I just recently adopted my greyhound and don't know that much about dog racing. Industry members have publicly alleged the dogs wouldn't run at all if they were poorly treated. The truth is, most people do not know what a day in the life of a racing greyhound is, or how horrendous the general quality of life for racing greyhounds can be. Greyhound racing is first and foremost, a business. Bedding in the cages is shredded paper or thin carpet remnants.
Many tracks continue to use wooden crates-perilous for fire and hard to clean thoroughly.
The wood gets urine soaked, making sanitary conditions difficult. In most kennels, greyhounds are heavily infested with fleas and ticks. Spotted Fever, and Lyme Disease, any of which may affect their racing performance. This micro pathogen, drug and diseased laden meat can cause dogs to become ill. The meat is used because it is cheap.