Scotland and Wales have recently taken monumental steps to end the suffering of dogs by passing bans on cruel greyhound racing. Both nations have made an important leap forward in compassion, surpassing their neighbour England, where this cruel sport unfortunately remains legal and active at over a dozen racetracks throughout the country.

Greyhound racing is a devastating industry for the dogs unfortunate enough to be caught up in it. Treated like machines rather than living beings, these animals are kept in small, barren cages for up to 23 hours a day, released only for the few minutes they spend running at dangerous and unnatural speeds for the entertainment of gamblers. Dogs begin racing at just eighteen months old, and many are dead before they reach the age of four or five. The injuries are relentless: broken legs, spinal injuries, and severe head trauma are commonplace as these animals are pushed to their physical limits at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. On average, a greyhound used for racing dies every three days. Thousands of dogs are needed to keep active racetracks running, and thousands more are euthanized every year, discarded by the industry when they are no longer profitable due to injury, age, or simply failing to perform to the standards demanded by the seedy, low-life gamblers who profit from their suffering.

The abuse extends far beyond the track. A 2022 investigation uncovered emaciated dogs and the dead bodies of other dogs in the kennels of a trainer near Driffield, leading to charges. But there is no way of knowing the true extent of the cruelty that goes unreported in this deeply unethical industry. When animals are treated as disposable commodities in service of grubby gambling operations, there is no meaningful way to ensure their safety or wellbeing will ever be prioritized.

Greyhounds are sometimes described as "45-mph couch potatoes" for their calm, gentle, and affectionate nature. They are loving, loyal family dogs who deserve so much better than to be used, abused, and thrown away by an industry that sees them as nothing more than a vehicle for profit. England should be ashamed of falling behind its neighbours and clinging to this antiquated and disgraceful practice. Scotland and Wales have shown the way. It is long past time for England to follow and finally free the entire island from the shame of this form of institutionalized dog torture.

Take Action Now

Please join Species Unite in calling on England to ban greyhound racing now!