4/22/2026
If you’re following Gamban across socials, you may have noticed our ongoing support for the campaign to end greyhound racing in England.
We see the harm which gambling causes every day, and not just to humans. Greyhounds are abused to the benefit of the gambling industry, and many people don't know what happens behind closed doors.
Public pressure can help change policy and save thousands of greyhounds. That’s why we have joined the Greyhound Freedom UK coalition alongside animal welfare groups.
What you need to know
- Since 2017, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain has reported an average of 4,400 injuries and 169 deaths per year on UK tracks.
- Most racing greyhounds spend up to 95% of their time in cages, with substandard kennel conditions common.
- An additional 3,278 greyhounds have been killed for economic reasons or because they were deemed unsuitable for homing.
- The Greyhound Board of Great Britain contributes less than half the funding required to treat and place retired greyhounds. Adopters bear the cost.
Dogs are beloved pets across thousands of homes, so why should greyhounds be any different?
Henry’s Story
"My name is Henry, I am an 8-month-old Greyhound boy with 3 legs. I was looking for a forever home after being taken to be put to sleep when my leg was smashed.”
Henry's former owner was a GBGB-licensed greyhound trainer, who appeared to lash out in temper at one of her other dogs at a British greyhound track whilst in full view of the cameras and spectators. This gives an indication to the kind of treatment they endure behind closed doors.
Henry is now in his forever home with Lorraine, who said:
“A veterinary nurse who worked at the surgery had asked for Henry's life to be spared on condition that she would find him a space at a rescue centre. We were just strangers to Henry, but he put his full trust in us to help him recover from his trauma.”
Due to the extent of the damage to his leg, he needed a 2nd operation, which would shorten the stump even further. He’s 9 years old now, and his disability has not held him back. He continues to love life and lives it to the full.
What happens after their racing career?
Greyhounds typically race until they are 4 to 6 years old.
Every year hundreds of greyhounds with treatable injuries are ‘euthanised’ or put to sleep by the greyhound racing industry. Andrew Knight, a Veterinary Professor at Winchester University, points out the misleading use of the word ‘euthanasia’ by the racing industry.
By definition, euthanasia refers to killing that is not only humanely conducted, but also in the animal’s best interests – typically due to very severe injury or illness when the prognosis for recovery is poor. However, greyhounds in the racing industry are killed not only for treatable injuries but also due to an insufficient number of available homes.
What does the public think about Greyhound racing?
Many people in the UK see greyhound racing as a ‘bit of fun’ until they see what the dogs actually endure.
Many people do not know the scale of overbreeding, injury and killing. Public pressure can change policy.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, said: “The gambling industry is propping up a sector that is responsible for the systematic abuse of greyhounds. As well as being a voice for our users and their experiences, we want to raise awareness of the harms that are occurring to these dogs as a result of the gambling industry’s practices. Nothing should be made to suffer in the pursuit of profit.”
How can we make a change?
The Welsh and Scottish governments voted last month to phase out the practice. Animal welfare groups say thousands of dogs in the UK have died in recent years owing to racing in the “inherently dangerous” sport.
If you live in England, you can write to your MP. Simply add your details to the form, and a letter will be generated which you can send.
Together, we can end greyhound racing.
