Greyhound racing has been a popular sport in many countries, particularly in the UK, Australia, and the US, for centuries. In North America, particularly Canada, greyhound racing is a contentious issue and has been the topic of heated debates for many years. The legality of greyhound racing in Canada depends on the province, as there are differences in regulations from one province to the next. In this blog post, we will discuss whether greyhound racing is legal in Canada, the various regulations in place, and the ethical implications of the sport. We will also explore the opinions of the Canadian public on the issue, as well as the current state of the industry in light of recent developments.
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
Aren’t greyhounds used for racing well-cared for?
Greyhounds who compete in racing live confined lives, are subjected to cruel norms, and sometimes even die. For up to 23 hours a day, greyhounds used for racing are kept in cages that are barely big enough for them to stand up or turn around. Shredded paper or carpet remnants are used as bedding.
More than 15,000 greyhound injuries have been reported nationwide between 2008 and 2018. Since injuries are not required to be reported in either Alabama or Florida, this is a notable underestimation.
The best time to adopt a greyhound into your family this year would be in March or April, if anyone is interested in doing that.” It will be very difficult after that, says Levasseur.
Act quickly, advises Deb Levasseur, if you want to adopt a greyhound from MGAP.
The number of greyhounds entering Canada will steadily decline as of the end of the year, when Florida will officially ban dog racing.
She adds that they are currently looking for foster homes and permanent homes for the dogs arriving in the upcoming few months.
When greyhound racing is over, according to Levasseur, they will concentrate on rehoming animals of other breeds.
FAQ
What countries is greyhound racing still legal?
Greyhound racing is legal in only seven countries: The U. K. , Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the U. S. , Vietnam, and Mexico. Some of these, such as the U. K. , Ireland, New Zealand, Australia & the U. S. have animal welfare laws.
Is greyhound racing still legal?
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 2022?
After gaming was legalized in Arkansas in 2019, the only remaining track there announced that 2022 would be its final year of operation. This left only West Virginia’s Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack and Arkansas’s Mardi Gras Casino and Resort operating.