"This frisky film explores the canine-centric milieu with affection and respect but, laudably, it also makes room, about halfway through its runtime, for the case against racing as articulated by several animal rights activists who decry the conditions in which some dogs are raised, the practice of euthanising animals deemed no longer viable for racing, and the injury risks racing itself poses."
"Naturally, the trainers, breeders and owners we meet here violently disagree with these critiques. It's to director Greg Cruttwell's credit that he gives the subjects time to voice the point-counterpoint around these arguments. Some, like garrulous Scottish trainer Rab McNair, will have absolutely no truck with the activists' points, insisting that they are grounded in ignorance of how well the dogs are treated."
The documentary portrays greyhound racing as a fundamentally working-class pastime whose popularity has waned due to shifting tastes and gentrification. The film treats the canine milieu with affection while also presenting animal-rights criticisms about poor breeding conditions, euthanasia of dogs deemed unviable, and injury risks from racing. Trainers, breeders and owners vehemently contest those critiques and assert that dogs are well cared for. The film gives subjects time to present both sides. Some kennels appear spartan despite bright-eyed animals on display. Recent exposés are acknowledged to have prompted industry reforms. The filmmaking feels competent but occasionally repetitive, and the sport’s boozy romanticism is tinged with poignancy amid decline.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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