Key Highlights
- A new photo exhibition titled “Ghosts of the Hunt” is showcasing the resilience and beauty of Greyhounds in South Africa.
- The exhibition features two photographic series by Dean Bush and Warren van Rensburg, highlighting rescued Greyhounds from Macau and local South African dogs.
- Every sale contributes to veterinary care, food, and rehoming costs for the rescued Greyhounds.
- The event runs throughout October at Kameraz in Johannesburg.
New Hope for Former Racing Dogs: “Ghosts of the Hunt” Exhibition
A powerful new exhibition titled “Ghosts of the Hunt” is drawing attention to the plight and resilience of Greyhounds in South Africa. Hosted by Greyhound Welfare South Africa (GWA), this photo show aims to highlight the transformation of these dogs from racing to rescue, emphasizing their survival and hope.
From Racing Tracks to Rescue
The 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 operated for over 54 years before its closure in 2018 due to international advocacy.
An estimated 20,000 dogs were killed due to poor performance, and many endured harsh conditions throughout their lives. Bush’s powerful photos underscore the rebirth of these dogs from the shadows of racing into safety.
Local Challenges Persist
While dog racing has been banned in South Africa since 1949, underground racing continues to persist. Local breeders still export Greyhounds to countries where racing remains legal. Recently, 65 Greyhounds were sold at an auction for R2.4 million, with one fetching R400,000. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by these dogs in South Africa.
Artistic and Fundraising Endeavor
The “Ghosts of the Hunt” exhibition is not just a creative endeavor but also aims to raise funds for rescued Greyhounds. Every sale contributes to veterinary care, food, and rehoming costs for the dogs. The event runs throughout October at Kameraz in Greenstone House, Stonehill Office Park, 300 Acacia Road, Cresta, Johannesburg.
For more information or to support their rescue initiatives, visitors can contact El-Balad. This exhibition serves as a heartfelt appeal for compassion and understanding towards these gentle animals, encouraging the public to see Greyhounds beyond their roles in racing and hunting.
