Importing of greyhounds to the United States came in the late 1800's to control the jackrabbit population in the Midwest; coursing events soon followed. Greyhound track racing, as we know it today, began in 1919 in California with the invention of a mechanical lure.
What were greyhounds original purpose?
The original primary use of Greyhounds, both in the British Isles and on the Continent of Europe, was in the coursing of deer for meat and sport; later, specifically in Britain, they specialized in competition hare coursing.
What is the history of dog racing?
O.P. Smith demonstrated dog racing in 1919 at Emeryville, California, and the first track opened there that year. The sport was introduced in England in 1926 and became more popular there than in the United States. Dog racing later spread to such other countries as Ireland, Belgium, Australia, and Mexico.
Why did they stop racing greyhounds?
How does the American public feel about greyhound racing? Increased public awareness that dog racing is cruel and inhumane, in addition to competition from other forms of gambling, has led to the nationwide decline of greyhound racing.
Where was greyhound racing invented?
Modern greyhound racing has its origins in coursing. The first recorded attempt at racing greyhounds on a straight track was made beside the Welsh Harp reservoir, Hendon, England, in 1876, but this experiment did not develop.
