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<\/p>\nPolicymakers in England and Northern Ireland are being urged to follow the lead of Wales and Scotland by legislating against the sport.<\/p>\n
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Greyhound racing bosses have been accused of \u201cwelfare washing\u201d as campaigners step up their fight for a ban during the sport\u2019s centenary celebrations.<\/p>\n
A new report has also argued the activity is becoming more dangerous for dogs, with trackside euthanasia cases rising sharply since its dedicated welfare strategy was implemented.<\/p>\n
But officials have insisted their approach remains guided by current veterinary analysis and claimed the sport was being used as \u201ca political football\u201d.<\/p>\n
Debate over the sport\u2019s future has intensified ahead of today\u2019s, 24 July, 100th anniversary of the UK\u2019s first licensed greyhound race meeting.<\/p>\n
Abolition march<\/p>\n
While the occasion is being celebrated by the sport, a march demanding its abolition is due to take place in London tomorrow.<\/p>\n
A ban is also advocated in the report from the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust and Hope Rescue, which said the sport\u2019s own data showed a 62% increase in the annual number of dogs euthanised at trackside since the launch of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain\u2019s (GBGB) \u201cA Good Life for Every Greyhound\u201d welfare strategy in 2022.<\/p>\n
Hope Rescue chief executive Vanessa Waddon said: \u201cOnly a phased end to greyhound racing can provide meaningful protection for these dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe industry\u2019s own figures show that its welfare commitments are failing, making its claims of prioritising greyhound welfare little more than welfare washing.\u201d<\/p>\n
But GBGB chief executive Mark Bird insisted the sport was \u201cfit for the 21st century\u201d at the recent publication of its annual track injury and retirement data report for 2025.<\/p>\n
Welfare standards<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cOur commitment to continuous improvement remains steadfast and we will always be driven by the latest scientific and veterinary research to enhance welfare standards across the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith greyhound racing used as a political football in Scotland and Wales, it has not been an easy year for the greyhound community.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, as we approach the sport\u2019s centenary, we are looking forward to celebrating all that our sport has achieved and what more it has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n