Greyhound Protection Act of 2025

The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 would amend the Animal Welfare Act to end commercial greyhound racing in the United States by banning: (1) commercial greyhound racing, (2) live lure training, and (3) open field coursing where greyhounds chase live bait. It also prohibits betting or wagering on greyhound racing (including simulcast wagering) and bars the sale, purchase, possession, training, transport, or receipt of greyhounds for participation in these activities. The bill creates enforcement mechanisms, including investigations by the Secretary (with possible involvement of federal and local law enforcement) and penalties of fines and up to seven years in prison per violation. A transition window provides that the new prohibitions apply to conduct occurring on or after October 1, 2027. The act also expands the Animal Welfare Act’s definition to include hares as animals and clarifies that the measure does not preempt state laws or affect the Interstate Horseracing Act’s framework for horse racing. The bill is introduced by Representative Carbajal (with co-sponsors) and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. It responds to concerns about injuries to greyhounds, drugging, confinement conditions, and the use of live bait in training and open field coursing, and it aims to catalyze a nationwide shift away from commercial greyhound racing and related practices.