The greyhounds racing industry has been accused of ‘normalising betting for children’. 

For many people, placing a flutter on a dog they like makes watching a race that much more enjoyable.

It is also an important revenue stream for the greyhound racing industry.

Despite this, Greyhound Awareness Cork co-founder Katie Corcoran said the practice sets a bad example to young people.

“Children are exposed to gambling in the greyhound tracks,” she told The Hard Shoulder.

“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.

“Then the person working at the track comes over and they take the gamble from the parents.”

Dogs chase the race leader. Picture by: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport

Children under 18 are not allowed to place bets.

They are also not allowed to enter bookies or casinos but there are no such restrictions at greyhound tracks.

“Greyhound tracks normalise betting for children,” Ms Corcoran said.

“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.

“Children may watch a dog dying at the track.”

'Born and bred to run'

Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary Jackie Cahill countered that Ms Corcoran has a “very biassed view” of greyhound racing.

“The highest welfare standards are there for the greyhounds,” he said.

“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”.

“Obviously, the young people will say, ‘I’m shouting for Dog Two or Dog Three,’” he said.

“That is natural and the way it should be… It’s a great night out and a safe environment for children.”

In Budget 2024, the Irish Government allocated €19 million to the industry.

Main image: Greyhound Racing. Picture by: Pixaby.