Greyhound Racing in the UK: The Grim Injury Statistics
Greyhound racing in the UK may appear glamorous on the surface, but the harsh reality is far from it. Every year, thousands of greyhounds are injured on UK racetracks, and many lose their lives due to preventable causes.
These dogs suffer broken bones, internal injuries, and fatal collisions – all for the sake of gambling entertainment.
UK Greyhound Injury Statistics – The Facts
According to data released by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the injury and death rates for racing greyhounds remain alarmingly high:
These are not just numbers – these are lives lost due to an industry that prioritizes profit over welfare.
Common Greyhound Racing Injuries
Most injuries occur because of the high-speed collisions and tight cornering typical on UK tracks. Common injuries include:
These injuries are often career-ending and, tragically, life-ending for many dogs deemed too expensive to treat.
Why Are So Many Greyhounds Getting Injured?
There are several contributing factors:
Despite claims of improved welfare standards, the injury data tells a very different story.
Public Concern Is Growing
Animal welfare groups such as the League Against Cruel Sports, Hope Rescue, and Dogs Trust have been campaigning to end greyhound racing in the UK due to these persistent welfare failures.
The public is also turning away from the sport, with track closures increasing and attendance numbers dropping year after year.
What You Can Do
If you’re shocked by these greyhound racing statistics, you can take action:
✅ Email your MP to call for a UK-wide ban
✅ Sign petitions demanding an end to the greyhound racing industry
✅ Support greyhound rescue charities
✅ Raise awareness by sharing these statistics on social media using #BanGreyhoundRacingUK
Greyhound Racing Statistics Don’t Lie – The Cruelty Must End
The numbers make it clear: greyhound racing is inherently dangerous and inhumane. No entertainment is worth the lives of thousands of innocent animals.
Help us give these gentle dogs the safe, happy lives they deserve.
Greyhound racing in the UK may appear glamorous on the surface, but the harsh reality is far from it. Every year, thousands of greyhounds are injured on UK racetracks, and many lose their lives due to preventable causes.
These dogs suffer broken bones, internal injuries, and fatal collisions – all for the sake of gambling entertainment.
UK Greyhound Injury Statistics – The Facts
According to data released by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the injury and death rates for racing greyhounds remain alarmingly high:
- Over 22,000 injuries have been recorded between 2018 and 2023
- An average of 4–5 greyhounds die every week on or after race days
- In 2022 alone, 3,575 injuries were reported, including broken legs, muscle tears, and spinal damage
- Multiple greyhounds are euthanized every month due to "economic reasons" or treatable injuries
These are not just numbers – these are lives lost due to an industry that prioritizes profit over welfare.
Common Greyhound Racing Injuries
Most injuries occur because of the high-speed collisions and tight cornering typical on UK tracks. Common injuries include:
- Fractured limbs (especially legs)
- Dislocated joints
- Head and neck trauma
- Torn muscles and ligaments
- Heart attacks and exhaustion
These injuries are often career-ending and, tragically, life-ending for many dogs deemed too expensive to treat.
Why Are So Many Greyhounds Getting Injured?
There are several contributing factors:
- Outdated track designs with sharp bends
- Poor safety regulations
- Over-racing with little recovery time
- Inadequate veterinary oversight
- Economic euthanasia, where dogs are put down for treatable injuries
Despite claims of improved welfare standards, the injury data tells a very different story.
Public Concern Is Growing
Animal welfare groups such as the League Against Cruel Sports, Hope Rescue, and Dogs Trust have been campaigning to end greyhound racing in the UK due to these persistent welfare failures.
The public is also turning away from the sport, with track closures increasing and attendance numbers dropping year after year.
What You Can Do
If you’re shocked by these greyhound racing statistics, you can take action:
✅ Email your MP to call for a UK-wide ban
✅ Sign petitions demanding an end to the greyhound racing industry
✅ Support greyhound rescue charities
✅ Raise awareness by sharing these statistics on social media using #BanGreyhoundRacingUK
Greyhound Racing Statistics Don’t Lie – The Cruelty Must End
The numbers make it clear: greyhound racing is inherently dangerous and inhumane. No entertainment is worth the lives of thousands of innocent animals.
Help us give these gentle dogs the safe, happy lives they deserve.