Published on: May 1, 2026, 12:24h.
Updated on: May 1, 2026, 12:24h.
- US House approves legislation to effectively prohibit greyhound racing nationwide
- New law focuses on banning betting, breeding, and training of racing greyhounds
- Senate decision approaches amidst conflicting views from industry and advocacy groups
The US House has moved forward with a proposal that may soon put an end to greyhound racing across the United States. The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 5017) has been included in the essential Farm Bill, which received approval from the House on Thursday and is now set to go to the Senate.
This measure will modify the Animal Welfare Act to forbid commercial greyhound racing, wagering on such events, and the utilization of live animals for training racing dogs. Furthermore, it will prohibit “open field coursing,” where dogs chase live prey.
Under this proposed law, it would become illegal to conduct wagering races, facilitate simulcast betting—even on international races—or be involved in the breeding, transportation, or training of greyhounds for racing purposes. Those who violate these rules could face penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment for up to seven years. The law is set to be enacted in 2027.
The End of an Era
Once a leading spectator sport in the US, greyhound racing has seen a significant decline over the years. The industry grapples with increasing legal restrictions and public backlash due to concerns over animal welfare. Currently, only two tracks operate in the US, both located in West Virginia – the Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack and Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. In fact, the activity is illegal in 44 states.
Repeated attempts to introduce federal legislation aimed at banning greyhound racing have been made over the years but have struggled to pass Congress. This moment marks a historical turning point for a potential nationwide ban on the sport.
Notably, the House also chose to dismiss an amendment that would permit greyhound racing to persist in West Virginia, with a vote tally of 239-187.
The amendment’s sponsor, US Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia whose constituency includes Wheeling, found himself obliged to support the GOP-led Farm Bill after his proposed carve-out was unsuccessful. Moore hopes his Senate colleagues can achieve more favorable results.
“It’s absurd that we are legislating at the federal level what should be a state matter,” he expressed to The Herald-Star. “It doesn’t make sense to me. It feels like there is an odd obsession in Washington D.C. regarding how people in West Virginia earn a living, whether it’s coal, greyhounds, natural gas, or steel. It is disheartening.”
Opposition Rallies
Conversely, those opposing greyhound racing celebrated the House’s decision. GREY2K USA, an organization dedicated to greyhound protection, heralded it as “a monumental win for dog advocates everywhere.”
“Greyhound racing is a brutal and inhumane practice, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities among otherwise healthy dogs. It is a relic of the past that is soon to become part of history,” the organization stated in an interview with Casino.org.