Greyhounds are pushed to their physical limits – often far beyond. They reach speeds of up to 45 mph while navigating tight, unnatural curves that place extreme stress on their bodies. The toll is severe.
Behind the scenes, dogs are often drugged – including with illegal substances like cocaine – to enhance performance. Many race in dangerous temperatures, and there is little concern for their welfare.Between 2017 and 2025, nearly 4,400 greyhounds died in this ‘regulated’ industry – some from fatal injuries on the track, others were killed behind closed doors because treatment was too costly, they were deemed unprofitable, or ‘unsuitable for rehoming’. In the same period, over 38,000 injuries were recorded, ranging from fractured ribs and broken necks to internal bleeding, torn tendons and spinal paralysis.
This is not a sport – it’s an industry built on exploiting vulnerable animals, costing thousands their health, dignity and lives. This data is recorded and reported by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) annually and only tells part of the story.
Animal Aid