Greyhound betting - It is a question of Life or Death

Do you have a big heart? Raise your voice against the mistreatment of greyhounds and Sign this petition!

Online Gambling Pal is committed to greyhounds and galgos as well as the Baas Galgo. As a casino site we believe commerce is acceptable, but not at any cost. Unfortunately we have found that casino sites worldwide promote greyhound racing. We understand the attractiveness and appeal of a dog. You choose a dog, deposit a bet and watch the race with added excitement. Unfortunately you don’t see the misery behind the scenes. The innocent looking dog racing almost always ends up abused and even murdered in some cases.

It is often the greyhound with the biggest heart that has the hardest time. Greyhounds are beautiful dogs with strong physical constitutions. The thoroughbred greyhound runs like the wind, reaching speeds of up to 70km/h. The galgo is similar to the greyhound. This dog, however, has greater stamina and therefore can run longer distances. The galgo reaches speeds of up to 48km/h. The unique characteristics of these windhounds lead to commercial practices that entail – no pun intended - severe animal suffering as a result of greyhound racing and the betting on greyhounds that  results.

Greyhound betting since 1920

The first greyhound racing was held around 1920 in England and the United States. Initially, only nobles had the resources to own greyhound racing dogs. This dog with its incredible vision made the ideal hunting dog. Ordinary citizens were forbidden to own such dogs, according to a decree introduced in 1016. Illegal ownership of a greyhound would result in owners being severely tortured and sometimes mutilated.

The upper-class nobility enjoyed greyhound betting during the hunt, betting on greyhounds that would catch prey. Betting on greyhounds, by the so-called "coursing" was born. For open ground spectators, it could be difficult to see what was happening. Therefore, closed racetracks were built. With changes in the law, ordinary citizens were allowed to own a greyhound dog, which made the sport immensely popular. In Spain greyhound hunting is still a very popular attraction. This has particularly serious implications for galgos, who are brutally abused after the hunting season is over.

Dog racing's elite

For centuries people have been fascinated by greyhound racing as well as all nature of racing in general. The best driver, cyclist and runner earn applause as well as respect and veneration. Athletes train hard, with the support of physiotherapists and other specialized professionals

Greyhounds are like athletes. However there is little respect for the animal’s well-being. Furthermore, to meet the large demand for greyhounds, due to dog races and betting on greyhounds, too many dogs are bred. Many dogs never reach the racecourse, disappearing mysteriously. Retired greyhounds are of no value anymore either and therefore disposable.

Greyhound racing is inhumane

Spectators are betting on greyhounds and dog races from all over the world. Greyhounds chase an artificial lure called the hare during the race. Usually the dogs are not given any exercise and are underfed prior to racing. It is in the interest of the dog owner to ensure that the dog appears energetic when entering the track before the dog race.

Therefore dogs are not fed before a race to avoid running on a full stomach. The running distance varies from track to track. Most dog races are run over a distance of 300m to 700m, while some get injured on the track during the race, mostly leg injuries. Visits to the vet are expensive. Instead of proper care, the dogs receive lethal injections.

Animal trade

There are billions spent worldwide on breeding greyhounds and running commercial kennels. There is a high demand for thoroughbred dogs with strong genes. Breeding too many animals is a common phenomenon. Young puppies that are not physically fit end up literally being dumped in the rubbish. From all the dogs that are bred for the racing industry, half of them die before they reach the age of 18 months.

The greyhound is a social animal, which as a pet can live to the age of 13 years old. A racing greyhound only lives to the age of 3 or 4 years old. The physical fitness of the dog wears out quickly, due to the large number of dog races in which the animal is forced to participate. The daily care of these dogs is often neglected, and after the dog races, they are like a car parked in the barn. Often kept in small cages, a dog can sometimes go for 23 hours without receiving food or attention, while being forced to wear a muzzle.

Betting on greyhound racing must stop

Fortunately, there are people and foundations that fight to protect these animals. Foundations such as Greyhound Rescue, Greyhounds Protection League, Greyhound Friends, Kerry Greyhound Connection and Greyhound Gap, all doing great work to improve the living conditions of these animals. They also draw attention to animal abuse and promote the adoption of dogs.

We all wish to bet and win, but greyhound racing in any form should be prohibited. Every year, thousands of dogs die worldwide as a result of dog races worldwide. By going to watch these dog races, we contribute to this terrible industry. Do not bet, because you are betting on an animal’s life!
Would you like to do something about this terrible practice?

Donate to a foundation for windhounds and adopt a galgo or greyhound!