Cross Breeds

Why are Greyhounds dog considered livestock in some states that they race in?

Is this true? Do these laws make it legal to abuse Greyhounds? Photos of Greyhounds in Guam that are dying after a track closed and their care ended. http://www.featurephoto.com/release.asp?id=1128 http://www.greyhoundsinnood.com/stichting/greys%20wereldwijd/australie_11.jpeg Here is a rescue group that is trying to find homes for the Guam Greyhounds. www.GoldenGreyhounds.com

Public Comments

1. Greyhounds are considered livestock so they aren't afforded the same protection as other dogs. So yes, it is so that it is legal to abuse them.
2. This is so true..awful but still true and they are considered livestocl because people breed them like machines and its just AWFUL the situations they live in and they are only taken out when needed to race. Just like cows are only taken out when needed to milk except dogs are much more delicate adn if not socialized correctly they often become fearfull of humans and then named " unneeded" or "unadoptable" and euthinized.
3. Greyhounds generally have a wonderful temperament, being friendly and non-aggressive, although some can be aloof toward strangers. Give them a treat, though, and they're likely to become a friend for life. http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/greyhound/personality
4. Greyhound racing is not governed by the federal Animal Welfare Act. The racing industry is virtually self-regulated. State racing commissions exist but their primary function is to protect financial interests, not the dogs. There are states that have now banned greyhound racing.
5. It's a myth. Greyhounds are not considered livestock in any U.S. state. Greyhound farms in many states are subject to inspections more thorough than for any breed of dog. In Iowa, for example, farms are inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the National Greyhound Association (NGA). By contrast, the Department of Agriculture does not inspect farms that raise other breeds. Greyhound farms there are inspected because racing is conducted in that state. BTW, the AKC does not inspect ANY of its breeders. Guam is a curious case because it is a U.S. territory, but its racing is not conducted under the auspices of the NGA. All the dogs there were imported from Australia. Though the track shares some of the blame, many of the problems there are because of dogs that were adopted out from the track and then abandoned or mistreated by their adoptive owners.