Where Has Greyhound Racing Been Banned?

Greyhound racing has been banned in numerous countries and regions worldwide, primarily due to severe animal welfare concerns. The global trend reflects growing opposition to the sport, driven by documented cases of injuries, mistreatment, and the perceived exploitation of animals.

Global Movement Towards Prohibition

The movement to ban greyhound racing has gained significant momentum over the past few decades, leading to its prohibition in various jurisdictions. Activists and animal welfare organizations have consistently highlighted issues such as:

• High Injury Rates: Greyhounds often suffer severe injuries, including broken legs, spinal injuries, and head trauma, during races.
• Animal Mistreatment: Concerns include inadequate housing, poor nutrition, overbreeding, and the culling of healthy dogs deemed no longer profitable.
• Doping: Cases of illegal drug use to enhance performance or mask injuries have been reported.
• Abandonment and Euthanasia: Dogs that are not competitive or are injured are often abandoned or euthanized.

These concerns have led to legislative action, public referendums, and industry decline in many areas.

Key Regions and Countries with Bans

Here's a breakdown of significant locations where greyhound racing has been banned or is being phased out:

New Zealand

New Zealand has announced plans to ban greyhound racing, following a comprehensive review of the industry. The decision comes after long-standing criticism of the sport in the country, citing an unacceptably high rate of injuries to the dogs. Breeders and trainers have also faced allegations of mistreating or doping the animals, further contributing to the push for prohibition.

United States

The United States has seen a dramatic decline in greyhound racing, with most states having banned or phased out the sport. Florida, once the heart of American greyhound racing, officially ended all races in 2020 after voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment. This marked a significant turning point for the industry in the U.S.

Several other states had previously banned the sport or seen their last tracks close:

• Arizona (1995)
• Colorado (2008)
• Idaho (1993)
• Kansas (2009)
• Massachusetts (2010)
• Oregon (2004)
• West Virginia (last track closed in 2022)

Today, commercial greyhound racing is effectively non-existent in the vast majority of U.S. states.

United Kingdom

While not yet fully banned, greyhound racing in the United Kingdom is facing a planned phase-out. All remaining tracks are expected to close by the end of 2026, marking the end of commercial greyhound racing in the country after decades of operation. This decision follows years of campaigning by animal welfare groups.

Other Countries

Beyond the U.S. and New Zealand, several other countries have enacted bans:

• Argentina: Banned commercial greyhound racing nationwide in 2016.
• South Africa: Banned greyhound racing in 2022.
• Canada: While not explicitly banned nationwide, commercial greyhound racing has never been established on a significant scale and is effectively non-existent.

Decline in Australia

Although Australia has not implemented a nationwide ban, the industry has faced significant pressure and decline in various states. New South Wales famously introduced a ban in 2016, which was later overturned, but the industry continues to struggle with public perception and decreasing participation.

Summary of Banned Locations

The following table provides a concise overview of key locations where greyhound racing has been banned or is being phased out:

The global trend indicates a clear shift away from greyhound racing, driven by increasing awareness and concern for the welfare of the animals involved.