Green MSP Mark Ruskell has taken a significant step by introducing a bill to ban greyhound racing in Scotland. He argues that the sport is inherently cruel to dogs, citing the harm and fatalities suffered by racing greyhounds. This move reflects changing attitudes towards animal welfare in modern society.
However, looking back to the 1930s offers a stark contrast. During that era, greyhound racing was a popular pastime, with tens of thousands of spectators gathering to watch not greyhounds, but cheetahs race at various stadiums across Britain. This unusual spectacle was introduced by a colorful character named Archer Leggett, who brought 12 cheetahs from Kenya to Romford dog track in Essex.
Despite initial concerns about animal welfare, the cheetah races captured the public’s imagination. Spectators marveled at the speed and agility of these majestic creatures, with one eyewitness describing the awe-inspiring sight of the cheetahs in action. The races featured star cheetahs like Helen, known as the ‘Queen of the Track,’ along with other competitors like Gussie, Maurice, and Sita.
The success of cheetah racing led to a nationwide tour, with reports suggesting that the big cats even visited locations in Scotland, such as Forthbank in Stirling and Bonnyton Park in Kilmarnock. Despite its initial popularity, the novelty of cheetah racing waned over time, especially during the upheaval of the Second World War.
It wasn’t until journalist Mark Barber rediscovered this forgotten chapter in British sporting history in 2003 that the story of cheetah racing resurfaced. Barber’s investigation into old newspaper clippings shed light on this unique spectacle that had captivated audiences decades earlier.
The tale of cheetah racing serves as a reminder of how sports and entertainment have evolved over the years, reflecting changing societal values and attitudes towards animal welfare. While greyhound racing faces scrutiny in the present day, the legacy of cheetah racing stands as a testament to a bygone era when exotic animals graced the tracks and captured the imaginations of spectators.
In conclusion, the history of cheetah racing offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when unconventional sports entertained the masses and sparked curiosity and wonder. As debates over the ethics of animal sports continue, the legacy of cheetah racing serves as a reminder of the colorful and sometimes controversial history of sporting events.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- In Speed Racer (2008) the panels on the edge of the final race’s track are designed after a zoetrope, which create the illusion of motion by quickly showing a bunch of pictures. The cars move so fast they end up animating the panels
- Why does every supplement seem to add yet another anthropomorphic animal race?
- What animal could just wipe out the entire human race if they were fed up with us?