It is true that in the past, statistics showing the number of greyhounds killed each year were appalling and the small numbers of those adopted had not been well taken care of. However, things have changed for the better. There are now over 300 adoption groups and 15,000 to 20,000 greyhounds are adopted every year. There are also thousands fewer greyhounds being bred than in the past. I can tell you that my two greys I adopted came to me healthy and happy, however one of them had been in a foster home and it is possible the other was also before they came to me. This would have given them time to get in better shape had they not been taken care of properly. Also, we recently cared for and adopted out a foster greyhound through Greyhound Pets of America. When we brought him home, he was very skinny and had some skin problems. I wouldn't say he was severely neglected but not well taken care of either. Fortunately, he had us to care for him and get him into good shape. His skin was much improved and he had gained weight by the time his new parents adopted him three weeks later.

 

Statistics can be interpreted in a certain way to support one side over another. For example, animal rights groups state that a certain number of puppies are destroyed or "culled" every year. This statistic leaves out important numbers showing that up to 45% of puppies die shortly after birth and the stillborn rate is 10%. Despite the apparent exaggeration of statistics by animal rights groups, we should remember that the death of even one greyhound is one too many.

 

Another issue in the debate over greyhound racing is the care of the animals during their career. The greyhounds diet is one point of contention. Animal rights groups state that racing greyhounds are fed rotten meat which spreads disease causing death. According to the racing industry, raw meat, when handled properly is the best diet for a racing greyhound and rarely causes illness or death. Many adopters of retired racing greyhounds still feed their hounds raw diets. I do not, as it is too expensive. I think not being given enough food may be cause for concern not whether or not the food is cooked.

 

Animal rights groups state that greyhounds are kept in tiny cages for 22 hours a day. According to racing advocates the standard kennel crate is 3'x3'x4' which gives the greyhound plenty of room to stretch out. I have crates of similar dimensions for both of my greyhounds. They can stretch out easily and often go to their crates without any prompting from me. Shredded paper is standard bedding in the kennels. I would assume this is acceptable to greyhounds considering both of mine love to shred paper towels. I do imagine though that they would rather have a soft dog bed! Racing advocates state the dogs are turned out several times a day for exercise. My two greyhounds sleep in their beds or crates about 16 hours a day by their choice. However, I do let them out to relieve themselves about every three hours. Some kennels do turn the dogs out several times a day. Others do not. Often times they are only let out twice a day.

 

Animal rights groups portray the life of a greyhound as solitary with little attention. However, racing authorities portray a life filled with intimate contact with their caretakers and of course socialization with other greyhounds. Adoptive greyhounds are often shy at first leading one to believe they have had little socialization. Shyness is usually a result of being thrown into an alien world. The dogs usually have never been inside a home and are unfamiliar with things common to most pets such as stairs and glass doors. Greyhounds usually adjust and become quite happy in their new homes. However, sometimes dogs up for adoption are called "spooks". They are very nervous and it can take a long while to break them out of their shell. Whether this is due to abuse or just the individual dogs nature, well only the dog knows that.

 

I encourage anyone interested in greyhound welfare to research the subject from both points of view to make an informed decision. The goal of both groups should be promoting the welfare of these beautiful animals. Cynthia Branigan, founder and president of Make Peace with Animals believes that animal rights groups "put much more effort into harming greyhound racing than helping greyhounds. You can't really help greyhounds if your focus is always political warfare instead of animal welfare." Some groups estimate the number of retirees in 2005 that were killed who were not rescued, to be at 10,000. Imagine if the animal rights groups had cooperated with the industry to get these animals adopted instead of spending time and money to attempt banning greyhound racing. Racing is not likely to ever be completely banned. Time and money would be better spent in getting greyhounds adopted and promoting legislation for strict sanctions against kennel owners who are not properly taking care of the dogs. Greyhound Pets of America estimates the adoption rate to be at almost 100% by 2007. I would say that is slightly exaggerated but the situation has definitely improved from past years.

 

If you live near a greyhound kennel or one of the adoption agencies, see what you can do to help. If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it. If you live in a state where racing is legal, write your local senator to express your views and what might be done to help. If you are unable to work with the dogs directly, you can always make a donation or purchase something where a portion of the proceeds are donated to greyhound welfare. Even the smallest thing like having an "adopt a greyhound" bumper sticker can help raise awareness.