The last greyhound races in Iowa will be held in 2022. The last greyhound season will be at Iowa Greyhound Park in Dubuque, according to the park.
The park has notified the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission of the park’s closure. In response, the Iowa Greyhound Association requested a reduced number of approved racing days from the state for the final year.
There will be 18 days of racing—April 16—May 15—After which greyhound racing will end forever in the state.
Greyhound racing has been on a downward slope for 20 years, with betting revenue declining by 67 percent from 2001 to 2011.
Most of this has been driven by concerns from animal rights groups about the welfare of the dogs. Some states have banned the sport. Currently the only states—besides Iowa— where greyhound racing is legal are Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and West Virginia.
