The "Greyhound Protection Act of 2025" proposes significant amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, primarily to establish federal prohibitions against certain practices involving greyhounds. This legislation aims to eliminate commercial greyhound racing , live lure training , and open field coursing across the United States, citing concerns for animal welfare. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful to knowingly engage in these activities, particularly when greyhounds are moved in interstate or foreign commerce. It also prohibits conducting commercial greyhound racing or meetings where any form of betting or wagering occurs, and outlaws facilitating simulcast betting on such races. A crucial provision targets the use of live animals, making it illegal to conduct open field coursing or live lure training with any bait that is not an inanimate object. Furthermore, the Act prohibits the sale, purchase, possession, training, transport, delivery, or receipt of any greyhound for participation in these newly forbidden activities. The Secretary of Agriculture is granted authority to conduct investigations into potential violations, with the option to seek assistance from other federal and state law enforcement agencies. Violators could face substantial penalties, including fines, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both, for each instance of non-compliance. The legislation is supported by congressional findings detailing the historical context and current issues within the greyhound racing industry, including documented injuries, drug use, and prolonged confinement of racing greyhounds. These findings also highlight the cruel practices associated with live lure training and open field coursing, often involving small animals. The bill notes the significant decline of the commercial greyhound racing industry and its financial losses. The amendments are scheduled to apply to conduct occurring on or after October 1, 2027 , and explicitly state that they do not preempt stronger state laws protecting animal welfare or prohibiting gambling.