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