Title: Understanding Live Baiting in Greyhound Racing Introduction: Greyhound racing, a popular sport around the world, involves the use of live bait to stimulate the chase instinct in greyhounds. While this practice is controversial and has sparked concerns regarding animal welfare, it is essential to understand its origins and current regulations in the industry. What is Live Baiting? Live baiting, also known as blooding or the use of bait animals, refers to the practice of enticing racing greyhounds by using small animals such as rabbits, possums, or piglets to stimulate their prey drive during training or racing. The intention is to improve the dogs' speed, focus, and determination during races. Regulations and Industry Standards: Live baiting is illegal and strictly prohibited in most jurisdictions that regulate greyhound racing. These regulations aim to protect the welfare of both the bait animals and the racing greyhounds. Catching and training greyhounds using live bait is seen as inhumane and goes against the principles of animal welfare. Animal Welfare Concerns: Live baiting raises ethical concerns due to the harm inflicted on both the bait animals and the racing greyhounds. Bait animals may suffer distress and injuries, while greyhounds can develop aggressive behavior from the exposure to live baiting. The welfare of greyhounds is of utmost importance, and the use of alternative training methods is encouraged and favored by the general public. Alternative Training Methods: Recognizing the negative image associated with live baiting, the greyhound racing industry has made progress in adopting alternative training techniques. These methods include the use of mechanical lures, such as an artificial bunny attached to a mechanical arm, or the use of virtual reality simulations to hone the racing skills of greyhounds. Conclusion: Live baiting in greyhound racing is regarded as a highly unethical and illegal practice in most regulated jurisdictions. Animal welfare concerns have led to increased awareness and the implementation of alternative training methods in the industry. It is important for stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of both racing greyhounds and bait animals, ensuring a fair and ethical environment for all involved in the sport.