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Greyhound injury and retirement data published
There were a total of 4,837 injuries and 257 track fatalities in 2017.
Trust calls figures ‘unacceptable’ and pledges to work with governing body

Nearly 5,000 racing greyhounds were injured in 2017, according to new figures published for the first time.

Furthermore, just over 1,000 dogs died or were euthanised, of which 270 were deemed unsuitable for rehoming, 257 were trackside fatalities and 333 were euthanised due to treatment costs or poor prognosis.

The figures were published by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which governs the racing industry.

Responding in a statement, the Greyhound Trust said the figures were ‘unacceptable’, but pledged to work with GBGB to reduce euthanasia levels and increase successful rehoming rates.

Neil Parish MP welcomed the publication of these figures, which the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee, called for in February 2016.

However, he is urging GBGB to work towards reducing the rate of euthanasia. He is also pressing the government to introduce a statutory levy of one per cent gross turnover, to ensure greyhound welfare is adequately funded in future.

Key figures from GBGB include:
  • there were a total of 4,837 injuries and 257 track fatalities
  • just over 86 per cent of retiring dogs (6,391) were rehomed or retained by the owner/trainer
  • just under 14 per cent of dogs died or were euthanised, of which 25 per cent were euthanised trackside on humane grounds
  • twenty-seven per cent of dogs were deemed unsuitable for rehoming, while homes could not be found for a further 20 dogs
  • the remainder (eight per cent) were euthanised or died due to medical or other reasons, terminal illness and natural causes.

Greyhound Trust chief executive Lisa Morris-Tomkins commented: “The number of racing greyhounds who never have the opportunity to experience a loving home when their racing career is over is unacceptable, and the base line injury and retirement figures published must be improved; it is unacceptable that any greyhound suitable for homing is euthanised.

“This is why the Greyhound Trust have committed our expertise and experience to work with the GBGB on two key welfare projects: a behavioural assessment project and an injury recovery scheme, which will maximise the opportunities for greyhounds to transition to a family pet.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.