Racing greyhound hounds are testing positive for Class 1 drugs like cocaine, oxycodone and oxymorphone, as well as amphetamines more than ever before. Pain suppressors like novocaine and lidocaine are routinely administered to mask the pain and stress of racing rather than treat it. Industry records show that drug positives are spiking -- so this terrible problem is getting worse, not better. In fact, gentle hounds are being drugged worldwide.

Fearsome Flicker tested cocaine-positive at Nottingham Stadium in the UK, as did Tristar at Shawfield Stadium. Both dogs were just 3 years old. In Australia, three dogs tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines in one just month! In March 2018, Clonbrien Hero was nominated as the Irish Greyhound Board’s “Dog of the Year” – even after he tested positive for cocaine three times.

In the last reported cases from Florida, two winning greyhounds tested cocaine-positive at two different tracks in the same month! Castle Rock was found with benzoylecgonine in her system after leading the pack at Orange Park Kennel Club on July 19, 2018. This was the third time she tested cocaine-positive. A three-old brindle named Ruthless was also found to be coked up when she ran a race at the Orlando dog track just three days later. In West Virginia, another greyhound named Jax Yardley tested positive two times for a prohibited substance, however the description of the drug positives was redacted. 

Wherever it exists, dog racing has a drug problem and should end.