Greyhound Protection Act of 2025

Protection from animal injury and death: The bill addresses findings that greyhounds used in commercial racing suffer from serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and paralysis (Section 2). By prohibiting commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, and open field coursing, the law aims to prevent these outcomes (Section 3(a)).

Prevention of harm to bait animals: The bill expands the definition of "animal" to include hares, which impacts the use of animals like jack rabbits or hares as bait (Section 2; Section 3(b)). By banning the use of any bait that is not an inanimate object, the law aims to prevent the practice where animals are chased, mauled, or torn apart (Section 3(a)(3)).

Ending drug use in racing: The legislation responds to findings that some racing greyhounds have tested positive for drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and steroids (Section 2). Prohibiting the commercial racing industry may address these issues (Section 3(a)).

Criminal penalties and imprisonment: Individuals who violate the new prohibitions face fines or imprisonment for up to 7 years (Section 3(c)). This includes anyone found to be knowingly engaging in, conducting, or facilitating the prohibited activities (Section 3(a)).

Impact on gambling and wagering: The bill prohibits conducting racing meetings where betting occurs and prohibits simulcast betting or wagering in interstate or foreign commerce (Section 3(a)(2); Section 3(a)(4)). This would end the ability of people to wager on the speed or ability of greyhounds (Section 3(a)(1)).

Impact on competition and travel: The bill prohibits the sale, purchase, possession, training, or transport of greyhounds for the purpose of participating in commercial racing, live lure training, or open field coursing (Section 3(a)(5)). This affects dog owners who currently travel from multiple states and countries to compete and win prizes in coursing events (Section 2).