Greyhound racing in the US is nearing its end. There will only be two tracks left in the nation by the end of the year because the Iowa Greyhound Park track in Dubuque will permanently close at the conclusion of the 2022 season in May. With over 50 tracks spread across 19 states, the sport peaked in the 1980s.
The decline in popularity of the sport is attributed to growing concerns about how the dogs are treated. Greyhound wagering dropped from $3 to $1, according to data from racing associations cited by the Associated Press. 5 billion in 1991 to about $500 million in 2014. Given that many more tracks have closed since then, the number is probably lower now.
The closure of greyhound parks responds to diverse factors. In Florida, a voter initiative will put an end to the sport at the dozen tracks in the state in 2021; in Iowa, state officials will allow casinos to stop providing subsidies that had kept greyhound racing alive as interest in the sport has declined. The end of greyhound racing in Florida, which was once the center of the sport, upended the market and caused a sharp decline in the breeding of greyhounds.
Due to the upcoming closure of the Dubuque track and the end of racing in West Memphis, Arkansas, in December, racing will only be available in West Virginia. Additionally, according to AP, two tracks in this state—in Wheeling and close to Charleston—are supported by gambling revenue.
Numerous animal welfare organizations, including GREY2K and the Humane Society, among others, have praised the news. They argue that the sport is cruel and point to alleged incidents where dogs who aren’t considered top competitors are killed or where drugs are used to improve performance.
Supporters of the industry contend that the public is unaware of the love that greyhounds have for running and that there is a greater demand for adopting retired racers despite widespread allegations of cruelty.
At least 1,000 people attended the Iowa Greyhound Park’s opening day in Dubuque, but smaller crowds are more common, particularly on weeknights. The track was helped along by city and state funding. The Dubuque operation increased after Iowa legalized casinos to include its own facility.
According to Steve Sarras, president of the West Virginia Kennel Owners Association, greyhound bettors will still have West Virginia, which appears committed to maintaining the sport. There are races held at the two tracks in the state five days a week all year long, and business is booming. Receive the most recent news by subscribing to our newsletter Enter your email 850+ Slots & Table Games
Are greyhounds used in racing given anabolic steroids?
Yes. To keep female greyhounds from missing out on race days, they are frequently given an anabolic steroid. The Florida Greyhound Association estimated that 50% of female dogs receive this medication in 2017 legislative testimony. Due to integrity and animal welfare concerns, this practice is prohibited in greyhound racing in Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Care of the Racing and Retired Greyhound, an industry handbook, notes that anabolic steroid use can have serious negative side effects, such as increased aggression and virilization. Long-term suppression of estrus using androgens is not recommended because it is not proven to be safe in breeding bitches, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Controlled studies have not been conducted to support the safety and effectiveness of injectable testosterone, which is frequently used in racing greyhounds, and it is not advised. ”.
Greyhounds are fed raw meat from animals that are dead, dying, ill, or disabled (referred to as “4-D meat”) in order to reduce costs. To prevent human consumption, denatured charcoal is added to 4-D meat. The industry uses this substandard meat to cut costs. This meat is utilized because, in accordance with an industry handbook, “it is currently the most economically feasible for the greyhound industry.” Given that they are fed raw 4-D meat, greyhounds are especially vulnerable to pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. Trainers of greyhounds refuse to cook the meat because they think it will make the dogs less competitive
Does greyhound racing contribute to dog overpopulation?
Yes. Historically as many as 10,000 greyhounds have been bred annually. The overproduction of dogs in the racing industry only pushes homeless animals out of their homes and diverts funds from other issues affecting animal welfare.
When the track’s second year began, General Manager Brian Carpenter, then 16, began working there. He stayed for 36 seasons, up until this, the track’s final year.
The Humane Society, GREY2K, and other organizations have long argued that greyhound racing is cruel because it has a history of killing dogs that weren’t considered to be the best racers, using drugs to improve their performance, keeping them confined for extended periods of time, and putting animals at risk of harm on the racetrack.
The activity occasionally attracted more spectators than its more well-known rival horse racing. Although some viewed it as seedy, it was mainstream entertainment for decades, according to Thayer.
Racing will only continue in West Virginia after the closure of the Dubuque track and the end of the West Memphis, Arkansas, track in December, which is supported by casino revenue.
Supporters of the industry point out that there is currently a huge demand for adopting retired racers and dispute the prevalence of the other issues. They assert as well that some people don’t comprehend how much greyhounds love to run.
FAQ
What states still have greyhound racing?
Today, only Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas, and West Virginia still permit greyhound racing and maintain active tracks. Although there are no active racetracks in four states, greyhound racing is still legal there. Those states are Wisconsin, Connecticut, Kansas, and Oregon.
How many greyhound tracks are still open in the US?
However, the continued existence of greyhound racing may surprise some Americans. 40 states have banned it or made it illegal due to worries about cruelty and dog deaths. Today, just 19 U. S. dog tracks remain active.
Is greyhound racing anymore?
These states do not allow dog racing: Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Iowa, Texas, and Wisconsin. Pari-mutuel dog racing is still permitted and legal in only two states. These states are Arkansas and West Virginia. As of right now, Arkansas will cease operations on December 31, 2022.
Has greyhound racing been banned in the USA?
Yes. As of January 1, 2021, more than 40 states, including Florida, have made commercial greyhound racing illegal. The overall national gambling on greyhound racing fell by 70% between 2001 and 2014.