Hi,
I was just wondering if greyhound racing is cruel.
You see I read in a book that quite a few have got all sorts of enjuries like
broken toes, foot & ankle problems and even spinal problems because of
running so fast around in a circle on a bend.
Also, worse than that, as they only race for about 2 years when they finish
racing not all find good new homes, some get put to sleep or are abanded.
A case which caught my eye was a pair who were abanded soaked in petrol,
their owner tried to burn them!
It might not be cruel at all and there is just some very cruel people in the
world but I just wanted to see some other points of view,
Jenny.

Hi,
I think, on face value, the actual racing part of it is not cruel, if its at licenced tracks. There are two kinds of dog track, licenced ones, adn unlicenced 'flapping' tracks.
What is cruel, in my opinion, is the lack of welfare for these dogs. Dogs do injure them selves racing, but since they have no concept of teh future, that in itself is not cruel. What is cruel is lack of veterinary attention afterwards.

Most dogs racing career is over by the age of 5, they start racing at 18 months old.
There does need to be much more effort put into the welfare of retired racers, and also making the public aware of what does go on at dog racing kennels. Also, people need to be much more aware that retired greyhounds can make very undemanding pets!

Em

I totally agree with everything theemx said.
We had a greyhound who we rescued. She was a great runner and held the record for the fastest pup at the track where she ran. She got attacked by a couple of pit bulls and was left in such a state she couldn't run again.
She then got passed on to a poacher was used for a litter of pups. I stepped in when I knew she was no longer wanted or needed as the case may be.
She was 1 of the very few lucky one. We gave her a loving home and she went on to live to 13. She was a marvelous dog they make just amazing pets.