Latest Craze in Dog Racing
The racing of the greyhounds is considered to be an organized, competitive industry. To some people that are not that familiar with what greyhound racing is all about, this type of racing has two forms: the track racing and the coursing. When we say track racing, it utilizes an artificial lure that is based on windsock until the greyhounds have managed to cross the finish line. Just like the horse racing, it allows the public to make wagers on the outcome. On the other hand, a coursing of greyhound racing uses a live rabbit that can be killed by the dogs as the lure or bait.
In many countries who consider greyhound racing as an entertainment, they perceive the racing purely intended for the amateurs and for the enjoyment. Yet in countries including Australia, Macau, Ireland, Spain, Mexico, United Kingdom and the US, greyhound racing is considered as a gambling act yet less profitable compared to horse racing.
Some countries who considered greyhound racing a gambling activity sees that the activity has no concern on the overall well-being of the dogs as well as to the live baiting – the rabbits, who are savagely killed by the greyhounds who will capture it. However, the people who have nothing against with greyhound racing insist that self-regulation should be implemented to ensure that no animals will be harmed in the race, yet this remains in question.
In greyhound racing industry, once the greyhound reached the age where it can no longer compete in the race, it is then placed in the care of a greyhound adoption movement. This was established to assist retired racing dogs in finding a home to serve as pets. And this movement has seemed to be effective as there are estimated adoption rate of over 90% in the US alone. The commercial greyhound racing of today where the public can wager on the outcome is characterized by various criteria:
as legalized gambling, regulatory structure existence, racetracks’ physical presence, gambling proceeds sharing, hosting fees, utilization of professional racing kennels, the number of greyhounds that will participate the official racing code’s existence the membership in greyhound trade association.
Resources: https://www.greyhoundchannel.com http://hinare.livejournal.com/867.html