Article rationale

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Now, I understand how disturbing this article is, and I do get if some oppose the discussion of lost media surrounding dogs (or any animals) getting injured. Indeed, under normal circumstances, even I would find such articles to be tasteless. However, over the course of researching Greyhound Racing Ireland, it has come to my attention just how messed up the Irish greyhound industry really is. The RTE documentary linked above is probably just the tip of the iceberg, with over-breeding and culling of greyhounds being a major issue (that has only been documented since 2019).

The problem with withholding the footage of incidents is that when it is out of sight, it is out of mind. The treatment of greyhounds in Ireland won’t get any better, as there won’t be any pressure from the public for GRI to improve its standards. When the RTE documentary was released, it prompted major changes from GRI, as well as a massive backlash against greyhound racing, with it vastly becoming less popular. Hence, I’d imagine the extent of injuries that are being covered up would also prompt change if exposed? When even a public figure like Maureen O'Sullivan demands the footage be published, it is clear there is public interest in discovering the extent of accidents that occur during GRI-sanctioned races.

Yes, injuries in any human or animal sport are inevitable, no matter how safe the sports become. But there can always be ways to reduce the casualty count. Maybe the solution is to ban greyhound racing, I honestly don’t know. But what concerns me the most though are how many dogs simply don’t compete after falling during a withheld broadcast. Did they suffer terminal injuries? What happens to them afterwards? Will they be released to animal shelters? Be subject to abuse? Be culled regardless of status? If anything, the implications are actually more terrifying than the videos themselves, as future greyhounds may suffer the same fate.

Thus, as horrendous as the videos most certainly are, their public release may well be a necessary evil, if it promotes positive change to the industry and perhaps even gets Ireland to reconsider its sponsoring of the sport.