Greyhound Racing is an organized and competitive sport in which greyhounds race against the track. There are two forms of greyhound racing, the racing track (usually around the oval track) and flowing. The race track uses an artificial feed (now based on a windsock) that runs in front of the dogs on the tracks until the greyhound crosses the finish line. As with horse racing, greyhound races often allow the public to bet on the final result. On the way, the dog chases lure (originally a live rabbit or a rabbit that can be killed by a dog, but this has long been banned in the US).
In many countries, greyhound racing is purely amateur and purely for fun. In other countries, especially Australia, Ireland, Macau, Mexico, Spain, UK, and the US, greyhound racing is part of the gambling industry and is similar to horse racing - albeit far less profitable. Animal rights and animal welfare groups are essential to dog welfare in the commercial racing industry. The greyhound adoption movement, spearheaded by kennel owners has emerged to help retiree racing dogs in finding homes as pets, with an estimated adoption rate of over 95% in the United States.
Video Greyhound racing
History
Modern greyhound racing has its origins. The first attempt recorded in the bulldog races on a straight path was made next to the Welsh Harp, Hendon, England, reservoir in 1876, but this experiment did not develop. The industry emerged in its recognizable modern form, featuring a circular or oval trajectory, with the invention of a mechanical or artificial rabbit, in 1912, by an American, Owen Patrick Smith. O.P. Smith has an altruistic purpose for the industry to stop the jack bunny killing and see "greyhound racing when we see horse racing". In 1919, Smith opened the first professional dog racing track by standing in Emeryville, California. The certificate system led the way to parimutuel bets, such as gambling and gambling, in the United States during the 1930s.
The oval track and the mechanical rabbit were introduced to England, in 1926, by another American, Charles Munn, in collaboration with Major Lyne-Dixson, a Canadian, who was a key figure in wandering. However, finding other supporters was rather difficult and with the 1926 General Strike looming, the two men roamed the country in an attempt to find others who would join them. Eventually they met Brigadier General Critchley, who introduced them to Sir William Gentle. Among them, they collected £ 22,000 and like the American 'Greyhound Racing Association' (or I.G.R.A.), they launched the Greyhound Racing Association that held its first English meeting at the Belle Vue Stadium, Manchester. The industry was successful in cities and towns across the UK - by the end of 1927, there were forty tracks in operation.
The greyhound racing industry is particularly attractive to a male-dominated working class audience, for whom urban track locations and night time meetings are accessible, and to customers and owners of various social backgrounds. Bets have always been the main ingredients of greyhound racing, both through on-course bets and totalators, first introduced in 1930. Like horse racing, it is popular to bet on greyhound races as a form of parimutuel gambling.
The Greyhound race enjoyed its highest British presence right after the Second World War - for example, there were 34 million spectators paying in 1946. The industry has declined since the early 1960s after the 1960 Betting and Gaming Act in England allowed cash bets off the field. Sponsorship, limited television coverage, and tax abolition of on-course bets later on partially offset this decline.
Maps Greyhound racing
Today
Commercial greyhound racing is characterized by several criteria, including legalized gambling, the existence of regulatory structures, the presence of physical racetracks, whether the host state or subdivision division in any gambling outcome, the fees imposed by the host location, the use of professional racing kennels, the number of dogs participate in the race, the existence of an official racing code, and membership in a racing federation or greyhound trade association.
In addition to the eight countries where commercial greyhound racing exists, at least twenty-one countries occur dog racing, but have not yet reached commercial stage.
In 2016, a bill passed through the state government of New South Wales, in Australia to ban greyhound racing. The new law comes into force in mid-2017 but is reversed in late 2016, albeit with some new industry restrictions (see below under Australia).
Medical care
The Greyhound adoption group often reports that the dogs from the track have dental problems, the cause is debatable. These groups also often find that dogs carry diseases and parasites caused by fleas due to lack of proper preventive care. Dogs need regular vaccinations to minimize disease outbreaks such as cough kennel.
More recently, doping has also emerged as a problem in greyhound racing. The racing industry is actively working to prevent the spread of this practice; efforts are being made to recover urine samples from all bulldogs in the race, not just the winners. Bulldogs that can not be sampled for a number of consecutive races can be ruled out of the track. Offenders are subject to criminal penalties and the loss of their racing licenses by state gaming commissions and the permanent ban from the National Greyhound Association. The greyhound coach is always the "absolute guarantor" of the animal condition. The trainer is responsible for every positive test regardless of how the forbidden substance has entered the greyhound system.
Life after race
Generally, a greyhound career will end between the ages of four and six years - after the dog can no longer race, or maybe when it is no longer competitive. The best dogs are kept for breeding and there are industry-related adoption groups and rescue groups working to earn bulldog racing retirees and putting them as pets. In the UK, according to the BBC, one in four retired bulldogs find the home as a pet. A UK industry producing a report for DEFRA in 2018 showed that in fact only 1 of 7 racing bulldogs did not find a home when they retired. In the United States, before the formation of adoption groups, more than 20,000 retired bulldogs were killed annually; recent estimates still number in the thousands, with industry claiming that about 90% of animals registered at the National Greyhound Association are adopted or returned for breeding purposes (according to industry figures over 2000 dogs are still euthanized every year in the US while anti-companion groups estimates a figure close to 12,000.) Other greyhounds are sold to research labs, such as Liverpool's veterinary training school, which has received the remains of a murdered dog at the Belle Vue stadium in Manchester. A coach in Lincolnshire is also exposed to offering dog 'slow' to the school of Liverpool. In addition dogs are sent to foreign racetracks like Spain and sometimes in developing countries. In the North East of England a man is believed to have destroyed as many as 10,000 healthy bulldogs with crooked rifles.
Some organizations, such as the British Greyhounds Retired Database, the Greyhound Rescue West of England, the Birmingham Greyhound Protection, GAGAH, Adopt-a-Greyhound and Greyhound Pets of America, and the Retired Greyhound Trust try to ensure that as many dogs as possible are adopted. Some of these groups also advocate better dog care while on track and/or at the end of the race to make a profit. In recent years the racing industry has made significant advances in building programs for adoption of pension racers. In addition to cooperating actively with private adoption groups across the country, many race tracks have made their own adoption programs across multiple lines.
Criticism
Greyhound racing has been a source of controversy since the 1980s. A number of animal welfare organizations are critical of the greyhound racing industry, alleging that the industry standard practice is cruel and inhuman, and that the industry violates animal welfare laws and hides evidence of mistakes.
There are also criticisms of international commercial racing, especially regarding dog breeding, concealment of injuries and high levels of euthanasia. The independent 2014 review of the Irish Greyhound Board criticizes corporate governance of the body, handling animal welfare issues, and poor financial performance.
The humane community has taken advantage of the legislative process to end dog racing and improve conditions for bulldog racing. In March 2014, Governor John Hickenlooper signed an action banning commercial greyhound racing in Colorado, making it the 39th state to ban such activity.
In Australia, Greenthound Racing Chief Executive of New South Wales (GRNSW) Brent Hogan said in 2013 that an estimated 3,000 bulldogs are eutasia every year in the state alone.
In February 2015, a report by the Four Corners television program found the use of "live bait" to train dogs for racing in Australia. This is illegal in many countries, including the UK and Australia, and is contrary to the rules and regulations of the UK Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Former Australian Superior Court Judge Michael McHugh conducted a Special Inquiry Commission for the Australian state of New South Wales. This review evaluates breeding practices and waste, feed usage and live feeds by several trainers, and the level of dog mortality reporting on a race track. This study concludes that there are many people covering up and deceiving the public. Other important findings in the report include: high mortality rates, in which at least 48,891 incompetent mad dogs have been killed over the past twelve years, and under reporting deaths and greyhound injuries despite recent disguises. The report also found up to twenty percent of the trainers involved in illegal fishing practices, and that in order for the industry to survive, 2,000 to 4,000 bulldogs will still be killed each year. New South Wales Prime Minister Mike Baird announces that all greyhound races will be banned in the state from July 1, 2017.
By country
ArgentinaOn November 17, 2016, Congress banned greyhound racing. The law was announced on 2 December 2016 as National Act 27330 . Anyone who organizes, promotes, facilitates or conducts a dog race, regardless of the breed, will be jailed for 3 months and 4 years, with fines ranging from $ 4,000 to $ 80,000 pesos.
Australia
Greyhounds Australasia consists of governing bodies in all states and New Zealand, governing the welfare and living conditions of greyhounds. Most racing authorities in Australia have organized and funded the Greyhound Adoption force, which houses dozens of bulldogs a month, and some support private volunteer organizations.
Each Australian state and territory has a governing greyhound racing body. Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) and Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) are the two greatest authorities, which manage over 40 racetracks. Queensland's Ophound Racing Authority (QGRA), the Greyhound Tasmanian Supervisory Authority (TGRA), Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA), Northern Territory Authority Authority, and Canberra Greyhound Racing Club (CGRC) all contribute to run and monitor greyhound racing in Australia.
Major greyhound races include Wentworth Park in Sydney, Cannington Raceway in Perth, Greyhound Park in Adelaide, Albion Park in Brisbane and Sandown Greyhounds in Melbourne.
Many adoption programs have been established throughout Australia known as the Greyhound Adoption Program or Greyhounds As Pets, GAP.
Bulldogs are examined for parasites, malnutrition, or other medical conditions by veterinarians in the field before they can compete.
Bulldogs are usually purchased and sold as puppies only after being shuffled or as racing dogs that have been trained entirely by word of mouth on the track or through several trading platforms and greyhound sales. In Australia, bulldog purchases and sales are subject to state and territory control.
The 2015 television inquiry reveals the widespread use of small living animals as bait, to train bulldogs to chase and kill. As a result, many industry groups are calling for a thorough overhaul of the greyhound racing board in Australia.
New South Wales and ACT tires
On May 5, 2015 former High Court Judge Michael McHugh was appointed to head the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW. However, his report was heavily criticized by the industry for using inaccurate data and inaccurate references.
On July 7, 2016, New South Wales Prime Minister Mike Baird announced that greyhound racing would be banned in the state from July 1, 2017 after investigations found evidence of systemic animal cruelty, including mass murder of greyhounds and live bait. Following the NSW announcement, Australian Finance Minister (ACT), Andrew Barr stated that greyhound racing would be banned at ACT.
In response, a rally was held in Sydney, and legal action was taken at the NSW Supreme Court. After running a newspaper ad supporting the ban, the NSW Government was criticized by Brenton Scott, chief executive of the Greyhound Farmers Association, Owner and Coach. Luke Foley, the NSW labor leader, led his party's opposition to the ban. In August 2016 the law was introduced to the NSW Legislative Assembly and three members of the national parliament crossed the floor to vote against the government; with one Liberal parliamentarian abstaining from voting. On 24 August legislation passed the lower house.
On October 11, 2016 the NSW ban was reversed, with some conditions.
ireland
Greyhound racing is a popular industry in Ireland with most of the tracks falling under the control of the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) which is a commercial semi-state agency and reports to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marines. Most of Britain's greyhound racing is imported from Irish farmers (estimated at 90%). In the greyhound industry, Northern Irish songs are considered to be in the Irish greyhound racing category and the results are published by IGB. They are not under the control of the Greyhound Council in Great Britain.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, about 700 dogs are raised each year for racing, and about 200-300 are imported from Australia. More than 200 pensioners are conducted annually by a charity founded and funded in part by the Greyhound Racing Association of New Zealand. Some bulldogs are kept as pets or direhomed by their trainers after the race while a small percentage is being rehabilitated by other voluntary greyhound rescue organizations across the country. Occasional bulldog even returned to overseas owners. There is concern about the welfare of the New Zealand racing bulldog by the growing animal advocacy lobby that leads the Greyhound Race Association to begin an internal post-career outcome investigation in 2013. In 2017, the second report was commissioned, this time by New Zealand Racing Council, led by the former High Court Judge Rodney Hansen, who found little change for the bulldog and some reforms applied. On December 20, 2017, Defense Minister of New Zealand Hon Winston Peters, said the report's findings were "annoying and very disappointing", and "unacceptable".
South Africa
In South Africa, dogs are kept with their owners. Because of the state of amateur racing, the owner is usually also a trainer and supporter of dogs; very rarely a dog is held together with a coach.
Racing is controlled by a partnership between United Greyhound Racing and Breeders Society (UGRABS) and South African Renhond Unie (SARU - South Racing Dog Union). This book is stored by the South African Studbook Organization, which stores studbooks for all stud animals. The race takes place on both oval tracks and straight. Racing is illegal in South Africa.
United Kingdom
Greyhound racing is a popular industry in the UK with an attendance of approximately 3.2 million in over 5,750 meetings in 2007. There are currently 23 registered stadiums in the UK, and parimutuel betting systems with on-course and off-course bets are available.
On July 24, 1926, in front of 1,700 spectators, the first greyhound race took place at Belle Vue Stadium where seven bulldogs roamed around an oval circuit to capture electric-made rabbits. This marks the first modern greyhound race in England.
The Greyhound Race in the United Kingdom is governed by the Greyhound Council of Great Britain (GBGB). Bulldogs are not kept on track, and instead are placed in coach enclosures and transported to the track for the race. Those who compete on an independent circuit (known as 'flapping'), do not have this rule.
There are 143 regulated tracks (126 in the UK, 12 in Scotland and 5 in Wales) and 256 independent tracks known since 1926.
Some of the more prominent stadiums that have been closed down where greyhound racing has been staged in the past are as follows: White City Greyhound at White City Stadium, Walthamstow Stadium, Wimbledon Stadium, Wembley Greyhounds at Wembley Stadium, Harringay Stadium, West Ham Stadium, Powderhall Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park.
The overall Greyhound racing in England has declined since the opening of the bookmakers in 1961 and despite the mini boom in the late 1980s there were only 23 licensed trails left in England.
United States
In the United States, greyhound racing is governed by state law. The industry's attempts at self-regulation have been criticized by humanitarian organizations. There is a strict enforcement system that the industry implements, along with state and local laws.
On the American track, the bulldog is housed in a kennel compound, in a trunk that is about three feet wide, four feet, and three feet tall. Most cages change dogs 4 to 6 times per day. Each turnout can be from 30 to 90 minutes. Because the kennels often hold more than 50-70 dogs, doing the krating is essential for the safety and well-being of the dog. Bulldog is cared for by professional and licensed staff.
In addition to state laws and regulations, most tracks adopt their own rules, policies, and procedures. In exchange for the right to race their bulldog on the track, the kennel owner must sign a contract in which they agree to comply with all passage rules, including those relating to animal welfare. If kennel owners violate this contract clause, they will lose their track privileges and even their racing license. To have a license to own, handle a dog race or work in a dog pen, dog professionals must have an FBI background check and are licensed by the state. In addition, the National Greyhound Association holds their membership for strict standards on the care and handling of dogs. Failure to comply may result in termination of lifetime membership and restriction of sport.
In recent years, several state governments in the United States have passed laws to improve the care of racing dogs in their jurisdiction. During the 1990s, seven states banned gambling on live greyhound racing. In November 2008, Massachusetts held a vote to ban greyhound racing, which passes 56% to 44%. Currently, 40 states and territories of Guam have laws that prohibit such practices, and 4 more states, Connecticut, Kansas, Oregon and Wisconsin, do not practice greyhound racing even though the practice is not illegal there.
Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and West Virginia have an active racing industry. Fifteen countries without direct racing allow simulcast bets on greyhound races in other states.
Between 2001 and 2011, the total amount at stake in national greyhound racing dropped to 67%.
In Florida, where 12 of the operational dog footprints in the US remain, the financial decline is even more significant. In that state, the amount at stake in the dog's trajectory decreased 72% between 1990 and 2013. According to a study commissioned by the legislature, the country lost between $ 1 million and $ 3.3 million in greyhound racing in 2012. As recently, recently by 2016, the Florida industry professionals are starting to question whether bets are seeing a drop or just transitioning to an unreported online format
List of active tracks of the United States
- Birmingham Race Course, Birmingham, Alabama
- Southland Park Gaming and Racing, West Memphis, Arkansas
- Daytona Beach Kennel Club & amp; Poker Room, Daytona Beach, Florida
- The Greyhound Derby Line, St. Petersburg, Florida
- Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker Room, Ebro, Florida
- Greyhound Tracks Flags & amp; Magic City Casino, Miami, Florida
- Mardi Gras Casino, Hallandale Beach, Florida
- Melbourne Greyhound Park & ​​â € <â € < Club 52 Poker, Melbourne, Florida
- Entertainment and Entertainment Center Naples-Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Florida
- Orange Park Kennel Club, Orange Park, Florida
- Palm Beach Kennel Club, West Palm Beach, Florida
- Pensacola Greyhound Track, Pensacola, Florida
- Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club, Longwood, Florida
- Sarasota Kennel Club, Sarasota, Florida
- Gulf Coast Racing, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, Nitro, West Virginia
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, Wheeling, West Virginia
- Iowa Greyhound Park, Dubuque, Iowa
See also
- Greyhound jockey
References
Further reading
- Gwyneth Anne Thayer, Go to Dogs: Greyhound Racing, Animal Activism, and American Popular Culture. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 2013.
External links
- Greyhound Racing on Curlie (based on DMOZ)
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments