South African Greyhounds Embrace New Roles in Art Initiative

A new photographic exhibition, “Ghosts of the Hunt,” has opened to highlight the resilience and beauty of Greyhounds in South Africa. Organized by Greyhound Welfare South Africa (GWA), this exhibition focuses on themes of survival and hope.

Exhibition Overview

The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition features two distinct photographic series that capture the transformation of these dogs. The first series is by Dean Bush, the GWA founder, and showcases Greyhounds rescued from the infamous Yat Yuen racetrack in Macau, China. This racetrack, notorious for its cruelty, operated for over 54 years before its closure in 2018, following extensive international advocacy.

Impact of Yat Yuen Racetrack

The Yat Yuen track had no policy for rehoming Greyhounds, leading to the deaths of around 20,000 dogs deemed unfit for racing. Many Greyhounds faced brutal conditions throughout their lives. Bush’s striking photographs highlight their journey from the harsh realities of racing into safety.

Local Rescue Stories

The second series, captured by Warren van Rensburg, depicts the bravery and personalities of Greyhounds rescued locally. These images aim to raise awareness about the dogs’ suffering and their new lives in South Africa.

Ongoing Issues in South Africa

• Dog racing has been illegal in South Africa since 1949.
• Despite this ban, underground races still occur.
• Local breeders continue exporting Greyhounds to countries where racing remains legal.

Recently, a controversial auction saw 65 Greyhounds sold for R2.4 million, with one dog fetching R400,000, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of these animals.

Debate on Hunting Dogs

In South Africa, hunting with dogs is illegal; however, some groups are advocating for its legalization. In September, the Amaphisi Hunters’ Association proposed this to the government, citing potential job creation and cultural significance. Animal welfare organizations, including the NSPCA and GWA, are against this proposal, pointing to evidence of cruelty and ecological consequences.

Support Through Art

The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition serves a dual purpose: it is an artistic showcase and a means to fundraise for rescued Greyhounds. Proceeds from art sales will assist in covering veterinary care, food, and rehoming expenses for these dogs.

Visitor Information

This exhibition runs throughout October at Kameraz, located in Greenstone House, Stonehill Office Park, 300 Acacia Road, Cresta, Johannesburg. The artwork features both the international rescue stories from Macau and portraits celebrating South African Greyhounds.

To learn more or support Greyhound rescue initiatives, visit Emegypt. This exhibition is a powerful reminder to view Greyhounds with compassion, encouraging the public to see them beyond their past roles as racing and hunting dogs.