The difficult existence of racing greyhounds has come into sharp relief with the passing of Firefly Jen from a heart attack.
On June 19, 2021, Firefly Jen passed out at the finish line in Kempsey, New South Wales. She was four years and three months – old for a racing greyhound.
Despite only participating in 25 races, she has three career falls. Was there a reason she was only mildly raced, and if so, what was it?
As detailed in their Greyhound Recorder profiles, the racing career of the “Firefly” litter came to an end with the passing of Firefly Jen.
She was the last of an eight-dog litter that was racing when she was born on February 24, 2017. The racing careers of Firefly Benno, Bluey, Gus, Maureen, Paw, Sue, and Tommo varied, but they all endured ten falls, ten deaths, and ten injuries.
After injuring his elbow in his 31st race, Firefly Gus was euthanized by the on-track vet.
Firefly Tommo only raced twice and finished last, while Firefly Benno competed in 58 races and fell twice.
After competing four times, Firefly Maureen suffered a shoulder injury in her final race in June 2019.
Firefly Bluey competed in 46 races, losing his last one with injuries to his foot and hand.
After competing in 11 races, Firefly Paw lost his last one.
After racing 13 times, Firefly Sue hit the running rail in her final race after falling three times.
There are no longer any racing greyhounds from this litter. So what has happened to the other dogs if two of them are dead?
Images show every fall suffered by the litter plus the moments before Firefly Jen’s heart attack and collapse.
Greyhound racing should be banned worldwide owners and trainers should be publicly shamed
But they love their animals!!! and horse racing is just as bad and people are happy for 19 million euros to be given to this????
Over the years how many millions have been given to these people to kill animals??? and yet we told there is no money for housing, there is no money for mental health, there is no money for hospitals, but there is money to kill animals…
And what do people do?? a week of of “this is so wrong”, “what a disgrace of a government” and then its all forgotten and they go back to their life’s
Wake up people, this is your government, spending your money, you have a say on where it gores and where it shouldn’t go… No one cares,…:(
Hello. I have Firefly Curly, the dam of this litter, adopted 6 weeks ago aged 12 from GAP Northern Rivers. She is living the rest of her twilight years in a comfy, loving home with a nice big yard. So sad to read this article.
Thank you so much for letting us know. There are so many sad stories to tell about racing greyhounds. It is always wonderful to hear when they find a loving and compassionate home. Please give Firefly Curly a big cuddle from us.