Greyhound Racing


In 1946, Greyhound dog racing was made illegal in South Africa. Now it is on the agenda of the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) to investigate and consider legalizing it again. Public hearings will be held in every province to hear the public’s view on this matter. It goes without saying that the NSPCA and SPCA oppose very strongly against legalizing this “sport”. They are of the view that it will be cruel and will not be regulated properly. It opens the doors to “backyard breeders” and people in to make a quick buck rather than be concerned and in the best interest to the dog’s welfare.

Greyhound dog racing is legal in countries such as the UK and USA. In SA we find horse racing legal, then why not Greyhound racing? What is the difference? In the end it is the owners that cash in and what happens to the dogs when they are not fit to race anymore? Well, horses are to be used for breeding and also sold to people who entertain people on horseback in the country when families are on vacation. It makes sense that winners will be used to breed and also be put up for adoption to families.

This will be an ongoing debate for at least the next 6 months before we can expect the dti to make a final call on legalizing this sport. We in the gambling industry would like to add that if breeders and racers can assure no abuse to the dogs and have it controlled by the dti that we can surely look forward to business in this field.