Proposed Federal Bill Would End Greyhound Racing Nationwide

The only two greyhound racing tracks left in the U.S. are in West Virginia. That number may change to zero if proposed federal legislation passes. 

The Greyhound Protection Act (H.R. 5017), is an amendment recently adopted into H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. The pending federal legislation will prohibit dog racing nationwide. If passed, the bill will also bar U.S. gamblers from betting on foreign races and block the export of American dogs for racing elsewhere.

The federal government maintains authority on this subject because dogs are bred and transported across state lines for racing and races are broadcast to numerous states for simulcast gambling. 

The Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in Nitro and the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino and Racetrack in Wheeling host the country’s last two remaining greyhound racetracks. 

Those in favor of the ban call dog racing archaic and inhumane, claiming the hounds suffer numerous serious injuries. Those opposed cite the specialized economic and employment opportunities directly tied to a humane industry with strict, state-monitored regulations. For an in-depth look and listen to all sides of West Virginia’s historic dog racing debate, see the WVPB series “Greyhound Racing in W.Va. – Last of a Dying Breed.

The bill also amends the Animal Welfare Act to achieve its purpose of ending greyhound racing. The legislation is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 28 members of Congress. WVPB will follow its progress.