Greyhound Racing Records and Industry Criticisms

Greyhound racing has been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, but behind the scenes, the industry has been plagued by controversy and criticism. The sport has a long history, dating back to ancient Egypt, where greyhounds were bred for speed and agility.

The fastest recorded greyhound speed is 45 miles per hour, achieved by a dog named Chickasaw Count in 1952. This incredible speed is a testament to the breed's natural athleticism.

Greyhound racing has also been criticized for its treatment of the dogs, with many arguing that the sport is inhumane and cruel. The industry has faced numerous scandals and allegations of animal abuse, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for reform.

Related reading: Grey Hound Adoption

The first recorded attempt at racing greyhounds on a straight track was made beside the Welsh Harp reservoir, Hendon, England, in 1876.

The industry emerged in its recognizable modern form with the invention of the mechanical, or artificial, hare in 1912 by Owen Patrick Smith.

The first professional dog-racing track with stands was opened by Smith in Emeryville, California in 1919.

The track was torn down in February 1920 to make way for a modern racetrack using the mechanical lure, described in the press as the "automatic rabbit."

The first race at the new park was held on Saturday, May 29, 1920.

Greyhound racing was introduced to Britain in 1926 by Charles Munn, who launched the Greyhound Racing Association with the help of Major Lyne-Dixon and Sir William Gentle.

By the end of 1927, there were forty tracks operating in the UK.

Greyhound racing enjoyed its highest United Kingdom attendances just after the Second World War, with estimated attendances of around 75 million in 1946.

In Florida, the amount gambled at dog tracks declined by 72% between 1990 and 2013.

Live greyhound racing in Florida ended on December 31, 2020, after voters passed a constitutional referendum banning the practice.

Greyhound racing has a rich history that spans over a century. The first recorded attempt at racing greyhounds on a straight track was made in 1876 in England.

The industry didn't take off until the invention of the mechanical hare in 1912 by Owen Patrick Smith, an American who aimed to stop the killing of jack rabbits. Smith's invention revolutionized greyhound racing and paved the way for the modern sport.

The first professional dog-racing track with stands was opened by Smith in Emeryville, California in 1919. The track was later rebuilt using the mechanical lure, known as the "automatic rabbit", and held its first races on May 29, 1920.

Greyhound racing was introduced to Britain in 1926 by Charles Munn and Major Lyne-Dixson, who launched the Greyhound Racing Association and held the first British meeting at Manchester's Belle Vue Stadium. The industry was successful in cities and towns throughout the UK, with 40 tracks operating by the end of 1927.

Middle-class reformers were initially outraged by the emergence of greyhound racing, but the working class took to it, appreciating the urban locations and evening times of the meetings. Betting became a key ingredient of the sport, with on-course bookmakers and the totalisator introduced in 1930.

Here's a brief timeline of notable events in the history of greyhound racing:

Greyhound racing enjoyed its highest attendances in the UK just after World War II, with estimated attendances of 75 million in 1946. However, the industry experienced a decline in the 1960s, partly due to the abolition of on-course betting tax.

Greyhounds have been breaking records for decades. The first notable record was set by Real Huntsman in 1951, who won 27 races in a row in Florida.

Joe Dump, a red brindle dog, set a world record in 1978 and 1979 with 31 consecutive wins, primarily racing at Greenetrack in Alabama.

In 1994, Pat C Rendezvous broke Ballyregan Bob's world record by winning her 33rd consecutive race and went on to win 36 consecutive races.

JJ Doc Richards took the record to new heights in 1995 by winning his 37th consecutive greyhound race.

Leos Midas made history in 1998 by winning for the 103rd time, equalling the United States record number of total races won.

Intriguing read: Horse Race

Greyhound Racing in the US is still allowed in many states, but the rules vary.

Simulcasting, a way to bet on live racing from other countries, is legal in 22 states, including Alabama, Arizona, and Arkansas.

Some of these states allow betting on live greyhound racing from Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, among other countries.

A list of states where simulcasting is legal can be found below.

Greyhound racing is facing a significant decline in popularity, with many states banning or restricting the practice.

The industry has been struggling to stay afloat, with declining attendance and revenue.

In 2019, the number of greyhound racing tracks in the US dropped to 18, down from 43 in 2001.

The decline of greyhound racing is largely due to growing concerns about animal welfare and the ethics of the sport.

Greyhound racing has been linked to injuries and fatalities among the dogs, with some studies suggesting that up to 25% of greyhounds suffer from some form of injury during their racing careers.

Simulcasting allows US residents to bet on live greyhound racing from various countries and states. This is possible in the following US states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Some of these states include Australia, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and West Virginia as countries from which live greyhound racing can be bet on. This is a convenient option for those who want to participate in greyhound racing without having to physically visit a track.

You can bet on live greyhound racing through various methods, including simulcasting, off-track betting, race and sports book betting, and online advance-deposit wagering. These options are available in the states mentioned above.

Here are the US states where simulcasting and other forms of greyhound racing betting are allowed:

Greyhound racing has been plagued by serious criticisms, including the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs. Many racing greyhound dogs have tested positive for cocaine, amphetamine, and pentobarbital.

In the United States, GREY2K USA has documented over 600 violations in six racing states and several former racing states since 2008. These include drug positive tests for cocaine, ractopamine, anabolic steroid methandienone, and industrial solvent dimethyl sulfoxide.

The Irish Greyhound Board has also reported 200 greyhound drug positives since 2012, including cocaine, amphetamine, and pentobarbital positives.

Dogs are forced to race at 18 months or younger. This is a disturbing reality in the greyhound racing industry.

Greyhounds begin their initial training at 12 months, when they are still considered juvenile dogs. They start racing between 15 – 18 months and continue for years.

Between 30 to 36 months is considered "prime time" for dogs in the greyhound racing industry, but many dogs won't make it out of "retirement" until age four or five.

Dogs in the greyhound racing industry are confined to tiny cages for long hours each day. In the United States, dogs are confined for 20 to 23 hours per day.

Greyhounds in the United States are caged for up to 23 hours per day. This is a bleak reality that highlights the need for better treatment of these animals.

Dogs are forced to endure lives of terrible confinement, often with inadequate bedding and no regulation or inspection of their living conditions.

A unique perspective: Breeds of Grey Dogs

The racing industry has a dark side, and it's not just the greyhounds that are suffering. Many racing greyhound dogs have tested positive for serious drugs, including cocaine, amphetamine, and pentobarbital.

The Irish Greyhound Board has reported over 200 greyhound drug positives since 2012, and in the United States, GREY2K USA has documented over 600 violations in six racing states since 2008.

The drugging of greyhounds has been an open secret in the dog racing world for years, according to GREY2K. This is unacceptable and highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight.

Greyhound racing is also linked to horrific abuse, including live baiting, terrible neglect, and severe animal cruelty. In Australia, a whistleblower's video footage revealed shocking treatment of greyhounds, including kicking, punching, and dragging.

The Australian government's support of this industry is particularly concerning, given the high number of documented injuries and deaths. Between 2020 and 2022, there were 30,608 documented injuries and 3,864 deaths reported in Australia's greyhound racing industry.

If you're concerned about the welfare of greyhounds, there are ways to take action. You can sign petitions, share information on social media, and contact your legislators to demand an end to greyhound racing.