| In Egypt the greyhounds were mummified | | | | While some greyhounds are naturally fit |
| and buried with their masters. The | | | | to race, the others lack killer |
| Egyptians viewed them as supreme among | | | | instinct. the dogs unfit for racing are |
| all animals. The greyhounds also find | | | | either killed or given in laboratories |
| place in the literary works of | | | | for experimentation. In certain cases |
| Shakespeare, Chaucer and Homer. | | | | the dogs is starved in order to develop |
| In England, greyhound was considered as | | | | in him an impulse to kill the small |
| a status symbol back in 10th century. | | | | animals for food. |
| Only noblemen were permitted to hunt | | | | The World Greyhound Racing Federation ( |
| with them. Later, Queen Elizabeth I made | | | | WGRF) was established in 1969. it is a |
| rules regarding the use of greyhounds to | | | | non regulatory organization and is |
| chase hares. In early 1900s Patrick | | | | dedicated to providing information and |
| Owen became the first one to introduce | | | | promoting the sport nationally and |
| the concept of greyhound racing. Later, | | | | internationally. Various nations |
| the first circular track was made in | | | | participate in the Bi- annual World |
| California in 1919. | | | | Greyhound Racing Conference. At the 2003 |
| The greyhounds are kept in the paddock | | | | conference the organization has adopted |
| before the race begins. After the pre | | | | a welfare charter which aims at |
| race tests and procedures, the | | | | promoting the mental and physical well |
| greyhounds are put in individual | | | | being of the dogs. |
| compartments in the starting box, called | | | | Greyhound Pets of America is another non |
| traps. These traps have automated doors. | | | | profit organization that finds home to |
| When the race starts the dog is made to | | | | the retired greyhounds. It advices the |
| chase a lure. A lure is a mechanical | | | | owners of these pets how to take care of |
| device that moves around the track at a | | | | the greyhounds and helps it fit in the |
| considerable distance from the dog. The | | | | new environment. |
| lure resembles either a bone or a | | | | The American Greyhound Council is |
| rabbit. | | | | responsible for researching diseases |
| After the race, the greyhound is | | | | that infect the greyhound and providing |
| provided with water and an open area to | | | | well trained professional and |
| walk. The winner is called in the | | | | veterinarians to better take care of the |
| winner's circle. | | | | dogs. It also employs inspectors to |
| The registration and identification of | | | | check any mistreatment of greyhounds. |
| greyhounds is the duty of the National | | | | Like in horse racing, betting in |
| Greyhound Association. It is a non | | | | greyhound racing is also quite |
| profit organization and carries its work | | | | prevalent. The betting game has its own |
| in North America. Only registered owners | | | | terminology like bookie, beards, |
| can enter into an exclusive contract | | | | quiniela etc. Betting, being a wager |
| with a registered kennel. These kennel | | | | can never be foolproof, but one cam |
| in turn contract with the tracks. The | | | | increase his chances to win by playing |
| tracks decide the schedule for the race | | | | smart. For example, a dog with a |
| fro a season. | | | | consistent performance can be good to |
| There are certain states like California | | | | bet on. The medical history and the |
| and Maine that prohibit greyhound | | | | appearance of the dog can be another |
| racing. Other States prohibit the use | | | | parameter. Success cannot be guaranteed |
| live rabbits and other small animals as | | | | in the game of betting, but doing a |
| a bait for the dogs in the race. | | | | little homework never hurts. |
| The way the greyhounds are handled and | | | | Mansi gupta writes about greyhound |
| trained is also a matter of controversy. | | | | racing topics . |