A new documentary, 'Going to the Dogs', examines British greyhound racing with affection and respect, but does not shy away from the opposing views of animal rights activists. The film explores the sport's decline, attributed to shifting tastes and gentrification, and features interviews with trainers, breeders, and activists.
Animal rights activists in the film decry the conditions in which some dogs are raised, the practice of euthanising animals deemed no longer viable for racing, and the injury risks racing poses. Trainers and breeders vehemently disagree, with Scottish trainer Rab McNair insisting critics are ignorant of how well the dogs are treated.
While the dogs appear healthy, some kennel spaces look spartan. One pro-racing speaker acknowledges that recent exposés, such as RTÉ's 'Greyhounds Running for Their Lives' and reports in the Guardian, have compelled the industry to clean up its act significantly.
Assessed as film-making, 'Going to the Dogs' is competent but repetitive, often playing like a long montage set to jaunty vintage reggae tunes. It captures the boozy romanticism of the sport, made poignant by its declining popularity, and highlights the lovable nature of greyhounds, capable of running 40 mph but sleeping 23 hours a day.
