Greyhound racing

{{Short description|Form of dog racing using greyhounds}} {{Redirect2|Dog race|Dog racing|the winter sport|Sled dog racing|other uses|Dog racing (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}} {{Use British English|date=February 2026}} [[Image:JASDogRace.JPG|right|thumb|Several greyhounds before a race]] '''Greyhound racing''' is an organised, competitive sport in which [[greyhound]]s race on dedicated tracks. The modern track form of the sport developed from hare [[Hare coursing|coursing]]<ref name="Genders 1981">{{cite book|last=Genders|first=Roy|title=the Encyclopaedia of Greyhound Racing|year=1981|publisher=Pelham Books Ltd|isbn=0-7207-1106-1}}</ref> and uses a mechanically operated artificial lure (usually a form of [[windsock]]) that travels along a rail ahead of the dogs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://towcester-racecourse.co.uk/strategy-on-the-track-an-exploration-of-greyhound-racing-lines/ |title=Tracks with Outside Hare (United Kingdom and Ireland) |website=Towcester Racecourse |date=28 November 2023 |access-date=21 April 2025}}</ref> As with horse racing, greyhound races frequently involve [[Parimutuel betting|parimutuel]] or [[bookmaker]] betting.<ref name="Haslett-2008">{{cite book |last=Haslett |first=Tim |title=Chasing Dreams: A History of Victorian Greyhound Racing |year=2008 |url=https://www.grv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Chasing-Dreams.-History-of-Victorian-Greyhound-Racing.pdf |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref><ref name="britannica-dog-racing">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Lewis |first=Robert |title=Dog racing |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. |url=https://www.britannica.com/sports/dog-racing |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref>

In many countries, greyhound racing is conducted at an amateur level. In other countries, particularly Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, it forms part of the commercial gambling industry.

In recent years, greyhound racing has declined in several jurisdictions, with a number of countries and regions introducing bans or phase-outs, often citing animal welfare concerns.

== History == [[File:Greyhound Racing 2 amk.jpg|right|thumb|Greyhound on a gallop]] [[File:EERSTE INTERNATIONALE WINDHONDENRENNEN VAN 1939-PGM4011567.webm|thumb|Greyhound hurdle race in 1939]] Modern greyhound racing has its origins in coursing.<ref name="britannica-dog-racing"/> The first recorded attempt at racing greyhounds on a straight track was made beside the [[Brent Reservoir|Welsh Harp]] reservoir, [[Hendon|Hendon, England]], in 1876, but this experiment did not develop. The industry emerged in its recognisable modern form, featuring circular or oval tracks, with the invention of the mechanical, or artificial, hare in 1912 by an American, Owen Patrick Smith. Smith had altruistic aims for the industry to stop the killing of the jack rabbits and see "greyhound racing as we see horse racing".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.greyhound-data.com/knowledge.php?b=4&note=902566|title=Greyhound Knowledge Forum|website=www.greyhound-data.com|access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref> In 1919, Smith opened the first professional dog-racing track with stands in [[Emeryville, California]].<ref>Jane Alexiadis, ''[http://www.mercurynews.com/home-garden/ci_19602930 What's it Worth? Greyhound collection sale to benefit charity]'', San Jose Mercury News (23 December 2011).</ref> The Emeryville arena was torn down in February 1920 to make way for the construction of a modern racetrack using the mechanical lure, described in the press as the "automatic rabbit."<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39455601/centennial_of_greyhound_racing_revival/ "Emeryville Arena Being Torn Down; Lumber Used To Build Coursing Park— Automatic Rabbit Electrically Controlled Brings Ancient Sport Back Within Law"], ''Oakland Tribune'', February 13, 1920, p18</ref> The first race at the new park was on Saturday, May 29, 1920.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39455701/first_modern_greyhound_race_with/ "Emeryville Coursing Park Opens Saturday"], ''Oakland Tribune'', May 27, 1920, p18</ref>

The oval track and mechanical hare were introduced to Britain in 1926 by American promoter Charles Munn, in association with Major Leslie Lyne Dixson{{efn|His name appears in variant forms in published sources, including “Lyne-Dixon”,<ref name="Genders 1981"/>{{rp|5}} "Lynne Dixon"<ref name="Laybourn2019">{{cite book |last=Laybourn |first=Keith |title=Going to the Dogs: A History of Greyhound Racing in Britain, 1926–2017 |publisher=Manchester University Press |year=2019 |isbn=9781526114518}}</ref>{{rp|22}} and “Lynne Dixson”.<ref name="Huggins2006"/>{{rp|31}}}},<ref>{{cite book |last=Russell |first=Edmund |title=Greyhound Nation: A Coevolutionary History of England, 1200–1900 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2018 |pages=186–187 |doi=10.1017/9781139049269.008}}</ref> a coursing judge.<ref name="Huggins2006">Mike Huggins, "Going to the dogs." ''History Today'' 56.5 (2006): 31+.</ref> Finding other supporters proved rather difficult, however, and with the General Strike of 1926 looming, the two men scoured the country in an attempt to find others who would join them. Eventually they met [[Alfred Critchley|Brigadier-General Critchley]], who introduced them to Sir [[William Gentle]].<ref name="Genders 1981"/> Between them they raised £22,000, and like the American 'International Greyhound Racing Association' (or the I.G.R.A.), they launched the [[Greyhound Racing Association]], holding the first British meeting at [[Manchester]]'s [[Belle Vue Stadium]]. The industry was successful in cities and towns throughout the United Kingdom – by the end of 1927, there were forty tracks operating.<ref name="CC">{{cite book|last=Culpepper Clarke|first=Carlo F|title=Greyhound and Greyhound Racing|year=1934|publisher=Methuen & Co Ltd (London)}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Ash|first=Edward C|title=The Book of the Greyhound|year=1933|publisher=Hutchinson & Co. Ltd (London)}}</ref>

The emergence of greyhound racing occurred amid wider reformist opposition to commercial gambling in the late 1920s.<ref name="Baker1996">{{cite journal |last=Baker |first=Norman |title=Going to the Dogs—Hostility to Greyhound Racing in Britain: Puritanism, Socialism and Pragmaticism |journal=Journal of Sport History |volume=23 |issue=2 |year=1996 |pages=104–106 |jstor=43609987}}</ref> The working-class delighted with the emergence in the late-1920s of Greyhound racing as an entertaining new sport and betting opportunity. At first it seemed modern, glamorous, and American, but the middle class lost interest when working-class audiences took over.<ref name="Huggins2006"/><ref>Daryl Leeworthy, "A diversion from the new leisure: greyhound racing, working-class culture, and the politics of unemployment in inter-war South Wales." ''Sport in History'' 32.1 (2012): 53-73.</ref> The working class appreciated the nearby urban locations of the tracks and the evening times of the meetings. Betting has always been a key ingredient of greyhound racing, both through on-course bookmakers and the [[totalisator]], first introduced in 1930. Like [[horse racing]], it is popular to bet on the greyhound races as a form of parimutuel betting.

In recent years animal welfare organisations have raised concerns regarding injury rates, breeding practices, euthanasia of injured or uncompetitive dogs, and post-racing traceability, which had led to reforms, particularly in the United Kingdom with the 'Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010'<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2010/9780111489727 |title=The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 |website=legislation.gov.uk}}</ref> and Australia with the 'Greyhound Racing Act 2017 No 13'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2017-013 |title=Greyhound Racing Act 2017 No 13 |website=NSW legislation}}</ref>

== By country == [[Image:Greyhound racing turn.jpg|thumb|right|Greyhounds rounding a turn on a track]]

Greyhound racing is conducted in various jurisdictions worldwide. In some countries it operates as a regulated commercial gambling industry, while in others informal or illegal racing has been reported.<ref name="ABC-China-Illegal-2023">{{cite news |last1=Farrell |first1=Paul |last2=Hui |first2=Echo |title=Inside the international operation using Australian greyhounds to grow China's illegal racing industry |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-14/australian-greyhounds-export-china-illegal-racing/102841872 |work=ABC News |date=14 September 2023 |access-date=14 February 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-Punjab-Illegal-2025">{{cite news |title=Illegal greyhound races stopped across Punjab, legal action under way |work=The Times of India |date=30 January 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/illegal-greyhound-races-stopped-across-punjab-legal-action-under-way/articleshow/117702194.cms |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> Commercial greyhound racing generally involves licensed racetracks and legalised wagering, and is regulated at the state or national level. The structure and scale of the industry vary by jurisdiction.<ref name="Pew">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2019/10/29/once-one-of-americas-favorite-pastimes-greyhound-racing-eats-dust|title=Once One of America's Favorite Pastimes, Greyhound Racing Eats Dust|website=www.pewtrusts.org|date=29 October 2019 |access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref> Commercial greyhound racing operates in a limited number of countries.<ref name="Cameron2024">{{cite web |last=Cameron |first=Kristie E. |author2=Alison Vaughan |author3=Marie J. McAninch |author4=Kayla Briden |author5=Arnja Dale |title=Cross-Sectional Survey of Public Perception of Commercial Greyhound Racing in New Zealand |url=https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/2/207 |website=Animals |publisher=MDPI |date=8 January 2024 |access-date=16 February 2026}}</ref>

=== Australia ===

In Australia, greyhound racing is regulated at the [[States and territories of Australia|state and territory]] level.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Ashton |first1=Graham |last2=Thomas |first2=Zoe |title=Independent Inquiry into the Governance of the Greyhound Racing Industry in South Australia |publisher=Government of South Australia |date=30 November 2023 |url=https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/972010/Greyhound-Racing-Inquiry-Report.pdf |page=30 |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref> The [[Australian Capital Territory]] banned greyhound racing in 2018,<ref>{{cite news |title=Greyhound racing: ACT passes legislation to ban the sport as industry warns fight is not over |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-28/act-to-become-first-to-ban-greyhound-racing/9203140 |work=ABC News |date=28 November 2017 |access-date=10 February 2026}}</ref> amid the fallout from the [[2015 Australian greyhound racing live baiting scandal]], including findings of widespread animal cruelty by a [[New South Wales]] special commission of inquiry.<ref>{{cite news |last=Francis |first=Adrienne |title=ACT greyhound racing must end within weeks: Greens |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-08/greyhound-racing-act-greens-demand-practice-end-within-weeks/7579578 |work=ABC News |date=7 July 2016 |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |author=Michael McHugh |title=Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in New South Wales |publisher=State of New South Wales |date=16 June 2016 |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/Special%20Commission%20of%20inquiry%20volume%201_0.pdf |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref> In [[Tasmania]], legislation providing for a staged phase-out passed the [[Tasmanian House of Assembly|House of Assembly]] in 2025, with racing scheduled to end by 2029, subject to final parliamentary approval.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tasmania's greyhound ban passes parliament's lower house — here's what happens now |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-05/greyhound-racing-legislation-passes-house-of-representatives/106090430 |work=ABC News |date=5 December 2025 |access-date=10 February 2026}}</ref> Australia has been described as the world's largest commercial greyhound racing industry.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 September 2025 |title='It's just wrong': Vet nurse calls out greyhound racing amid inquiry |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-17/wa-greyhound-racing-parliamentary-inquiry/105781496 |access-date=15 February 2026 |work=ABC News}}</ref>

=== China === Greyhound racing was held at the [[Canidrome (Shanghai)|Canidrome]] in [[Shanghai]], built in 1928,<ref name="Jackson2005">{{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Beverley |title=Shanghai Girl Gets All Dressed Up |publisher=Ten Speed Press |year=2005 |isbn=1-58008-367-6 |page=33}}</ref> where racing ceased during the [[Second World War]] and did not resume thereafter.<ref name="SHTong">{{cite web |title=第四节跑马厅跑狗场 (Chapter 4: Horse race course; dog racing track) |website=上海地方志办公室 (Shanghai Local History Office) |publisher=Shanghai Social Science Press |year=2001 |url=http://www.shtong.gov.cn/node2/node2245/node72149/node72160/node72234/node72238/userobject1ai78456.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627191105/http://www.shtong.gov.cn/node2/node2245/node72149/node72160/node72234/node72238/userobject1ai78456.html |archive-date=27 June 2016 |language=zh |access-date=20 February 2026}}</ref> Racing was also conducted at the [[Canidrome, Macau|Canidrome]] in [[Macau]] from 1932 to 1938 and again from 1964<ref name="SCMP1991">{{cite news |last=Parke |first=Robin |date=12 October 1991 |title=Increase in Irish imports expected: Macau Canidrome |work=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/increase-irish-imports-expected/docview/1753882668 |via=ProQuest}}</ref> until July 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=The closing of the Canidrome! |url=https://www.macaubusiness.com/the-closing-of-the-canidrome/ |access-date=8 August 2021 |website=Macau Business}}</ref> Australia was the primary supplier of dogs to Macau, with large numbers also imported from Ireland.<ref name="SCMP1991" /> After the operating deadline expired, officials reported that 533 greyhounds had been abandoned at the facility,<ref name="govmo-2018-07-21-262326">{{cite web |title=逸園遺棄格力犬於狗場民署保障格力犬得到照顧 |website=澳門特別行政區政府入口網站 |date=21 July 2018 |url=https://www.gov.mo/zh-hant/news/262326/ |language=zh-hant |access-date=20 February 2026}}</ref> and the operator was subsequently fined over [[Macanese pataca|MOP]] 25 million under Macau's animal protection law.<ref name="govmo-2019-01-09-269488">{{cite web |title=市政署完成對逸園遺棄動物之處罰程序 |website=澳門特別行政區政府入口網站 |date=9 January 2019 |url=https://www.gov.mo/zh-hant/news/269488/ |language=zh-hant |access-date=20 February 2026}}</ref> Organised greyhound racing has been staged at the [[Shanghai Wild Animal Park]], where a purpose-built track was constructed in 2003 for racing involving imported Australian greyhounds.<ref>{{cite news |title=上海建成大型跑狗场将举行赛狗群英会 |trans-title=Shanghai builds large dog racing track; racing events to be held |date=21 August 2003 |work=新民晚报 (Xinmin Evening News) |language=zh |url=https://news.sina.cn/sa/2003-08-21/detail-ikkntiak7883957.d.html |via=Sina}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=赛狗重现上海滩每条格力犬价值2万元 |trans-title=Dog racing returns to Shanghai; each greyhound worth 20,000 yuan |date=13 June 2004 |work=新民晚报 (Xinmin Evening News) |language=zh |url=https://news.sina.cn/sa/2004-06-13/detail-ikkntiam0118829.d.html |via=Sina}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Duff |first=Eamonn |title=Australian greyhounds forced to race cheetahs at Shanghai Wild Animal Park |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-greyhounds-forced-to-race-cheetahs-at-shanghai-wild-animal-park-20170526-gwe27l.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=27 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=It can be a dog's life in underground racing world |date=3 May 2011 |work=The Irish Times |page=5 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/can-be-dogs-life-underground-racing-world/docview/864296490 |via=ProQuest}}</ref> Investigative reporting has also examined the export of Australian racing greyhounds to China in connection with welfare concerns and unregulated racing and breeding activities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Knaus |first=Christopher |title=Australian greyhound owners fined over exports to cruel conditions in China |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/10/australian-greyhound-owners-fined-over-exports-to-cruel-conditions-in-china |work=The Guardian |date=10 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="ABC-China-Illegal-2023" />

=== India === Greyhound racing was conducted in [[Presidencies and provinces of British India|British India]], including in [[Kolkata|Culcutta]] (now Kolkata) and [[Udhna]], where race meetings were held in the 1930s and early 1940s and were subject to government regulation, including temporary bans.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dog racing at Jubbulpore: Successful introduction of new sport |work=The Times of India |date=11 April 1934 |page=13 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/dog-racing-at-jubbulpore/docview/250749510/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Greyhound racing at Calcutta: Government ban raised |work=The Times of India |date=19 May 1938 |page=13 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/greyhound-racing-at-calcutta/docview/250778930/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Greyhound racing at Udhna: Successful opening meeting |work=The Times of India |date=4 March 1940 |page=10 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/greyhound-racing-at-udhna/docview/328545264/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref> These activities did not develop into a sustained domestic industry.

A further attempt to introduce greyhound racing was made in [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (now Mumbai) in the 1970s, where the [[Government of Maharashtra|Maharashtra government]] approved licensed greyhound racing events at the [[Cricket Club of India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Bill moved to regulate casinos, bets |work=The Times of India |date=2 July 1976 |page=1 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/bill-moved-regulate-casinos-bets/docview/498090367/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dog racing on CC premises allowed |work=The Times of India |date=10 June 1976 |page=4 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/dog-racing-on-cc-premises-allowed/docview/609692599/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bombay going to the dogs? |work=The Times of India |date=18 July 1976 |page=11 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/bombay-boing-dogs/docview/498092143/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref>

Reports from 2024 to 2026 describe greyhound racing events in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and other parts of the country,<ref>{{cite news |title=Who Let the Dogs Out? |work=The New Indian Express |date=24 February 2025 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2025/Feb/24/who-let-the-dogs-out-2 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> including rural races using mechanical lures, with authorities halting or cancelling several planned races following complaints.<ref>{{cite news |last=Neel |first=Kamal |title=Mansa administration cancels permission to greyhound race following PETA India intervention |work=The Times of India |date=22 December 2024 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/mansa-administration-cancels-permission-greyhound/docview/3147872623/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref name="TOI-Punjab-Illegal-2025" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Kolhapur police stop illegal greyhound race after PETA complaint |work=The Times of India |date=7 January 2026 |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/kolhapur-police-stop-illegal-greyhound-race-after/docview/3290733707/ |via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Punjab shuts down illegal greyhound races, dog fights; PETA calls for tougher laws |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 January 2025 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jan/31/punjab-shuts-down-illegal-greyhound-races-dog-fights-peta-calls-for-tougher-laws |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> In August 2025, the [[Animal Welfare Board of India]] issued an advisory stating that greyhound racing is illegal under existing law in India, and directing authorities to prevent such events.<ref>{{cite web |title=Advisory to Prevent and Prohibit the Illegal Conduct of Greyhound Races in various Parts of the Country (dated 04.08.2025) |publisher=Animal Welfare Board of India |date=4 August 2025 |url=https://awbi.gov.in/uploads/regulations/175438498810Advisory%20of%20illegal%20Greyhound%20Races%20dated%2004.08.2025.pdf |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> === Ireland ===

Greyhound racing in Ireland is overseen by [[Greyhound Racing Ireland|Rásaíocht Con Éireann]] (GRI), a commercial semi-state body that operates and regulates the majority of greyhound racing tracks and reports to the [[Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2014 Annual Report |url=http://www.igb.ie/globalassets/report-pdfs/annual-reports/annual-report-final2014.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.igb.ie/globalassets/report-pdfs/annual-reports/annual-report-final2014.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |publisher=Irish Greyhound Board}}</ref> Northern Irish tracks are treated as part of Irish greyhound racing, with results published by GRI and not governed by the [[Greyhound Board of Great Britain]] (GBGB).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grireland.ie/results/ |title=Results |website=Greyhound Racing Ireland |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gbgb.org.uk/rules-regulation/licensing/tracks/ |title=Racecourses |website=Greyhound Board of Great Britain |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref>

=== New Zealand ===

Greyhound racing in New Zealand is administered by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) under the ''Racing Industry Act 2020''.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.grnz.co.nz/about-nzgra/about-us.aspx |publisher=GRNZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Racing Industry Act 2020 |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2020/0028/latest/whole.html |website=New Zealand Legislation |publisher=Parliament of New Zealand |date=30 June 2020 |access-date=14 February 2026}}</ref> On 10 December 2024, [[Minister for Racing (New Zealand)|Minister for Racing]] [[Winston Peters]] announced that the sport would be banned, citing animal welfare concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2024 |title=Greyhound racing to be banned in New Zealand, Winston Peters announces |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536217/watch-greyhound-racing-to-be-banned-in-new-zealand-winston-peters-announces |access-date=10 December 2024 |website=RNZ}}</ref> The ban provides for a phased closure over 20 months to allow for the rehoming of an estimated 2,900 racing dogs, with the final race to occur no later than July 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrah |first=Michael |date=11 December 2024 |title=Winston Peters announces greyhound racing ban to protect dog welfare |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/winston-peters-announces-greyhound-racing-ban-to-protect-dog-welfare/WOGNW5WPHBHSPPWT7RYXMHIAXI/ |access-date=11 December 2024 |website=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> The legislation to implement the ban passed its second reading unopposed in March 2026, with the government citing persistently high injury rates in the industry despite previous reforms.<ref>{{cite web |last=Collins |first=Louis |title=MPs lament greyhound ban but still vote for it |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thehouse/590732/mps-lament-greyhound-ban-but-still-vote-for-it |website=RNZ |date=26 March 2026 |access-date=28 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill — Second Reading |url=https://hansard.parliament.nz/hansard-transcript/2026-03-24/bills-racing-industry-closure-of-greyhound-racing?sId=ab31322bdbbf488b81b6d6213edd5c52 |website=New Zealand Parliament (Hansard) |date=24 March 2026 |access-date=28 March 2026}}</ref>

=== United Kingdom ===

Greyhound racing in Great Britain is regulated by the GBGB and accredited by [[United Kingdom Accreditation Service]].<ref>{{cite web |date=31 December 2019 |title=GBGB Press Release |url=http://greyhoundstar.co.uk/gbgb-press-release-9/ |website=Greyhound Star}}</ref> There are 18 GBGB-licensed stadia in Great Britain, including one in Wales.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our racecourses |url=https://www.gbgb.org.uk/racing/race-courses/ |publisher=Greyhound Board of Great Britain |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref> In 2026, legislative action to ban greyhound racing was taken in parts of the UK, with differing policy positions across its constituent countries.

==== England ==== Following votes in Wales and Scotland to ban greyhound racing, the UK government has said it has no plans to introduce a ban in England,<ref>{{cite news |title='No plans' for UK greyhound racing ban beyond Wales |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93kklzn14yo |work=BBC News |date=28 February 2025 |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref> citing the sport’s cultural and economic contribution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8757y5yj7zo|title=Greyhound racing outlawed in Scotland after MSPs back ban|website=BBC News|date=18 March 2026|access-date=19 March 2026}}</ref> ==== Wales ==== On 17 March 2026, the [[Senedd]] voted 39 to 10, with two abstentions, to ban greyhound racing in Wales.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gwawr |first=Elliw |title=Greyhound racing to be banned in Wales after Senedd vote |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd899emn1yo |work=BBC News |date=17 March 2026 |access-date=19 March 2026}}</ref> The [[Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Act 2026]] received royal assent on 27 April 2026, and as per section 6 of the act, the ban must be [[Coming into force|brought into force]] by the Welsh Government no earlier than 1 April 2027, and no later than 1 April 2030.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Rhodri |title=Greyhound racing ban legal challenge rejected |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce84vm147ryo |work=BBC News |date=21 March 2026 |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite legislation Wales | type = seneddact | year = 2026 | chapter = 11 | title = Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Act 2026}}</ref> A legal challenge brought by the GBGB was rejected by the High Court.<ref>{{cite court |litigants=R (on the application of Greyhound Board of Great Britain Ltd) v Welsh Ministers [2026] EWHC 670 (Admin) |date=20 March 2026 |url=https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Greyhound-Board-v-Welsh-Ministers-Approved-Judgment.pdf}}</ref>

=== United States ===

[[File:Greyhound right ear tattoo.jpg|thumb|Ear tattoo on an American racing greyhound. Ear tattoos (along with microchips) are used for identification of greyhounds during their racing careers.]] {{main|Greyhound racing in the United States}}

In the United States, greyhound racing is regulated at the state level. As of 2025, only two racetracks in [[West Virginia]] remain in operation.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 June 2022 |title=Part One: W.Va. Will Soon Have The Country's Last Greyhound Tracks |url=https://wvpublic.org/part-one-w-va-will-soon-have-the-countrys-last-greyhound-tracks/ |access-date=June 14, 2023 |website=WVPB}}</ref> Federal legislation was introduced in [[United States Congress|Congress]] in 2025 to prohibit commercial greyhound racing, with 28 co-sponsors from both major parties.<ref name="HR5017">{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5017/text |title=H.R.5017 - Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 |publisher=United States Congress}}</ref> In March 2026, the [[United States House Committee on Agriculture|House Committee on Agriculture]] adopted an amendment incorporating provisions of that legislation into the [[United States farm bill|Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026]] (H.R. 7567), which would prohibit commercial greyhound racing, simulcast betting on greyhound races (including on foreign races), and related activities nationwide.<ref name="WVPB2026">{{cite news |last=Yohe |first=Randy |title=Proposed Federal Bill Would End Greyhound Racing Nationwide |work=West Virginia Public Broadcasting |date=13 March 2026 |url=https://wvpublic.org/proposed-federal-bill-would-end-greyhound-racing-nationwide/ |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref><ref name="HR7567Amendment25">{{cite web |title=Amendment offered by Rep. Salud Carbajal to H.R. 7567 |publisher=U.S. House Committee on Agriculture |url=https://www.congress.gov/119/meeting/house/118990/documents/BILLS-119-25-C001112-Amdt-25.pdf |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref> In April 2026, the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] passed H.R. 7567, as amended, by a 224–200 vote.<ref>{{cite web |title=Votes: H.R. 7567 |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes?BillNum=H.R.7567&RollCallNum=154 |access-date=3 May 2026 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref>

Greyhound registration is administered by the [[National Greyhound Association]] (NGA),<ref>{{cite web |title=Home Page |url=https://www.ngagreyhounds.com/Home |publisher=National Greyhound Association |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007040142/https://www.ngagreyhounds.com/Home |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=American Greyhound Council – Greyhound Care at the Track |url=http://www.agcouncil.com/greyhound-care-on-the-farm/greyhound-care-at-the-track/ |access-date=8 August 2016 |work=agcouncil.com}}</ref> while welfare and adoption initiatives are coordinated by the American Greyhound Council.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greyhound Care at the Track |url=http://www.agcouncil.com/greyhound-care-on-the-farm/greyhound-care-at-the-track/ |publisher=American Greyhound Council}}</ref>

=== Vietnam === Greyhound racing operated at Lam Son Stadium in [[Vung Tau]] from 2000 to March 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vung Tau greyhound racing to end as license expires |url=https://theinvestor.vn/vung-tau-greyhound-racing-to-end-as-license-expires-d3979.html |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=theinvestor.vn |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=VnExpress |title=Vung Tau's landmark dog track closing after 23 years - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vung-tau-s-landmark-dog-track-closing-after-23-years-4578180.html |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam |language=en}}</ref> The track was established by Dr John Newell, a former chief veterinarian of Greyhound Racing NSW, and later received Australian greyhounds exported for racing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Drapalski |first=Megan |title='Slow' greyhounds exported for slaughter |newspaper=The Australian |date=9 December 2015 |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/nation/slow-greyhounds-exported-for-slaughter/news-story/740a875be00590c681b97ab93e9e6622 |access-date=19 February 2026}}</ref> In 2025, the government approved a new greyhound and horse racing complex in [[Lâm Đồng province|Lam Dong Province]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hong Ngan |author2=M.V. |title=Vietnam approves horse, greyhound racing complex with betting in Lam Dong |work=Tuoi Tre News |date=22 February 2025 |url=https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnam-approves-horse-greyhound-racing-complex-with-betting-in-lam-dong-10384737.htm |access-date=19 February 2026}}</ref>

== Former locations == === Argentina === Greyhound racing was widespread in Argentina prior to its prohibition, with racing occurring across multiple provinces under varying regulatory arrangements.<ref name="ABC-Argentina-2016">{{cite news |title=Argentina considers nationwide greyhound racing ban as London closes last dog racing track |work=ABC News |date=14 October 2016 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-14/argentina-considers-nationwide-greyhound-racing-ban/7929656 |access-date=16 February 2026}}</ref> It formally ended in November 2016, when the [[Argentine National Congress|National Congress]] enacted Law 27.330, which prohibits the organisation, promotion or holding of dog races throughout the national territory and provides for criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines.<ref>{{cite news |title=Argentina lawmakers pass law banning greyhound racing |work=KSL.com |agency=Associated Press |date=17 November 2016 |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/42243629/argentina-lawmakers-pass-law-banning-greyhound-racing |access-date=16 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ley 27.330 – Prohibición de carreras de perros |url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/nacional/ley-27330-268503 |publisher=Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina |date=16 November 2016 |access-date=16 February 2026}}</ref>

=== Mexico === There was one greyhound racing track in Mexico, the [[Caliente Hipódromo|Caliente Hipodrome]] in [[Tijuana]], that hosted races from 1947 to July 14, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caliente |url=https://www.greyhound-data.com/stadia.htm?land=us&st=16044 |url-access=subscription |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=Greyhound Data |language=en}}</ref>

=== Scotland === Scotland's last remaining track, [[Thornton Stadium]] in [[Fife]], suspended operations in March 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Orme-Claye |first=Ted |title=Scotland putting final nail in coffin of greyhound racing |url=https://sbcnews.co.uk/retail/2025/09/09/scotland-greyhound-racing/ |website=SBC News |date=9 September 2025 |access-date=14 February 2026}}</ref> On 18 March 2026, the [[Scottish Parliament]] passed the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill, a [[Scottish Green Party|Scottish Green]] member's bill introduced by [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] [[Mark Ruskell]] to ban greyhound racing across Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/greyhound-racing-offences-scotland-bill |title=Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill |website=Scottish Parliament |access-date=24 March 2026}}</ref> It was approved by 70 votes to 27, with 19 abstentions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/chamber-office/minutes-of-proceedings/march-2026/chamber_minutes_20260318.pdf |title=Minutes of Proceedings, 18 March 2026 |work=Scottish Parliament, Parliamentary Year 5, No. 96, Session 6 |access-date=24 March 2026}}</ref>

=== Uruguay === Greyhound racing was prohibited nationwide by executive decree in 2018, with the Presidency stating the activity involved animal cruelty and illegal gambling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Decreto 431/018 Prohibición de realizar carrera de perros, cualquiera sea su raza, dentro del territorio nacional |url=https://www.gub.uy/presidencia/institucional/normativa/decreto-431018-prohibicion-realizar-carrera-perros-cualquiera-sea-su-raza |website=Presidencia de la República (Uruguay) |date=26 December 2018 |language=es}}</ref> Decreto N° 431/018 bans the holding of dog races of any breed throughout the national territory, with enforcement measures linked to existing animal welfare legislation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Decreto N° 431/018 |url=https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/decretos/431-2018 |website=IMPO – Diario Oficial |language=es}}</ref>

== Retirement == A greyhound's racing career typically ends between the ages of four and six<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oxford-stadium.co.uk/blog/how-old-are-greyhounds-when-they-stop-racing/ |title=How old are greyhounds when they stop racing? |website=Oxford Stadium |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> when the dog can no longer race or is not competitive. Selected stud dogs and brood bitches may be retained for breeding,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://britishgreyhoundbreedersforum.co.uk/information/ |title=New to breeding? |website=BGBF |access-date=11 February 2026}}</ref> while others are rehomed through industry-associated and independent adoption organisations.

In the United Kingdom, the GBGB has introduced measures to record the post-racing location of greyhounds, with records publicly available since 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Welfare & Retirement |url=http://www.gbgb.org.uk/welfare.aspx |publisher=Greyhound Board of Great Britain}}</ref>

Approaches to the retirement and rehoming of racing greyhounds vary by jurisdiction. In the United Kingdom, the GBGB introduced the Greyhound Retirement Scheme in 2020, requiring licensed racing greyhounds to be registered with an approved Greyhound Retirement Scheme (GRS) homing centre after racing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://greyhoundstar.co.uk/gbgb-bond-scheme-press-release/ |title=Press Release |website=Greyhound Star |date=September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gbgb.org.uk/greyhound-retirement-scheme/ |title=Greyhound Retirement Scheme |website=Greyhound Board of Great Britain |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> In the United States, where commercial greyhound racing has largely ceased, adoption organisations report high rehoming rates for retired racing greyhounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.agcouncil.com/adoption-programs/ |title=American Greyhound Council – Adoption Programs |website=American Greyhound Council |access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref>

== Medical care == The medical care of a racing greyhound is primarily the responsibility of the trainer while in training. All tracks in the United Kingdom have to have a veterinary surgeon and veterinary room facilities on site during racing.<ref name="welfare">{{cite web|url=http://www.gbgb.org.uk/welfare.aspx|title=Welfare|publisher=Greyhound Board of Great Britain}}</ref> The greyhounds require microchipping, annual vaccinations against [[Canine distemper|distemper]], [[infectious canine hepatitis]], [[parvovirus]], [[leptospirosis]], and a vaccination to minimise outbreaks of diseases such as [[kennel cough]].<ref name="greyhounds.org">{{cite web|title = Answers to Commonly Asked Questions|publisher = Greyhound Protection League Official|url = http://www.greyhounds.org/gpl/contents/common.html|access-date = 19 November 2012|archive-date = 27 November 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121127222059/http://www.greyhounds.org/gpl/contents/common.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> All greyhounds in the UK must pass a pre-race veterinary inspection before being allowed to take part in that race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gbgb.org.uk/welfare.aspx|title=Rule 113 part iii|publisher=Greyhound Board of Great Britain}}</ref>

The racing industry (in several countries) actively works to prevent the spread of [[Doping (sport)|doping]] cases. Attempts are being made to recover urine samples from all greyhounds in a race, not just the winners. Greyhounds from which samples cannot be obtained for a certain number of consecutive races are subject to being ruled off the track in some countries. Violators are subject to criminal penalties and loss of their racing licenses by state gaming commissions and a permanent ban from the NGA. The trainer of the greyhound is at all times the "absolute insurer" of the condition of the animal. The trainer is responsible for any positive test regardless of how the banned substance has entered the greyhound's system.<ref name="greyhounds.org" />

A series of research papers have indicated that the greyhound racing industry played an important role in the rise of [[Drug resistance|drug-resistant]] [[Hookworm|hookworms]]. Greyhound farms tended to treat greyhounds with dewormers even when the dogs did not have an active infection, thus enabling worms, which are constantly exposed to drugs, to develop immunity against the drugs among the surviving worms. The rise of drug-resistant hookworms poses a threat to pets and humans more generally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paridon |first=Bradley van |date=2023 |title=How Greyhound Racing Drove the Evolution of a Superparasite |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-greyhound-racing-drove-the-evolution-of-a-superparasite/ |website=Scientific American |language=en}}</ref>

== See also == * [[Coursing]]

== Notes == {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Greyhound Racing}} [[Category:Greyhound racing| ]] [[Category:Animal racing]]