Lawmakers in the state of West Virginia continue to embrace and support the greyhound racing industry, despite every other state shutting down or prohibiting dog races. However, a new federal bill aims to take the decision out of the state’s hands.
The bipartisan Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 (HR 5017) would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act to outlaw not only U.S. greyhound racing but taking part in open field or lure training to prep the dogs for participating in races. Open field coursing is a contest in which dogs simultaneously chase a prey animal, such as a rabbit. Lure training involves using live animals like rabbits as a means to train a greyhound to race.
In addition to prohibiting the industry within the United States and these forms of training, the proposed law would also prohibit simulcast racing of greyhound races even from countries where it remains legal in addition to criminalize breeding or selling greyhounds for the purpose of greyhound racing, even if they are selling them to take part in legal greyhound races in countries like Scotland and Australia.
The bill currently has 15 sponsors, evenly split between the two parties. None of the sponsors are from West Virginia, which would be the only state economy materially impacted by the law. In 2023, the two greyhound tracks in the state generated over $400 million in handle.
California Rep. Sauld Carbajal of California leads the group of sponsors on the ball, which was initially reintroduced in August after a failed effort in 2023.
“Greyhound racing is cruel, inhumane, and unpopular with the American public – which is why nearly every state has already voted to outlaw it,” Carbajal said when the bill was reintroduced. “As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to stand with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that will finally put an end to this brutal practice and promote the universal welfare of our greyhounds.”
Federal intervention into a state’s gambling economy remains a hot topic beyond greyhound racing. The ongoing legal battle around sports-related prediction markets and an ongoing case between Churchill Downs and the Michigan Gaming Control Board over horse racing apps both reflect the tension between the two groups taking place right now.
Del. Shawn Fluharty of West Virginia represents the area where one of the remaining two greyhound racetracks in the country resides. He is also the current president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS).
“These are specialized economic and employment opportunities directly tied to the industry which would be gone tomorrow if racing is eliminated,” Fluharty told West Virginia Watch. “Not to mention, the owners and trainers of these dogs are residents of West Virginia. They are business owners employing people locally.”
