Greyhound racing is a sport in which greyhound dogs run after a lure on a track until they arrive at a finish line. A lure or bait is a mechanical device that moves around a track at a considerable distance from the dogs and often looks like a hare or rabbit. A dog that arrives first at a finish line is the victor. In many countries, greyhound racing is simply amateur and conducted for pleasure. In the U.S., UK, and Australia, it is a well-liked form of gambling, like horse racing. Contemporary greyhound racing has its origins in coursing. In the early 1900s, Patrick Owen introduced the idea of greyhound racing. Later, the first circular track was built in California in 1919.
Greyhounds are kept in paddocks before the beginning of race. After pre-race processes and examinations, greyhounds are put in separate compartments in starting boxes, called traps. These traps have automatic gates. Greyhounds are provided with water and an open area for walking after completion of race. The victor is called to the winner’s circle.
Registration and identification of greyhounds is a responsibility of the National Greyhound Association. It is a non-profit organization working in North America. Only registered owners can enter into an exclusive agreement with a registered kennel. These kennels then contract with various tracks. The World Greyhound Racing Federation (WGRF) was founded in 1969. It is a non-regulatory organization and is committed to providing information and supporting the sport nationally and internationally.
There are certain states, such as California and Maine, that ban greyhound racing. Other states forbid the use of live rabbits and other small animals as bait for dogs in chase. The way the greyhounds are handled and trained is also a subject of debate. The dogs unfit for racing are either slaughtered or given to laboratories for experimentation.
