New report calls for a ban on greyhound racing in England

A new report was launched at the Houses of Parliament today calling on the government to ban the inherently dangerous sport of greyhound racing in England.

The report – Reaching the Finish Line; Time to end dog racing in the UK – is a joint initiative by GREY2K USA Worldwide, the largest greyhound protection organisation in the world, and national animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports.

The report has been launched just weeks after both the Welsh and Scottish parliaments took the landmark decision to ban greyhound racing in both Wales and Scotland.

Emma Slawinski, chief executive of animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “This report highlights the extensive suffering faced by racing greyhounds and the inherently dangerous nature of this cruel sport which causes so many deaths and injuries.

“We welcome the recent decisions to ban greyhound racing in both Wales and Scotland and call on the UK government to follow suit and begin the legislative process which will end it in England too.”

Christine A. Dorchak, president of GREY2K USA Worldwide, said: “Our new joint report with the League Against Cruel Sports reveals a fading and unpopular business that has rebuffed all warnings, ignored popular calls for change, and failed to introduce even the most basic protections to stop the killing and cruelty of greyhound racing.

“Enough is enough. Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane and must end. Every day, innocent hounds continue to suffer while concerns for their welfare remain largely ignored by the gambling industry.”

The report highlights that 1,353 greyhounds died at trackside and 35,168 greyhound injuries were reported between 2017 and 2024.

The turns or bends of an oval racetrack provide unique risks for racing dogs resulting in so many deaths and injuries.

A further 3,278 greyhounds were destroyed for other reasons such as treatment costs or because they were judged as poor candidates for adoption.

The report also raised concerns over kennel conditions and breeding. Racing greyhounds reportedly spend as much as 95% of their lives at kennels and at each point in the breeding process, there are ‘surplus’ or unwanted greyhounds with a minimum of 1,000 retired greyhounds going unaccounted for every year.

Neil Duncan Jordan, MP for Poole, who hosted the launch of the report in parliament said: “Greyhound racing is cruel: pushing animals to their limits for entertainment leaves many dogs crippled with life-changing injuries, and far too often facing early death.”

Emma added: “The UK government has pledged to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation, and banning greyhound racing in England should be part of this, ensuring it is rightly consigned to the history books.”

Christine added: “The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has run out of chances and it is long past time for the greyhounds to be released from their cages and welcomed into loving homes.”

Ends

Notes to editors

For information or interview requests, please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 or email pressoffice@league.org.uk

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act 2004, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 and bans on the use of snares brought about by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023, and Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage wildlife reserves. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).