A controversial greyhound race planned for the Fiestas Patrias celebrations in Chile Chico, a small town in southern Chile, has been removed from the municipality’s official program following public criticism from animal protection groups.
The race had been scheduled for September 21, 2025, but was dropped from the updated festival schedule after local activists raised concerns about animal cruelty.
Why This Matters
Greyhound racing has long been criticized worldwide for the exploitation, mistreatment, and abandonment of dogs. While some local groups in Chile Chico defended the event, animal advocates argued that greyhound racing has become “deeply normalized” in the region, hiding the suffering of the animals involved.
The group Patitagonia de Coyhaique strongly rejected the event, saying it represents not tradition but abuse. In contrast, a pro-racing group in Chile Chico responded with the slogan: “No to prohibition, yes to regulation.”
Confusion at the Local Level
Local news outlets reported that the municipality authorized use of public space for the race but later excluded it from the official Fiestas Patrias schedule. Some council members said they were not informed about the event in advance.
This has created uncertainty about whether the race might still go ahead under a private organization, even if not officially endorsed by the town.
Chile’s Legislative Context
The controversy comes amid a growing national debate in Chile over greyhound racing. In 2024, Deputy Sebastián Videla introduced a resolution calling for its prohibition, which the Chamber of Deputies approved in January 2025. The proposal is still under discussion, but it reflects increasing pressure to restrict or end the practice nationwide.
A Global Decline
This local conflict reflects a broader trend: greyhound racing is in decline worldwide.
- In the United States, the sport has nearly disappeared after voters in Florida — once its epicenter — approved a ban in 2018 that shut down the state’s tracks.
- The United Kingdom has seen multiple track closures and growing campaigns to ban the industry altogether.
- Other countries, including Australia and Ireland, face ongoing scandals about welfare violations.
The case in Chile Chico shows how international awareness is influencing local debates, even in smaller communities.
Why It Matters to Us
For readers in the US, this story is a reminder that animal exploitation isn’t limited to factory farms or laboratories — it extends to entertainment traditions worldwide. Just as Americans spoke out to close greyhound tracks at home, Chilean advocates are pushing to protect dogs from racing and betting industries in their country.
The Road Ahead
While the removal of the race from Chile Chico’s official Fiestas Patrias program is a victory, the situation is still unfolding. Without clear municipal statements, it’s possible the race could happen unofficially. For animal advocates, this highlights the need for:
- Stronger, nationwide legal protections for greyhounds.
- Greater transparency from municipalities about event approvals.
- Continued pressure from citizens who refuse to accept animal cruelty as “tradition.”
Conclusion
The Chile Chico controversy is both local and global: a reminder that traditions must evolve when they involve cruelty, and that advocacy can shift public policy. Greyhound racing is fading in many parts of the world — and thanks to local activists, it may soon fade in Chile as well.