France

Greyhound racing in France is organized and regulated by the French Federation of Racing Greyhounds. The Federation is government sanctioned and was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1978.1 It consists of 11 regional societies that conduct races at a minimum of 18 venues throughout the country. In 2012 a total of 71 race meetings were held.2 A majority of dogs participating in races are actually whippets. Out of the 524 dogs that raced in 2012, only 76 were greyhounds.3

The Federation has its own set of racing rules, which include mandates for the size of the tracks, permit and license requirements and a prohibition against doping.4

There are currently 14 greyhound breeding kennels in France listed on greyhound-data.com, an online database maintained by dog racing gamblers.

Wagering on greyhound races is legal under Decree No.83/922 of 20 October 1983.5 In 2012, 117 564,00€ was bet on greyhound racing through the Federation.6 In ten years the total amount wagered has declined by 53%.7

  1. "Statuts [Statutes]," Fédération Française des Sociétés de Courses de Lévriers [French Federation of Racing Greyhounds] , May 30, 2013.
  2. Fédération Française des Sociétés de Courses de Lévriers [French Federation of Racing Greyhounds]. Les Bulletins Officiels (Official Bulletin) #68, 2012.
  3. Ibid.
  4. "Code Français des Courses de Lévriers [French Code of Racing Greyhounds]," Fédération Française des Sociétés de Courses de Lévriers [French Federation of Racing Greyhounds], November 22, 2012.
  5. Décret nº 83-922 du 20 octobre 1983.
  6. Fédération Française des Sociétés de Courses de Lévriers [French Federation of Racing Greyhounds]. Les Bulletins Officiels (Official Bulletin) #68, 2012.
  7. Ibid.

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