The Greyhound Protection Act: A Historic Step Towards Ending Greyhound Racing in America
On March 5, 2026, GREY2K USA Worldwide and Animal Wellness Action marked a momentous occasion in animal welfare advocacy with the U.S. House Agriculture Committee's adoption of the Greyhound Protection Act (H.R. 5017). This pivotal legislation aims to outlaw greyhound racing throughout the United States, includes provisions to prevent US gamblers from wagering on international races, and stops the export of American greyhounds to other countries for racing purposes.
The development signifies a growing consensus against greyhound racing, which has dramatically dwindled in popularity and legality in recent years. Once a major spectator sport with 60 operational tracks across the nation, greyhound racing is now illegal in 44 states, with only two tracks remaining, both in West Virginia. The decline has been so stark that the last two tracks, owned by the gambling and food service company Delaware North, are reportedly considering exiting the greyhound racing business altogether.
The Greyhound Protection Act was championed by Rep. Salud Carbajal of California, who also advanced the successful amendment into the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, known as the Farm Bill. Co-sponsored by a diverse group of 28 bipartisan lawmakers, including Reps. Randy Fine, Zach Nunn, and Don Davis, the amendment was met with strong support, passing the committee by a voice vote.
Advocates hailed the Act as a historic victory for greyhound rights, attributing its success to years of grassroots activism. CAREY THEIL, Executive Director of GREY2K USA, stated, "This is a historic victory for the protection of greyhounds, a result of decades of grassroots campaigning. We are grateful for the leadership of these legislative champions who have given the dogs a voice."
Opponents of greyhound racing underline the severe inhumane treatment that racing dogs endure. Dogs are often confined in stacked metal cages for up to 23 hours a day, leading to physically crippling injuries when they are finally released to race. A record 487 injuries were reported in 2024 at the last two functioning tracks in West Virginia, revealing a disturbing trend of broken bones and even fatalities for these animals. Furthermore, breeders have drawn ire for conducting cruel training practices, including killing rabbits in "live lure" exercises.
Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action, emphasized the increasing recognition of greyhound racing's outdated and cruel nature. "Passing the Greyhound Protection Act in the House Agriculture Committee is further evidence of the emerging national consensus that greyhound racing is archaic and inhumane," he said. "This is just the first step, but it's monumental as it marks the first-ever vote on the Greyhound Protection Act."
The movement to end greyhound racing gained notable momentum following Florida's successful ballot initiative in 2018, where 69% of voters agreed to end dog racing in the state. At one time, Florida hosted 12 of the 18 remaining tracks in the U.S., illustrating the stark shift in public sentiment against this practice.
Christine A. Dorchak, GREY2K USA's President and General Counsel who authored the Greyhound Protection Act, remarked, "Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane, and will soon be relegated to the dustbin of history. In modern society, greyhounds are loving companions, and should not be used and abused as gambling props."
With the backing of over 250 animal protection organizations and a history of successful legislative actions, the Greyhound Protection Act is poised for future success. It modifies the Animal Welfare Act to achieve its goals and reflects the federal government's authority over animal transport for racing and gambling practices across state lines.
The profile of GREY2K USA, representing the largest greyhound protection advocacy group in the U.S., has grown substantially, rallying over 300,000 supporters in an effort to enact stronger protections for greyhounds and promote their rescue and adoption. Animal Wellness Action, based in Washington, DC, aims to enforce anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws, while the Center for a Humane Economy engages businesses to act ethically regarding animal welfare.
As society continues to progress towards more humane treatment of animals, the passage of the Greyhound Protection Act may be seen as a watershed moment, illustrating that the days of greyhound racing are numbered.
The development signifies a growing consensus against greyhound racing, which has dramatically dwindled in popularity and legality in recent years. Once a major spectator sport with 60 operational tracks across the nation, greyhound racing is now illegal in 44 states, with only two tracks remaining, both in West Virginia. The decline has been so stark that the last two tracks, owned by the gambling and food service company Delaware North, are reportedly considering exiting the greyhound racing business altogether.
The Greyhound Protection Act was championed by Rep. Salud Carbajal of California, who also advanced the successful amendment into the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, known as the Farm Bill. Co-sponsored by a diverse group of 28 bipartisan lawmakers, including Reps. Randy Fine, Zach Nunn, and Don Davis, the amendment was met with strong support, passing the committee by a voice vote.
Advocates hailed the Act as a historic victory for greyhound rights, attributing its success to years of grassroots activism. CAREY THEIL, Executive Director of GREY2K USA, stated, "This is a historic victory for the protection of greyhounds, a result of decades of grassroots campaigning. We are grateful for the leadership of these legislative champions who have given the dogs a voice."
Opponents of greyhound racing underline the severe inhumane treatment that racing dogs endure. Dogs are often confined in stacked metal cages for up to 23 hours a day, leading to physically crippling injuries when they are finally released to race. A record 487 injuries were reported in 2024 at the last two functioning tracks in West Virginia, revealing a disturbing trend of broken bones and even fatalities for these animals. Furthermore, breeders have drawn ire for conducting cruel training practices, including killing rabbits in "live lure" exercises.
Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action, emphasized the increasing recognition of greyhound racing's outdated and cruel nature. "Passing the Greyhound Protection Act in the House Agriculture Committee is further evidence of the emerging national consensus that greyhound racing is archaic and inhumane," he said. "This is just the first step, but it's monumental as it marks the first-ever vote on the Greyhound Protection Act."
The movement to end greyhound racing gained notable momentum following Florida's successful ballot initiative in 2018, where 69% of voters agreed to end dog racing in the state. At one time, Florida hosted 12 of the 18 remaining tracks in the U.S., illustrating the stark shift in public sentiment against this practice.
Christine A. Dorchak, GREY2K USA's President and General Counsel who authored the Greyhound Protection Act, remarked, "Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane, and will soon be relegated to the dustbin of history. In modern society, greyhounds are loving companions, and should not be used and abused as gambling props."
With the backing of over 250 animal protection organizations and a history of successful legislative actions, the Greyhound Protection Act is poised for future success. It modifies the Animal Welfare Act to achieve its goals and reflects the federal government's authority over animal transport for racing and gambling practices across state lines.
The profile of GREY2K USA, representing the largest greyhound protection advocacy group in the U.S., has grown substantially, rallying over 300,000 supporters in an effort to enact stronger protections for greyhounds and promote their rescue and adoption. Animal Wellness Action, based in Washington, DC, aims to enforce anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws, while the Center for a Humane Economy engages businesses to act ethically regarding animal welfare.
As society continues to progress towards more humane treatment of animals, the passage of the Greyhound Protection Act may be seen as a watershed moment, illustrating that the days of greyhound racing are numbered.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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