There are 22 tracks in operation in the United Kingdom. Greyhound racing takes place on both licensed and independent "flapper" tracks. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is the governing body for nineteen licensed tracks in England. There are also two unregulated "flapper tracks," Valley Greyhound Stadium in Wales and Thorton in Scotland. Finally, there is one track in Northern Ireland, which is regulated by the Irish Coursing Club.
Polls conducted by Panelbase and commissioned by GREY2K USA Worldwide in late 2022 and early 2023, show that 57% of Welsh citizens and 60% of Scots support an end to dog racing. Our surveys were released to lawmakers in each country ahead of debates on petitions to outlaw racing. Legislation is now pending.
Between 2017 and 2022, 27,121 greyhound injuries were documented, including 1,125 track fatalities. An additional 2,693 greyhounds were reported destroyed for economic reasons or because they were deemed "unsuitable for homing" after their last race.
1According to the 2017 IGB Business Model Analysis, approximately 83% of greyhounds racing in the United Kingdom are Irish-bred.2 6,250 greyhounds are exported to Britain from Ireland each year.3 In regards to greyhounds bred in the United Kingdom, a total of 163 litters of greyhounds was born in Great Britain in 2019.4
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain implements the Rules of Racing which are applicable to all GBGB license holders in the UK. These rules include regulations for race meetings, licensing requirements and doping policies. The independent tracks in England are also subject to the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations, which were passed by Parliament in 2010.5 These regulations primarily deal with licensing requirements for the tracks. There are no racing greyhound specific laws in Northern Ireland.
From April 2021 through March 2022, the turnover (or amount wagered) on off-course, on-course pool and remote betting on dog races was estimated at £1.5 billion.6
ITV News - Greyhound trainers defend racing as Scottish campaign to ban it gains momentum
The Daily Record - ‘End Dog Racing in Scotland’ message projected onto Shawfield Stadium by animal welfare coalition
Greyhound Rescue Wales - “Carnage at Valley”: Multiple Dogs Injured at Re-Opening Event
Greyhound Star - Wale's Valley Stadium granted GBGB licence
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Active Tracks
ENGLAND
Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium
Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium
WALES
SCOTLAND
NORTHERN IRELAND
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