USA Bus Lines

Are Greyhounds having fun?

I love to watch and bet on the dog races. I can hear the excitement building among the dogs at the gate ready to sprint. I sometimes cringe at the crashes on that first turn. I know that they sometimes get hurt, but I don't know how hurt. I swear that I see smiles under those muzzles they wear while racing. I see tails wagging as they meet their handlers at the finish line. Overall I think they are having a great time letting it out on the track. What's your opinion? And is there a better category for this question?

Public Comments

1. I have an ex-racer. There is no doubt in my mind that they do enjoy running. As to how badly they get hurt. some of them die in those crashes. Broken necks, cracked skulls. Broken legs are common too, and often the reason a dog is given over to the rescues.
2. It really depends on where you are living. In the Massachusetts (USA) our voters got a little nuts and voted to end greyhound racing this year. Oh, how cruel it is to let greyhounds run in circles!! The races ended last Saturday and as a result 300 trainers and track workers are now out of work. Also this week have 130 greyhounds up for adoption. If under the likely scenario we don't vote in slot machines, another 300 workers are on the street. Greyhound racers do not get hurt at the level that horses get hurt. They most frequently fall the first turn if others push them too far outside and get up without injury. Greyhounds race soundly, as opposed to most lower level horses. I play horses only because I know the sport best But I know greyhounds and their trainers because the sport started my interest in parimutuel racing. If you are living in an area that supports greyhound racing and has good trainers and track rules, then yes the dogs love every moment of their racing life. Massachusetts had good trainers and track rules but an outfit know as GREY2K caused the killing of hundreds of dogs and the livelihoods of hundreds of hard working folks. If you have greyhound racing in your area. the dogs are very good pets, particularly in homes with kids or elderly. Greyhounds are very passive most of the day. (ok, sleepy). Your family will love them/ Good luck to GREY2K. we hope you each sleep well knowing the fate of the evilness of dogs running in circles