For many people, placing a flutter on a dog they like makes watching a race that much more enjoyable.Despite this, Greyhound Awareness Cork co-founder Katie Corcoran said the practice sets a bad example to young people.“I’ll just explain to anybody who is not aware, when the children go into the greyhound track they sit at a table.
“Their parents and guardians are sitting beside them, then the parent or guardian is reading the race book, seeing which dog they will gamble on.Dogs chase the race leader. Picture by: Adam Davy/EMPICS SportThey are also not allowed to enter bookies or casinos but there are no such restrictions at greyhound tracks.“It also normalises the idea that cruelty to animals is okay if it’s done in the name of entertainment.
“We just had the stats for 2022 and 122 greyhounds were killed and 287 greyhounds were injured at Irish greyhound tracks.Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary Jackie Cahill countered that Ms Corcoran has a “very biassed view” of greyhound racing.“Greyhounds, by their nature, are born and bred to run and that’s what they enjoy the most.”
Deputy Cahill said the dogs are “eager to race” and the idea it was not suitable for children was “absolutely ridiculous”.“That is natural and the way it should be… It’s a great night out and a safe environment for children.”Main image: Greyhound Racing. Picture by: Pixaby.