sidhe_faerie | The Racing Dog

GYWO JUNE CHALLENGE: GREEN WITH GRAFFITI

Prompt: Dog-racing

The Racing Dog

Over the centuries many types of dogs have been used for sport. Hunting and racing are just the two more popular uses.

Racing dogs, like horses, are bred for speed. The most common breed of dpg used is the greyhound. Greyhounds are sleek, long legged and focused on the goal of getting the stuffed thing they all chase.

Most dogs are well fed and well cared for but some are not. Owners over-breed the females and race the males until they drop. Some have even been euthanized when they can no longer be used for racing. The racing dog is not guaranteed a good life.

In more recent years, a program for rehoming former racing dogs. This gives them a few years of love and comfort before they die. Not all dogs find a home that understands their particular needs.

Is racing dogs ethical? It's only ethical if the needs of the dog are put above the need for the owners to win. In most cases, it is not. Laws are in place but there is no guarantee that they are followed.

Should dog racing be banned? That would be a debate for another day. The dogs should be the primary concern when making that decision.

(209)