Greyhound Racing May be Legalized

August 29 - One of the most popular sports in the world involving animals is undoubtedly greyhound racing. This industry rolls millions of dollars annually, with sports betting being an integral part of it all.

A greyhound racing industry exists in South Africa, with wagers being taken at all levels. Although gambling in South Africa is legal per se, the question remains whether the actual sport of greyhound racing is, and that is the issue which will be probed by a leading university in the country.

The University of Free State (UFS) issued a statement this week saying that its law faculty, in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry in the South African government, will investigate the entire picture relating to greyhound racing - both on a national and international level.

By taking a look at the state of greyhound racing in South Africa, as well as in other countries around the world, the University of Free State hopes to gain an objective view of the current situation in the country and provide a well thought out recommendation to the government regarding the possible legalization of the sport.

Greyhound racing is currently legal in many countries around the world, including New Zealand, England, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Ireland and the United States.

The university said that all aspects would be probed before a recommendation would be made. "This includes aspects such as animal welfare, social, economic and political issues and the legal framework pertaining to greyhound racing," read the statement.

Naturally, the idea has already been met by strong resistance by animal rights groups who prefer to ban the sport outright in South Africa.

Workshops will be held later this year to gain further input from the general public, although anyone wishing to comment can fax the university directly.

For now we have to make do with good old fashioned horse racing and we've got a section devoted to it right here!

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