Race Cars Not Dogs

White background with black text above and below an illustration of a brown and black greyhound dog wearing a muzzle, its head down; a large red "X" overlays the design

Dog racing was introduced in the 1920s as an animal-racing sport similar to horse-racing for entertainment and sports gambling. Sighthounds—primarily greyhounds—make up the majority of the dogs used in dog racing. There are myriad ethical arguments associated with the dog racing industry, including the original practice of slaughtering rabbits to lure the dogs, the treatment of the hounds during and after their racing careers, and the use of animals for entertainment.

Though popular with gamblers throughout the 20th century, scrutiny from animal rights and animal welfare groups advocating for the ethical treatment—as well as from the general public—became more widespread beginning in the 1990s, leading to more regulations, adoption programs for retired racing dogs, and the closure of many dog racing tracks. 

In 2021, a bill was introduced in the United States congress that would end dog racing across the country, though it has yet to be signed into law. As of 2025, there are only two active greyhound racing tracks left in the United States and the practice has been made illegal in 44 states.