Greyhound Protection Act of 2025

The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to permanently end commercial greyhound racing across the United States. If enacted, the bill would make it a federal crime to operate a greyhound racetrack, participate in commercial dog racing, or engage in "open field coursing." It also proposes to outlaw the use of live animals as bait in training, a practice known as live lure training, requiring instead that only inanimate objects be used for such purposes.

Beyond physical racing, the legislation would prohibit both in-person and online gambling on greyhound races, including simulcast betting on races occurring in other countries. It also seeks to prevent the export of American-bred greyhounds to international markets for racing purposes. These measures are intended to close remaining legal loopholes in the few states where the practice is still permitted and to address concerns regarding the humane treatment and living conditions of racing dogs.

For citizens, the bill would result in the closure of any remaining commercial dog tracks and the end of legal wagering on dog races nationwide. Violators could face significant federal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. While the bill primarily targets the commercial racing industry, some sporting groups have raised concerns that its language regarding lure training could inadvertently affect traditional hunting dog training practices if not further clarified.