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Greyhound Racing

The most commonly wagered on dog race is greyhound racing. Greyhounds were first introduced to North America in the 1700s to help control the jackrabbit population. These lean, fast animals naturally leant themselves to racing and early competitive greyhound racing has evolved into the track racing we know today.

These dogs have a noble history. Images of greyhounds can be found on tomb walls in Egypt and were a prized animal among Egyptian Pharaohs. The greyhound enjoyed a high status in Arabic countries, Rome, Greece and Persia as well. Their use as hunting and coursing can be traced back over 5000 years.

Greyhound has a long history in England. As far back as the 11th century, laws were enacted that stated only noblemen could own and hunt greyhounds.

The first organized race was promoted by Patrick Smith in California in 1919. Smith invented the mechanical lure that would lead the dogs around a track. The lure was, as expected, usually a rabbit.

The sport returned to England in 1926 when the first track was built specifically for greyhound racing. It was so successful that many more tracks were constructed and the sport remains popular throughout the UK.

Greyhound Racing Many greyhounds are discarded after their racing career ends. When greyhound racing was at its peak in the 1970s public awareness of inhumane living conditions and killing on unwanted dogs sparked a decline in racing these noble dogs. Competition from horse racing, sports betting and casinos have contributed to the decline of the sport. Legislation still permits racing and greyhounds are still forced to live and race under horrible conditions.

This sparked public outraged and the establishment of a number of organizations dedicated to public awareness and greyhound rescue. People were outraged at excessive breeding practices, cruel destruction of unwanted dogs, daily living conditions and the cruel treatment of bait animals such as rabbits. This was all solely for the entertainment and profit for people at the cost of the animals' welfare.

Some greyhounds are fed a horrific diet. Rendering plants take the carcasses of dead cattle regardless of what infectious and contagious disease it may have had. The bones are removed and the flesh is ground up and frozen. This meat is not heated, cooked or sterilized in any way. These plants are not monitored and must add charcoal to keep it out of the human food chain. This meat is labeled unfit for human consumption.

Many tracks are still in operation today throughout the U.S. While many states have one or two in operation, the state of Florida, has the most with 16 greyhound tracks. The decline in interest has caused these tracks to lobby for including other games like slots and other forms of gambling to support racing of greyhounds at the tracks. Many tracks also lobby for tax cuts and subsidies to survive.

A number of greyhound rescue organizations help find homes for retired greyhounds. They adapt well to life after the track and make great house pets.