Greyhound racing just turned 100, and says its dogs are fine. But are they?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-16T00:01:22.966Z • Permanent link

Greyhound racing in Britain has marked its centenary, but beneath the nostalgic celebrations, a complex story unfolds. Founded by Harry Figg, a former jockey turned greyhound breeder, the sport has undergone significant changes since its inception in 1926. Figg's vision was to create a more humane and regulated sport, which led to the establishment of the National Greyhound Racing Club in 1934. The club's efforts to improve conditions for the dogs led to the introduction of the Greyhound Welfare Act in 1935, requiring breeders to provide a minimum standard of care for the animals.

Despite these efforts, concerns about greyhound welfare continue to plague the sport. In 2016, the UK government announced plans to ban greyhound racing by 2019, citing animal welfare concerns. However, the industry has managed to delay this ban through a combination of lobbying and changes to the rules. The greyhound racing industry in Britain is now regulated by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which has implemented measures to improve animal welfare, such as stricter licensing requirements and penalties for breaching welfare standards.

The centenary celebrations are being marked by a series of events and exhibitions, including a new interactive museum at the National Greyhound Racing Museum in Sheffield. The museum features exhibits on the history of greyhound racing, as well as displays showcasing the lives of the dogs themselves. However, not everyone is celebrating the centenary. Animal welfare organizations, such as the RSPCA, have expressed concerns about the treatment of greyhounds in the industry, citing reports of inhumane conditions and inadequate care.

The greyhound racing industry's centenary celebrations have significant implications for the AI and tech ecosystem. Companies such as Google and Amazon have invested heavily in animal welfare monitoring systems, which could be applied to the greyhound racing industry to improve animal welfare standards. Researchers at institutions such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford have developed AI-powered systems to monitor and analyze the behavior of greyhounds, which could help to identify potential welfare issues.

The greyhound racing industry's centenary also highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in the AI and tech ecosystem. By analyzing data on animal welfare, the industry could gain insights into the most effective ways to improve conditions for greyhounds. This could lead to the development of new technologies and products that could be applied to other industries, such as agriculture or healthcare. Furthermore, the industry's efforts to improve animal welfare could have a positive impact on public perception, with consumers becoming more aware of the importance of animal welfare in the food and entertainment industries.

The greyhound racing industry's centenary is part of a larger pattern of changes in the animal welfare landscape. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards increased regulation and enforcement of animal welfare standards, driven in part by high-profile cases of animal cruelty. This trend is reflected in the growth of animal welfare organizations and advocacy groups, such as the RSPCA and the Humane Society, which are pushing for greater protection for animals.