Approximately 30,000 greyhounds are bred for racing each year in Britain and Ireland. Most of them are exported from Ireland to Britain and other countries. Many owners prefer to race their greyhounds on independent tracks. They can keep the dog at home and choose where and when they run.
Some fortunate dogs are also family pets and are cared for after their racing days.
Approximately two thirds pass their first racing trials, the remaining third are killed. This was revealed by an On the Line TV program which aired dramatic footage of a tethered rabbit being killed as part of the training. We know that 10,000 are killed as puppies. If the remaining 20,000 enter racing, then 20,000 must also leave the racing industry each year. About 12,000 greyhounds are injured in racing.