Greyhounds in South Africa Find New Purpose Through Art Initiative
A new photo exhibition titled “Ghosts of the Hunt” is shining a light on the resilience and beauty of Greyhounds in South Africa. Hosted by Greyhound Welfare South Africa (GWA), this exhibition explores themes of survival and hope through striking photography. The event showcases the transformation of these dogs, who were once bred for racing, now finding new purpose through rescue and rehabilitation.
Exhibition Details
The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition features two interconnected photographic series. The first series, captured by Dean Bush, founder of GWA, portrays Greyhounds rescued from the notorious Yat Yuen racetrack in Macau, China. This facility, known as the “deadliest track in the world,” operated for over 54 years before its closure in 2018 due to international advocacy.
A Story of Cruelty
- Yat Yuen racetrack had no rehoming policy for Greyhounds.
- An estimated 20,000 dogs were killed due to poor performance.
- Many Greyhounds endured harsh conditions throughout their lives.
Bush’s powerful photos emphasize their rebirth from the shadows of racing into safety. The second series, by photographer Warren van Rensburg, highlights the plight of locally rescued Greyhounds, capturing their bravery and unique personalities.
Continued Challenges in South Africa
While dog racing has been banned in South Africa since 1949, underground racing persists, and local breeders continue to export Greyhounds to countries where racing is still legal. Recently, 65 Greyhounds were sold at an auction for R2.4 million, with one fetching R400,000.
Debate Over Hunting with Dogs
In South Africa, using dogs for hunting is illegal, yet some groups advocate for its legalization. In September, the Amaphisi Hunters’ Association submitted a proposal to the government, emphasizing potential job creation and cultural significance. Animal welfare organizations, including NSPCA and GWA, oppose this, citing evidence of cruelty and ecological harm.
Support Through Art
The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition is not just an artistic endeavor; it also aims to raise funds for rescued Greyhounds. Every sale contributes to veterinary care, food, and rehoming costs for the dogs.
Viewing the Exhibition
The exhibition runs throughout October at Kameraz, Greenstone House, Stonehill Office Park, 300 Acacia Road, Cresta, Johannesburg. It features both the international rescue stories from Macau and the inspiring portraits of South African Greyhounds.
For more information or to support their rescue initiatives, visit El-Balad. This exhibition is a heartfelt appeal for compassion and understanding towards these gentle animals, encouraging the public to see Greyhounds beyond their roles as racing and hunting dogs.
