From Racing to Rescue: South Africa’s Greyhounds Find Hope Through Art

A New Dawn for Greyhounds: From Racing to Rescue

The “Ghosts of the Hunt” photo exhibition, hosted by Greyhound Welfare South Africa (GWA), is turning a spotlight on the lives and resilience of rescued greyhounds. The event, held in Cresta, Johannesburg, from October 27, 2025, features powerful photographs that capture these dogs’ journey from racing kennels to safe havens.

Transforming Lives: Greyhound Welfare South Africa

GWA, led by Dean Bush, has been instrumental in rescuing and rehabilitating greyhounds. The organisation’s efforts extend beyond South Africa; it also plays a key role in the rescue of dogs from the infamous Yat Yuen racetrack in Macau, China. Bush describes the track as “the deadliest track in the world,” noting that over 20,000 greyhounds were killed there due to the lack of a rehoming policy.

Photographic Tributes: Dean Bush and Warren van Rensburg

The exhibition showcases two distinct yet interconnected photographic series. Dean Bush’s images document the transition of rescued greyhounds from racing kennels to safety, while professional photographer Warren van Rensburg captures the essence of locally rescued dogs.

“Every sale from the exhibition goes toward the care of rescued dogs,” explains Bush. “We have many with amputations or permanent injuries. It’s expensive to keep them healthy and happy, but each adoption is a victory.” The photos serve not only as tributes to these resilient animals but also as tools for education and inspiration.

The Battle at Home: Greyhounds in South Africa

In South Africa, while dog racing has been banned since 1949, small pockets of illegal racing persist. Additionally, some breeders export greyhounds to countries where the practice is still legal, such as Australia and America. A recent auction in Bela Bela, Limpopo, saw a staggering R2.4 million paid for 65 greyhounds.

Despite these challenges, GWA continues its work with local authorities and animal welfare organisations to rescue and rehome greyhounds caught up in hunting and illegal racing syndicates. The organisation’s commitment is evident in the care they provide at their facility, where rescued dogs receive medical attention, rehabilitation, and eventually find new homes.

Resilience Through Art: Capturing Hope

The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition not only highlights the beauty and resilience of these greyhounds but also serves as a call to action for greater animal welfare awareness. The photographs by Dean Bush and Warren van Rensburg evoke strong emotional responses, showcasing the dogs’ distinct personalities and dignity.

Warren Johnson’s portraits capture the essence of each dog, from a three-legged Greyhound sitting proudly with a missing limb to a variety of other rescued greyhounds. Each image tells a story of survival and hope, reflecting on the need for compassion and responsibility towards these animals.

A Call to Action

The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition runs throughout October at Kameraz in Cresta, Johannesburg. Visitors are encouraged to support both the rescue work and the educational goals of GWA through their purchase of photographs. For more information or to support their efforts, visit greyhoundwelfare.co.za.

The event is part of a broader movement to highlight animal welfare issues in South Africa and promote compassionate treatment of all animals.