Greyhound racing is a relatively recent sport in comparison with horseracing. Greyhound racing emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century. The very first races were performed on straight tracks. Only when the mechanical chase or lure was developed did oval or circular racetracks come into vogue. Greyhound racing is largely popular in countries such as America, England, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
Greyhound racing is associated with gambling as well but in some countries, it is practiced purely for recreational purposes. It has not been able to gain the same status as horseracing and neither does the greyhound industry generate as much revenue and profits as the horseracing industry. However, it still has die-hard fans.
Greyhounds are bred in large numbers every year for training them to become professional greyhound racers.
What is most unfortunate is the fact that the racing career of greyhounds end when they are about four years of age. When the greyhounds are adopted as pets and given good living conditions, they can survive for up to 13 years. The re-homing of the animals is largely down the Greyhound Board of Great Britian, who continue to do a brilliant job, even in times where adopting a greyhound can be quite expensive.
Amanda Duplock, who is the Quality Manager at the greyhound board of Great Britain has stated what an important part the retired greyhound trust is of the sport.
"As an owner of a retired greyhound myself I have a special place in my heart for greyhounds as pets and think that the Retired Greyhound Trust do such a wonderful job of finding ex-racers a deserving home," she told Sky News.
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