Greyhounds are overproduced in Ireland  and not all make the grade in racing.  Even the ones that are fast enough to race only have a limited time in this industry.  They may be injured or slow down as they get older.  In many cases these dogs are disposed of either by a vet or they are surrendered to a dog pound.  

Unofficial estimates range from 6,000 to 11,000 Greyhounds 'unaccounted' for every year.  The official figure is not known but in the absence of the correct number from the industry it's all we have to go on.  There is one thing tor sure, there are too many destroyed every year; many of them young, healthy and capable of being homed as pets. 

The table below contains the figures for Greyhounds entering Irish pound between 2008 and 2010 as well as the numbers homed and destroyed.  The average 'kill' rate in 2010 is 82%.  Compare this to the average rate for dogs generally which is 34% it puts things into perspective.