[Dakota]

I'm asking for your thoughts and opinions on Greyhound racing. I have talked to a lot of people on different forums and there are a lot of people against the sport. ( I am NOT trying to start arguments or anything I am just looking for opinions and a discussion on the sport)
Heres my opinion.
I think greyhound racing is a really cool sport. I think that there are a lot of people in the sport who take very good care of their dogs and do whats best for them. After all they are professional athletes and should be treated so. My dad has seen some races live and he is amazed at how fast they can go (so am I!!). I think why a lot of people are against it is because they see a lot of cases where racing GH's are treated poorly because their owners have gotten too focused on winning and have let their dogs take a back seat in priority. There is going to be those types of people in every walk of life though whether it be GH racing, pet ownership, sled dog racing, agility, and even child raising. There are going to be the bad apples who don't care so much for their dogs and only want the profit.
Over all I think GH racing is really cool! I would love to see a race live someday. I don't think its abusive or anything, the dogs LOVE to run. Its fun for them, just like its fun for a lab to hunt and a sled dog to run and pull.
Anyways, the above^^^ is all my opinion, I'm not trying to state anything as fact.
What is your opinion?

[cigwyllt]

I don't have problems with the dogs actually racing and as you say whilst they are of use as racing animals they are given the best possible care but what troubles is me is the way they suffer when they have outlived there usefulness. There are responsible, ethical owners who keep their dogs as pets but far too often the dogs are dumped at rescues (if they are lucky) when they no longer earn money.

[Yogi]

I am not a proponent for this. The fact is, these dogs are rarely sought out and purchased by the general public from breeders as a pet but are over bred for racing leaving a large number of them that in most cases the majority never see a real race track, to be euthanized. For those that may see the track, if they fail to perform they many times are euthanized. It has only been in the recent past that this information was brought to the public's attention and rescue organizations were created. Unfortunately, this docile giant of a dog is still put down more often than ever sees a rescue by greedy breeding race dog owners. If there were no more racing, there would be a great reduction in the numbers bred hence less being euthanized. I am not against the sport of racing but reality is that breeders in all breeds that either show or use the dogs in this case for racing, over breed to find those exemplary few dogs that will fit the bill. What you do not know about is what is done with the others. In fact, culling is still practiced by many reputable breeders.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

but far too often the dogs are dumped at rescues (if they are lucky) when they no longer earn money.

Doesn't this happen in all situations that involve dogs though? Whether it be GH racing, pet ownership etc..? I mean with pets it would be a little different of a situation but still....

That is an issue though you guys are right. I think there are a lot more people in GH racing for the profit than there are in other dog sports. Its sad that the people get this way though because with out their dogs, they would be nothing in the GH racing world!

[cigwyllt]

When I think about it, I have never seen a greyhound puppy and every greyhound I have ever met has been a retired racer. You do have to wonder what happens to the pups that don't make the grade.

I would disagree that it happens in most dog sports. For instance, border collies are not bred simply for agility. In most cases you have a pet with an aptitude for the sport rather than breeding an entire litter for the sake of agility training. With agility of course you can not even start the training before 12 monts (up until then it is basic/advanced obedience) It's the same with flyball, terrier racing, scurry, lure chasing - they are not dogs bred for sport but for homes.