saw him he went on 3 legs a bit. Iasked why and they said he'd broken his toe racing but that the vet said he'd be fine. I brought him home happily. 3 weeks later he had to have that toe off. The 2 middle toes of rear hind foot take double weight of the dog as it goes round the bend and it is only thoes 2 toes that take all that pressure. I've seen his Xray and the toe bones are very fine, slim. Hence it's a common injury. What had happened was that a small piece of bone had broken away and without blood supply became infected. One could have given him antibiotics but the prob would have come back. the cast has to be put on very tight and the first was ok but when the vet checked and changed the cast it was a tiny bit tighter and by that night we had to go to the vet and have it off. He screamed in pain all the way to the vets and at the vets I had to help and hold him down for the vet to get the cast off. we were thereabout 2hrs. It had rubbed on the scar from the initial accident on the track and the pressure sore from that same after track treatment.
Now, he can't have a cast and his only m iddle toe is flat. He will have to slowly build a callus on the left side of that toe and wear a shoe I'm getting for walking. This shoe will mainly be to stop any problems that could occur and cause infection. Without this toe he would have to have his leg off. I know that some dogs have that and do well etc.It wasn't what I had in mind when my dog came to me. He is of course handsome and gentle and he did love to run. He stopped pretty quickly running left and would zig zag to avoid my lurcher catching him. I feel so sad today even though I guess it will all be ok. Greyhound racing will get new regulations but the tracks will still be circular and dogs will still suffer life long injuries. It should all stop. Also, now I wont be unable to insure that leg and any future treament will have to be paid for by me. I'll do it if needs be but the racing industry makes a fortune and should give a ton more to deal with these issues. Pay for their ridiculous pleasures.
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Sue July 22, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.
Mags - as usual, I agree with you! Though my greyhound X doesn't seem to have any chase instinct whatsoever, unless I've got food in my hand, then I have her undivided attention and she will follow me anywhere!
Korky - glad you looked at the Spanish stuff because people forget that greyhounds are abused in Europe too, not just here. But yes, it does break your heart and it makes you feel sick, angry and helpless all in one go. I don't know which site you looked at but there are plenty of them devoted to the galgo and the podencas (spanish greyhound and whippet types to anyone who doesn't know what I am talking about). My dog isn't an ex racer, and a lot of ex racers are not so good with cats. I would definitely consider homing an ex racer (female) if she was cat friendly. My cats don't run away from dogs though, they are used to the two big soft things I already have. I am glad you love your dog so much. I would lay down my life for my two girls.
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Mags53 July 22, 2009 at 10:09 a.m.
All dogs like to chase and catch things, it's in their nature. Greyhounds are bred to be able to go faster than most other breeds. There's nothing wrong per se in greyhound racing as the dogs will enjoy the chase BUT it's how they're kept when they are still racing and how they are retired that has to be kind and humane. As in most things, what is needed is strong control over practices NOT banning.
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korky July 21, 2009 at 7:19 p.m.
I have signed to support the RSPCA in this campaign, I adopted a retired greyhound last year she is the most loving and affectionate dog I have had, greyhounds are quick to learn and very bright, she is my angel on four legs,
Sue I have taken a look at Spain on the web it's heart braking
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Anne1 July 21, 2009 at 11:51 a.m.
I was anti-racing for around 18 years, however, now I own a retired greyhound and know a little more about the industry I feel that an all out ban on racing would be the wrong way to go. The best thing that can be done for these dogs is for money to continue to be put into racing but with much more money from the industry being committed to aftercare and the promotion of owning these amzing creatures as pets.
Whilst I cannot comment on all aspects of the industry or speak for all trainers, I will say in their defence that there are a lot of trainers who do look after their dogs extremely well. The racing industry does also put money towards the care of these dogs after racing and then there is the brilliant work carried out by the Retired Greyhound Trust once these amazing dogs have retired from racing.
I would like to see much more done to help these dogs after racing but it isn't all bad news within this industry.
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krymzon July 21, 2009 at 11:09 a.m.
there is no need for animal cruelty in this world. animals have a right to a happy life just like us. i want to work with animals mainly rescue animals so i feel im doing something to help animals and bring them a bit of happiness.
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lel July 20, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.
I have two rescue dogs and one is a greyhound. She was extremely ill treated and at first cost us quite a bit of money to get her back to full health. Trainers need to look after their dogs a lot better then they do and the kennels need to be regularly monitored to ensure the well being of these lovely dogs. Thousands are retired every year with no thought given to their well being after they have finished their use to the owner/trainer and that is quite despicable behaviour in my mind.
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beth1357 July 19, 2009 at 5:38 p.m.
i think it is horrible my sister is anna1234 and i agree with her all the way. It is cruel and the way they are treated for money is horrible. Then they are retired and shot for like Ten pounds...!
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anna1234 July 19, 2009 at 5:35 p.m.
The way they treat the greyhounds is horrible, my halfsister used to work in a racing kennels and she said they use to take it in turns to let their dog win. They used to drug their dog one week and then starve it the next etc etc. I think it is cruel. My mum wanted to rescue one but we had a cat and 3 dogs so we cant!
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Bluepanther1 July 18, 2009 at 6:32 p.m.
I do not like any sport that uses animals to make money, greyhound racing, horse racing etc.... And not all Greyhounds are lucky enough to find a home at the end of their racing days - there are thousands of greyhounds currently racing in this country, and although the people at the RGT do a sterling job in trying to find homes it's impossible to ensure the safety of all of them, something should be put into place to protect them all and to stop breeders and trainers making loads of money at the expense of a greyhounds life!
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icemankimi July 18, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.
I own a retired greyhound, I know the owners(trainers) of the kennel where he came from and all of the dogs there are extremely well looked after and are happy dogs. Greyhound racing is a British tradition, its been going for hundreds of years, I'm neither for it or against it, but, those that are against it can I ask, are you for or against horse racing? bedcause its the same thing, using animals for sport, entertainment and to make money. Granted, many retired greyhounds have an uncertain future, infact, many will never see the light of day again once they retire and this is because people won't give them the loving home they deserve because they think that because they are racing dogs they need a lot of exericise and also because they are big dogs they eat a lot and will be expensive to keep when infact, it's the complete opposite, when a racing greyhound is retired it wants to spend most of its time just lying around relaxing, trust me, my dog is just like this, he loves to go outside in the garden and sun bathe and when he's not doing that he's asleep on the sofa, he does like his walks as long as it's not a long one and he certainly doesn't eat a lot. He can be curled up on the sofa and my cat will come in and snuggle up with him and he doesn't move, I used to have a rabbit which he never bothered with either. I've had many dogs and my greyhound is oone of the best dogs I've ever had, he's quiet, clean, friendly, great with kids and other animals could you ask for more?
Ok, not all greyhounds are the same, they each have their own personality, but, it's rare to find one that will make a terrible pet. People just need to be educated and made aware that they won't be hard work or expensive and that they need homes otherwise a healthy, loving dogs life will be terminated, legally or, sadly, illegally, as it is in most cases. The Retired Greyhound Trust opperates from all dog tracks around the UK trying their best to find homes for these magnificent dogs, but still, far too many are dying needlessly when they make fantstic pets. So come on people give these animals a chance adn give them a home, it doesnt matter if you support greyhound racing or not, do your bit to save these dogs!!!!!!!!!
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playdo July 17, 2009 at 11:32 p.m.
cruelty to dogs is wrong and what goes on with greyhounds is wrong.its all about money....shame on anyone involved in this cruelty.saddos
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Lioness July 17, 2009 at 8:38 p.m.
My father raced greyhounds throughout my childhood and I have many fond memories of growing up with greyhounds around. We kennelled the greyhounds at home as family pets and they were well looked after. I never remember seeing an unhappy greyhound during my childhood years, at home, at race meetings or associates of my fathers. The greyhounds that we kept loved racing and whilst walking them they would try and jump into peoples car boots if they had them open because they thought they were going to the track. Racing is something greyhounds love to do but feel that racing a greyhound should be about sharing something special with the animal, not making profit. As a child watching our family pet race made me very proud and repectful of this magnificent animal. I have been fortunate enough not to see the welfare of a greyhound suffer but I am aware that many do suffer behind closed doors. Greyhounds are very sensitive, affectionate gentle animals and I feel that the welfare of racing greyhounds needs to be protected on and off the track by new legislation. All racing greyhounds deserve a nice home to retire in.
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Bluepanther1 July 17, 2009 at 3:44 p.m.
Not enough is being done to help these lovely gentle natured dogs. I have three ex racing greyhounds and they really do make fantastic pets, they all deserve a better quality of life after they have retired, it's time to take a good hard look into the behaviour of the breeders and also the trainers, and make some tougher laws regarding the welfare of the Greyhound - a lot of these people are only interested in money and do not care what happens to the dogs after they have retired.
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Sue July 17, 2009 at 2:11 p.m.
McCulloch - it is nice to hear that there are good people out there who do look after their dogs well. Of course we know that not every greyhound trainer or owner is cruel, but we only hear about the cruel ones, usually. There is however still a substantial welfare problem associated with this sport (if sport is the right word, as for some it is just about profit), and the responsible greyhound owners and trainers who are on the ground in the business are the ones who can play an important role in setting an example to those who abuse or neglect their dogs. It is a sad state of affairs that we should have to even think of regulation, but that's life I suppose, and life is cruel.
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mcculloch29 July 17, 2009 at 10:41 a.m.
Thank you to those who have posted sensible responses and not called for an overall ban on the sport. A ban would just add to the thousands of dogs euthanased each year and drive the sport underground. further away from the improved regulation that is needed.
I know of someone whose racing dog was put to sleep after a freak accident at a track and he was devastated, as was the trainer.
He has had several dogs and whilst his personal circumstances do not allow him to offer them a home when their racing days are over, he does his utmost to find them good homes and ensures the very best care for his dogs in racing by choosing his trainers carefully.
Thanks also to those who have shared the lovely stories of their former dogs. I am not in a position to offer a dog a home at the moment but I know that when I am, my choice will be a retired or non-racing greyhound.
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Sue July 16, 2009 at 1:13 p.m.
Avarion - How I agree with you!!! Still, as you know, the greyhound racing industry is run or to a great extent managed by people who do NOT have the interests of the dog at heart. As with anything else, there will be some good people who will treat their dogs with respect, but they are likely to be overwhelmingly in the minority because the greyhound industry is making money for people, and wherever you get money you get greed and corruption. Rules and regulations are there to be broken or misinterpreted in the quest for profit. So regulate the industry more effectively or ban it, but if the choice is regulation, it has got to be tight regulation and it has to be enforced. A rule or a law is only ever as good as the will to enforce it.
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Avarion July 16, 2009 at 12:20 p.m.
As with all issues involving cruelty and exploitation, once again people are to blame for the diminished welfare of greyhounds. Some trainers do genuinely love their dogs and participate in races for enjoyment, not for money. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a dog won't be hurt on the track, so we must ask a very serious question: why subject an animal to that kind of potential danger in the first place?
In my view, I wouldn't allow racing without changing the rules and regulations to maximise the safety and welfare of greyhounds. Right now it feels as though present rules act primarily to maximise profitability. If a dog is not deemed fit to race, in most cases it is destroyed, and this kind of attitude towards racing dogs appeals to the sort of people who simply are not fit to have animals in their charge.
For me, the entire sport needs to be overhauled and stripped of its present mentality. No dog is expendable and should not be treated as such. Tighter controls, tighter restrictions, and tighter rules and regulations that look after the interests of the DOG.
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modernl July 16, 2009 at 11:45 a.m.
I disagree the dogs shouldn't be raced, owning a greyhound mix myself I've learnt their passion for running.
I am definately for this campaign because the welfare of them is just absolutely disgusting. I don't think the idea of the sport is at all cruel, but the people involved are. You don't get this kind of attitude with other dog sports, and if you do it's quickly taken care of. But you also don't make money out of other dog sports, so I guess the answer lies right there.
Hate the player not the game!
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gnaomim July 15, 2009 at 8:42 p.m.
The little I know of dog races is all bad. Personally, and a feeling that is even more cemented by the posts here, I feel that racing ANY animal should be banned. In my opinion it's no more humane than dog fights in the end. I know there are those who are responsible about it, but the majority are not. And it's hard on the animals; they may look happy, every dog likes to have a job to do, but I really think that the races are too hard on them physically and they are almost never taken care of properly afterwords. Dogs deserve better. All animals do but dogs especially. Any animal that is so blindly loyal to a human being should never be so used and abused.
(I feel pretty much the same way about horse racing too.)
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lindaluvdup July 15, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.
I have heard stories of dogs being drugged, causing them problems after they've retired, and of them being injured during racing because the race organisers deliberately put the dog in a position that is was very likely to be hurt in order to affect the race result. I know nothing off my own back but it sounds like basic race fixing, and no one seems to be able to stop it. So even with a caring owner and trainer it can be impossible to protect dogs. It's similar to stories around horse racing but the cruelty seems to be either better hidden or, maybe because dogs are smaller and/or there are so many of them, no one cares enough to report on these issues. The problems are well known amongst owners and trainers.
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sydney July 15, 2009 at 9:11 a.m.
i work with geyhounds, i see alot put to sleep due to injury, how do injurys happen?? because the idiots at the dog tracks dont look after them in the races, they put themin the wrong orders, like a inside runner on the outside , ?????, also, our dog track!! you can only trail ur dog 6 times, if it does not grade , in these 6 trails, thats it? why is that, why do they have to do a fast time?? if a dog can and willin to run , let it , make slower races, we have about 10 dogs what cant do gradeing time , wat happends to them the owners put them down ,, them dogs are going to waste because of track rules, all the people who go to dog tracks and have a small bet on a fri or sat night, dont care how fast the dog runs , one of them is going to win, they just pick a dog and put a £1 on it .so crap dogs /puppies of 18 months get put down , so they dont have to pay for them, trainers get bad mouthed because they put them down, wat about the owners who just leave the dogs wen they dont want them , and dont bother paying there bill,every trainer cant keep every dog its impossible. i dont see the rspca at dogs tracks makeing sure the track and track rules are safe, the rspca never does enough till its to late , they should more power !!!
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rachelh265 July 14, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.
During my teens I grew up around greyhound racing - as my parents were trainers (as a hobby not a lifestyle). We considered all of our greyhounds as pets not money machines, which unfortunatly a huge number of trainers do. All of our retired greyhounds either resided with us or we found them loving homes. Losing a few of them on the track was the most terrible thing to witness especially after you take them in and love them like you would a dog that lays around on your sofa.
We used to race at a track in the east of England and during about a 6 year period we witnessed dead dogs being taken out of their kennels after being drugged with ectasy, trainers filling their dogs tummy with mince and sugar to slow the dog down on the track (which makes the dogs violently ill). Amongst other awful things. I truly believe the treatment of greyhounds is appauling (to some, not all) and the regulations of greyhound racing need to be looked at - especially the "flapping" tracks. I 100% support this campaign and will get others to do so too!
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lindaluvdup July 14, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.
We have two ex-racers as pets - they truly are the most wonderful, affectionate and fun dogs you will ever find. They're so easy going and loving - and they're lovers of comfort and lazing around...no matter what they've been through.
Anyone reading this that hasn't joined the campaign already to improve the lot of these fantastic dogs, please, I beg you, join us and pass the word around to get as many people involved as possible.
We have an ancient pact with many animals but none more so than dogs, all dogs, and greyhounds should never receive less favourable treatment than any other dog but they frequently do. Many people in the racing industry treat them cruelly, or like they're less than nothing. The dogs only have us, those they don't know, to depend on to help them. Please do all you can to help to stop the suffering. Thank you.
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oonaghballoo July 14, 2009 at 2:25 p.m.
i had a rescued greyhound when i was younger and she was the best pet ever but she was so nervous and scatty because of the was she had been treated. she was abandonned by her owners as she wasn't good enough to win the races she was out in for her treatment during her time racing wasn't known but i believe to have been badly treated just due to her behavioural ways once she was with us. Greyhounds are notoriously lazy but will run for mile and miles if its in a circle, when we first got her we'd take her into the fields and she would run round nd round in a circle til she was exhausted i belive this to be because of the lifestyle she was accustomed to. i think racetracks and the lifestyles of racing greyhounds needs to be so tightly regulated that this mistreatment is not possible. the sad thing is there are actually some decent people who race greyhounds and treat them like royalty, i have met some of these people recently and am in awe of the way the behave towards their animals. people often believe that animals are a lower species to humans but the way humans treat each other and animals is often pure evil, this needs to be stopped.
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marta July 14, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.
It would be good to stop greyhound racing as my rescue greyhound has problems from his racing days. My concern is that the flapping tracks would probably continue and that would be just as bad. The areas in racing that cause problems need to be changed. The turn is too hard and this causes man y dogs to break toes on left back foot. Dogs that can no longer race should be passed onto a rescue organisation by law. The rescue orgs must all be financially supported by the racing industry. Any injuries should be paid for by the racing industry.There should always be a representative appointed by the rescue organisations at all races. The industry show us that they are not to be trusted and as with many other things MONEY reigns. I love my greyhound and my lurcher and they are fantastic with children, gentle and what they are all desperate for is love and affection.
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Maru12 July 14, 2009 at 12:01 p.m.
I have 2 ex racers a handsome boy and a pretty girl. I have never been to greyhound races before so I decided to go and have a look myself what my gorgeous doggies have been put through. When we arrived at a stadium crowded with drunk people shouting out rubbish I thought oh my god. My main interest was paddock to see what the trainers do with the dogs before and after they race. I was horrified by the kennels well that little shoe box with no light or window,concrete floring no bedding. The poor dogs being pulled about by their trainers or owners.You could see the FEAR in the dogs eyes "thinking what`s going to happen to me now". Almost all of the dogs had diarrhoea as they were so nervous and shaking. Every single dog had bald patches due to poor bedding. I was DISGUSTED BY GREYHOUND RACING!!!!! Now I understand why my beautiful dog has diarrhoea when we go out, why he was/is scared of everyhting and anything, why he steals food as he was starved before each race to improve his performance on the track, why he refuses to go near a car and I could go on and on and on. I am not even saying anything about what is happenig to them after they are no longer usefull to entertain the crowd having a great night out. I am asking all the people well rather monsters involved in greyhound racing industry and also all the people having a great night out WHY WHY WHY??? What have the poor dogs ever done to be treated like this??? I think I know they have done wrong they trust people that`s their diadvantage!
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Sue July 13, 2009 at 3:18 p.m.
I am so glad about the number of intelligent and sensible posts on this thread supporting greyhounds and condemning the greyhound racing industry. I would just like to add to my earlier post that my greyhound X was ill treated before I rehomed her, although she was never a racing dog (too lazy!) She stole food because she had been starved, she had no recall, her legs are scarred and she was terrified of a dog lead (obviously having previously been whipped with one). Now her lead means walkies and she sits obediently to have it clipped on. She doesn't steal food any more. Her recall is now really good. Her legs are still a problem. Some days she will be running around with our other dog and will suddenly scream out because she has landed awkwardly, then she will limp for a while. The vet has looked at her legs and one of them in particular has a slight deformity. There isn't anything much he thinks he can do. Occasionally she has trouble jumping into the car and we have to help her up. This has been the case since we first had her and she is now 6 years old or thereabouts, but for the most part she is okay and you wouldn't realise she has a problem. When her legs are not bothering her, which is most of the time, she can run like the wind, and it is lovely to watch. We have been warned that as she gets older, arthritis could set in, and she could be in a lot of pain. If that happens, we will take her to canine hydrotherapy and do all we can to give her the best quality of life possible. For those who have commented on cats, Mollie is really gentle with our seven cats, and we love her to bits. We wholeheartedly condemn the racing industry and those who profit from it. We support a ban or at least regulation, and we are glad that there seem to be so many like minded people out there. There is simply no justification for the way some people treat these beautiful dogs. They make the most fantastic pets.
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greyhoundadvocate July 12, 2009 at 8:54 p.m.
I participate in a charity street collection in aid of rescued greyhounds on average once per month in UK shopping centres. It is fair to say that virtually every donor in these towns on a Saturday morning is well aware of the ills in the greyhound racing industry as a result of the Sunday Times exposé of the Seaham slaughter in 2006 and of the killing of greyhounds for £20 per greyhound by a knacker's yard in Hertfordshire in 2008. In the latter case the killing cost just two pence per greyhound and the disposal was covered by the rest of the twenty pounds.
The Sunday Times coverage referred to the Inland Revenue's annual income of £70m from greyhound racing. Consequently, every donor at these street collections (regardless of whether or not they are dog owners) is abhorred by the fact that the government makes a significant amount of money on the back of a cruel industry. The regulations proposed by DEFRA concentrate only on welfare at the track. If implemented, they will ignore "off-track" welfare, which is where the atrocities we have seen in the past occur. The cases of greyhounds being killed with the bolt gun will not be prevented by these regulations. The time has come for ethical taxation and independent regulation.
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fastdogsaregreyt July 12, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.
I rehomed my beautiful greyhound one year ago. She retired from racing at the age of two due to injury. She adapted to a home environment relatively quickly with children and two cats! She is a fantastic addition to our family we all love her very much, she is loving, gentle very placid and laid back. We homed her from the Retired Greyhound Trust who work endlessly to find loving homes for these dogs and I am sure there are many as well as myself who are grateful for the work that they do. I am so glad that the RSPCA are working to end the suffering of these dogs and to highlight what is happening to them during their racing careers and at the end of their careers. Please support them in their work. If you are reading this and considering giving a home to a rescue dog please consider a greyhound you wont regret it. I am hoping to rehome another in the future. I am totally smitten I just adore greyhounds. They make wonderful pets. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN.
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Blindpugh July 12, 2009 at 4:35 a.m.
Clash Nitro and Rent A Flyer - Rest In Peace
12.07.09
Sunday July 12th marks the third anniversary of Clash Nitro’s and Rent A Flyer’s death at Seaham in County Durham, where David Smith’s conveyor belt of mass destruction killed an estimated 10,000 innocent greyhounds.
In memory of those nameless ten thousand greyhounds and of Clash Nitro and Rent A Flyer, please light candles and click here to their Remembrance page to reflect for a moment in silence…………thank you
http://greytexploitations.com/in-remembrance
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Suewo July 11, 2009 at 10:50 p.m.
We have adopted a beautiful 4 year old retired greyhoud, called Chillie. He's been with us for 1 year now. His day starts when he climbs on the bed to walk us up! He is the most perfect addition to our family. I can't comprehend why these people mistreat these animals they way they do, it makes me ashamed to be a member of the same race.
Chillie is one of the lucky ones who will be looked after by his new mum and dad and 2 sisters for the rest of his life, where he is loved and cared for as all greyhounds should be
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Paxos July 11, 2009 at 10:47 p.m.
I thought I rescued Parker six years ago but turns out he rescued me! He was lucky as there was a good greyhound rescue network where I lived and I'm proud that we re-homed many dogs that were due to be euthanased, but we funded 95% of the driving, medication, food etc out of our own pockets.
It's still the same today - the public have so many demands on their money from charities. I'm delighted to see RSPCA lobbying government for fundamental changes to the greyhound industry as regards welfare & funding.
Parker still loves to run - even at the age of 11 - but he is currently in his favourite spot (sheepdog rug under the stairs) and can be found there nearly 23 hours of the day. Spotless clean, affectionate, intelligent, he is my rescuer as he has taught me to slow down, and our walks together are always fun.
I pray more people realise that retired greyhounds make fabulous pets/companions, and that the racing industry becomes better-managed and regulated.
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ellagordon July 11, 2009 at 8:29 p.m.
We had never even considered a greyhound as a pet when our mongrel rescue died, but were talked into it by our local Dog Warden talked us into it. We adopted our first greyhound Ella from Sun Valley, Celia Cross Greyhound Rescue, and never looked back. It didn't take long for all the myths about greyhounds to be disproved and by the time she died last October it was like losing a child in the family. Today we have another rescue hound, and to tell the truth will never consider another breed. I love the way an earlier blogg describes the 40mph couch potato, because that is exactly what they are! Rossi came to us in fairly good condition compared to the way he entered the rescue centre, and today his coat is glossy, his teeth are immaculate and he is a dog socialite thanks to the obedience classes we have attended together. I don't trust him off his lead at the moment, but that will come. He is a happy soul who asks only for a couple of little walks a day, two nicely prepared meals, and LOADS of bed space, including the sofas and lots of dog beds around the house, garden and garage. I fail to understand the cruelty surrounding these beautiful animals, more should be done to publicise how they are treated before, during and after racing, and the government should MAKE SURE that the people who own these beloved creatures within the racing society are registered and tracked down if they cannot provide proof of where their dogs have gone once they are retired.
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batty July 11, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.
As I type our gorgeous ex-racing greyhound is lying in her favourite position - on her back with legs spread out. We got her 2 years ago from Perry Barr Retired Greyhound Trust and she has enriched our lives so much. She is poetry in motion when running full speed. The look she gives us when we feed her something good melts our hearts. They get under your skin and you can't help but fall in love. There are lots of horror stories relating to greyhound racing and it's purely a business where the dogs are just commodities. Once they're too old or slow or never make the grade they are callously disposed of. Only about a third are found homes. Greyhound racing should be banned or at least heavily regulated by independent, qualified people. Greyhounds are beautiful animals, love fuss, are good with children and love to slob out all day with the odd walk. Please support the RSPCA campaign and, if you're thinking of getting a dog, please consider a greyhound.
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justinexx July 11, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.
i have worked in a racing kennels for 9 years previously and have seen the way these dogs are treated and did not like it one bit. when i first started working there i was told not to give then any affection which i did not follow as i believe all animals should be given love and affection. these animals are kind and gentle and soo trusting which i could not believe.
i took a greyhound home from the kennel after she had brocken her hock which the trainer did not bother to get fixed and left it heal all deformed leaving her with not a good quality life.
i took her to a vet who then repaired her leg as has given her a good quality of life she now lives in harmony with a jack russell and 2 cats and is spoilt which she deserves.
i am hoping that enough people will sign this and a law will be put in place to give these wonderful dogs the protection they need as they cannot speak for themselves and need us to do that for them.
i also belive that none of them should be euthanised once they have finsihed racing and that a rule should be stated that each one should be found a home of luxury that they deserve.
when working in this environment you see how different trainers treat their dogs some are nice to them and others have no respect for them all they care about is the dog making them money and when they dont they couldnt be bothered to care for them anymore.
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terrier56 July 11, 2009 at 9:43 a.m.
We have a retired greyhound and it breaks our hearts to think of the way this beautiful delighful affectionate girl lived her life before she came to us. Quite apart from the obvious cruelties involved in her working life, she was treated badly. Her coat was threadbare in places and full of fleas, her teeth were bad, and she didn't know how to play. She stole food at every opportunity, accustomed to being kept hungry, she didn't take any chances where food was concerned and grabbed what she could and when she could. Two years later she has a full glossy coat, no fleas, much improved teeth and better health generally. She no longer steals food, and is a happy friendly gentle girl who had added so much to our lives. We believe that greyhound racing should be banned.
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animalowner July 10, 2009 at 6:59 p.m.
Hi folks, wouldn't it be lovely if we REAL animal lovers could get hold of the callous owners of these beautiful greyhounds and put them in stalls to race until they were spent and then get rid of them when they reached the end of their usefulness!!!! I wonder how they would cope. It would be interesting, anyone like to put it to the test? Or am I being too cruel to the so called human race? We have a greyhound rescue over here in Jersey and they are beautiful natured dogs. Sadly I live in a flat so can't have one but would if I could, thats for sure.
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londiniumgaia July 10, 2009 at 6:12 p.m.
what a disgrace that's my view
our fellow creatures are not on this earth to entertain us
watch telly go to the cinema get on the internet
goodbye to cockfighting
goodbye to dog fighting
goodbye to those magnificent creatures horse racings
goodbye to zoos
goodbye to greyhound racing
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Fairy July 10, 2009 at 12:16 p.m.
I have worked in a vets with greyhounds, both racing and rescue and pet greyhounds. they are such sweet, affectionate, gentle dogs. Some of them are retired very early because they wont race or are too slow as young as 1year old. Some have good trainers that keep ex racers as pets and try to find their dogs new homes and take good care of them, others come to us infested with fleas and worms. The rescue dogs get neutered and have their teeth cleaned (greyhounds are fed foods that make them run faster but often rot their teeth, many of the rescue dogs have to have a few teeth removed due to poor diet). Trainers bring dogs in for artificial insemination because they wont always breed. Though some of the dogs end up pregnant by mistake at the racing kennels (they can get injections very early on to stop unwanted pregnancies) but I have seen them brought in for late abortions of puppies. Up to a week before they would be due to have the puppies, its done as a ceasarian which is a very big operation for any animal and it seems cruel and unnecessary to put dogs through that. the puppies are put to sleep by humane injection as soon as they start to show signs of life. Owners and trainers should take responsibilty for their dogs and puppies. Its not right to treat dogs this way.
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Stitch July 10, 2009 at 10:54 a.m.
I don't suppose, due to human greed, that greyhound racing will be stopped, not in the near future, but steps must be taken to expose the true nature of some trainers, etc. In this country we ( OK some ) abide by the law and only through the law can the plight of these extremely loving dogs be stopped. Politians must be made to stop and consider all life and raising the standard for all living in this country. I have / had 2 greyhound and a whippet and it breaks me to see these super dogs treated in such an inhumane way.
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Rich79 July 10, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
I now have 3 ex racers and one that never raced and agree with comments above. They do not require that much excercise, either two 20minute or 1 40-45 minute walk a day, sometimes they aren't even bothered if they get a walk, as they are quite content lazing around all day. We have also fostered for a local greyhound charity and have been shocked at the number of dogs that are just thrown out and left to fend for themselves. One of ours even had his toes broken so no one else could make any money from him. They are wonderful pets, usually good with children (as we have found) and gives us great pleasure in looking after them. I would urge anyone to consider having a greyhound as a pet!
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bobm July 10, 2009 at 7:41 a.m.
This govenment promised to help racing greyhounds,but all they have done is changed the name of the NGRC (national greyhound racing club)and called it GB GB (greyhound board of Great Britain)Its still the same.Most greyhounds still suffer after racing.About 1 in three are homed.They keep breeding more and more in hope that they'll get a champion,and no thought for the fate of the slow ones.
Thank god for the RSPCA
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kernowmidgit July 9, 2009 at 9:20 p.m.
I have a greyhound cross and I am appalled at what I am hearing and I am glad that I am treating an animal so well, and want the others to have the same treatment.
I always had an incling that something was up, as when ever I saw them on the track, I could see in there faces that it isn't what they wanted, it's kinda like animal cruelty- dancing bears, etc. So when we hear that after that is over that they are then kept in really small cages or even just killed as they are not needed. How heartless.
People don't realise that animals have as much feelings as human beings and they should be treated as they would like to be. Humans, when they retire sometimes go on glamourous cruises, or are put in really nice homes. How would they like it if they were put in a one roomed flat and weren't allowed out- or even killed as soon as they retire- think people!!!
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lotty July 9, 2009 at 8:45 p.m.
we have two ex racers Jock and Jordan. I`m sure that one of them would not be around today if we had not stepped up. I can confirm that they really do not need miles of walking and are very happy to sleep lots and will definately steal your heart.It makes me feel ill to read the websites out there that report the disgusting ways in which these amazing hounds have been disposed of. Ears cut off,micro chips sliced out of skin,hung,drowned,shot and buried in mass graves.Surely its about time that the "sport" is throughly investigated and perhaps ban the betting side of this issue. This might just get rid of the so called dog lovers who are in it just for the profit. This is already happening in other EU countries and apparantly seems to be working.It is a real joy to see these hounds running but even better to see them having an enjoyable care free retirement.Please just think about the dogs when you go to the track for your fun night out.
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Tigress July 9, 2009 at 6:48 p.m.
As the owner of two beautiful retired greyhounds, I have long been a campaigner for improved legislation in this so called sport.
One of our dogs was a champion in 2005 at the age of two years. We adopted her just after her 4th birthday. She had obviously become surplus to requirements. She was one of the lucky ones and will spend the rest of her life in comfort and safety with our family.
As a previous poster has mentioned, greyhounds are not called '40 mile an hour couch potatoes' for nothing! They only need short walks and spend most of their time asleep on one of the many duvets scattered around our home.
We had never considered adopting a greyhound as we have an elderly relative who lives with us and believed that they would be too much for her to cope with. How wrong we were! They make ideal pets for older folks as well as younger ones. They are gentle, sensitive and loving dogs and give so much pleasure.
I'm not saying that they are the easiest of dogs to own. Some can have issues. Our male dog is wonderful with people, but becomes very aggressive towards dogs that are not greyhounds. We are winning the battle in getting him used to other dogs, but it will take time, love and patience. We always take our dogs out muzzled because they are trained to chase small furry things and the last thing we want is for some poor cat to become greyhound food! Some dogs will live quite happily with small furry creatures and I have heard of greyhounds being trained to the level of walking off the lead and having total recall, but I doubt ours will ever get to that stage. Nevertheless we love them dearly and can honestly say that our lives have been enrichened by these gorgeous dogs.
Please, please, please, lend your support to this campaign so that we can move towards stopping the greyhound industry being self regulated and force it to be open about it's practices and treatment of the dogs. They are living creatures, not disposable assets, and deserve the right to a decent life, or, if they become seriously ill, the right to a dignified and humane death.
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Sue July 9, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.
Greyhound racing has long been a subject of debate and controversy, and it is good to see it now being highlighted on this forum. The greyhound racing industry is big money and is rife with cruelty. The dogs are poorly treated in many cases from the word go, they live in uncomfortable cages and suffer sores from lying on the ground. They are frequently injured during races, only then to be "disposed of" by the cheapest means available, and that usually means inhumanely by anyone who is willing to do it. Not all greyhound owners and trainers are cruel and inhumane, but a lot are because they are just in it for the money, and once the dog is not fit for the purpose, the end is inevitable. The greyhound industry in Ireland and Spain are particularly notorious, although one of the most notorious tracks in Spain was eventually closed down. Greyhounds have been found dead and dying with their ears cut off so that their ear tattoos could not lead to their owners being identified. There was a prosecution in South Wales I think some years back of a man who used to kill "retired" greyhounds for £10 a time, and he wasn't short of business, so that should tell you something about the industry. Three dead greyhounds which had also been skinned were washed up on a beach not that long ago. They are shot, hung, drowned - you name it, any horrific method is used. If you take the trouble to look up greyhound sites, you will see that the situation in Spain affecting Spanish Greyhounds (Galgos) is just as bad. In the racing industry, these dogs are viewed primarily as profit rather than pets, but greyhounds actually make fantastic pets. I have a greyhound X who has never been a racing dog in her life, but she is absolutely lovely. Contrary to the image they have as racers, they don't actually need a lot of exercise to be happy. Mine couldn't be bothered to drag herself out of her pit for a walk, and quite frankly if we didn't make her, she would probably be content to lie there all day! Please anyone reading this, take the trouble to look at the various websites about greyhound welfare here and in Spain. It will open your eyes, and please support the RSPCA campaign to protect them.
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Clogs July 9, 2009 at 9:49 a.m.
I never really new that greyhounds could suffer as they obviously look happy and well cared for on the track. It's upsetting to think that they may spend all their time when they're off the track in a tiny cage. Poor things. I will respond to the consultation now.
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