10/05/2022
American Racing Bred Greyhounds, like most all professional racing greyhounds worldwide, are quite likely one of the most misunderstood and most prone to misinformation of any subset of canines in modern day history.
In order to cut through the often heard rhetoric and dark tales of miserable lives, one only has to look at verifiable information that is readily available in many forms, and provided by indisputable sources such as Veterinary Specialists, State Regulatory bodies, and greyhound-specific, reputable, hands-on Placement/Welfare Organizations that assist transitioning these unique athletes to homes once they are ready for their spots on sofas.
From birth to farm life to track to adoption, Racing Bred Greyhounds are consistently played with, socialized, cared for, handled, monitored, tracked, supervised, and inspected by breeders, trainers, finishers, and in the United States, the National Greyhound Association (the official Registry of all American racing bred greyhounds), sport judges, on-site track veterinarians, state regulators, and greyhound specific adoption organizations. Few animals of any species, domestic or otherwise, have as many eyes, hands, and rules/regulations safeguarding them as do racing bred greyhounds. Other countries have their own similar entities and regulating bodies.
Typically, fully licensed veterinarians at a US race course can have their hands on a greyhound up to 30 times per month. The racers have lab tests performed and kennels have surprise inspections done by the state. The greyhounds must maintain a very stringent combination of diet, routine, exercise, and rest in order to pass weigh-ins that are consistent to within a very narrow margin of change for each race ran. All of these things logically ensure that the racers maintain optimum health and soundness, which, in turn, enables them to run, chase, and compete. In addition to these strict standards, the Placement/Welfare Organizations are eyes-on and hands-on with the greyhounds from birth through adoption, with the sole focus being on what is best for the them, both short and long-term. Perhaps the most interesting revelation to the general public is that each of the above comes with recorded, verifiable, and contextually correct information. That is the power of truth, and why one doesn't see these registered, professional athletes being featured on any of the "big box" money hungry "charities" in their national commercials aimed at tugging emotional heartstrings.