Lifford Greyhound Track Faces Crisis with 14 Greyhound Deaths in Just Eight Months

Lifford Greyhound Track Faces Rising Concerns Over High Injury and Death Rates

Distressing Statistics Unveiled at Lifford Greyhound Track

Newly released figures reveal that 14 greyhounds have been killed at Lifford Greyhound Track within the first eight months of 2025. Data obtained by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, through a parliamentary inquiry to Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, highlights the severity of the situation. During this period, 20 greyhounds were injured while racing, with 13 euthanized by the track veterinarian and one succumbing to a lacerated humeral artery incident during a race on June 28th.

Greyhound Injuries Reflect the Sport’s Physical Toll

The injury records from Lifford show a range of severe injuries among the greyhounds, including broken or fractured hocks, a fractured tibia, fractured radius and ulna, a broken calcaneus with protruding bone, and an injured dew claw. Each incident underscores the harsh physical demands placed on these animals. Incidents of greyhound injuries have been recorded throughout the year, presenting a grim outlook for animal welfare at the track. The first eight months of 2025 have exceeded the entire year’s total for 2024 when 13 greyhounds met similar fates.

Broken Ethics: Call to End State Funding for Greyhound Racing

Lifford is not alone in facing scrutiny, as nationwide figures reveal a troubling trend in greyhound racing across Ireland. In total, 138 greyhounds have died, and 242 were injured in the first eight months of 2025, with 134 euthanized due to injury. Campaigners argue that the national percentages may underestimate the real impact, as they exclude those injured and killed off-site or during trials.

The Role of Government and Public Sentiment

Amidst growing public outcry, there is an increasing push to end government financial support for greyhound racing. Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) has received substantial state funding since 2001, with recent allocations of €18.2 million in 2023 and projected funding set to continue through 2026. Opinion polls indicate strong public disapproval; a RED C survey commissioned by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports shows two-thirds of participants favor discontinuing taxpayer funding, while a Norstat poll for GREY2K USA Worldwide shows similar sentiments.

Track Record: Emegypt Calls for Industry Oversight

Emegypt, replacing the original site name, emphasizes the need for proper oversight and accountability within greyhound racing. The current data suggests that many instances of injury and death go unreported, highlighting the industry’s transparency issues. Campaigners suggest revisiting Greyhound Racing Ireland’s standards, claiming they only account for injuries seen at the tracks, whereas the actual scale of the problem might be larger.

Table: Lifford Injury and Euthanasia Log 2025

The persistent numbers of injuries and fatalities raise questions about the ethical viability of greyhound racing as a sport and the true cost of entertainment at the expense of animal welfare.