A national report on Greyhound racing was just released by GREY2K USA and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). With hopes of ending Greyhound racing in the United States, both humane groups are sharing their findings with state lawmakers.
The report, titled “High Stakes,” focuses on the seven states with Greyhound racing despite the hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries associated with the sport: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Texas, and West Virginia.
“For the first time, both the humane and economic costs of this cruel industry are documented for all to see,” says Christine Dorchak, president of GREY2K USA. “Taxpayers are losing money, states are doling out millions in annual subsidies, and gentle Greyhounds continue to die as pawns to this antiquated industry.”
Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations, adds, “Thirty-nine states have already made the humane decision to ban greyhound racing, but this cruel sport continues to exploit greyhounds despite public outcry and overwhelming financial losses from a dying industry. The ASPCA is proud to stand with our partners at GREY2K USA to shed light on the wanton cruelty inflicted on the thousands of dogs that enter the racing industry each year. We hope state lawmakers will agree that it is time to end dog racing once and for all.”
The 80-page report includes data and photographs from close to 600 sources between 2008 and 2015. GREY2K USA and the ASPCA found:
- 11,722 Greyhound injuries ranging from broken legs to paralysis and electrocutions.
- Close to 1,000 racing Greyhound deaths
- 27 cases no veterinary care, poor track kennel conditions, and many of the dogs were starved to death. The report also found 16 Greyhounds tested positive for cocaine.
- 2,200 state disciplinary rulings were issued since 2008. Racing Commissions are supposed to be self-regulated. The report found that attempts at self-regulating are ineffective.
Thanks to efforts from GREY2K USA and the ASPCA, 41 dog tracks have closed or ended live racing. Greyhound racing is an unpopular sport and has seen a steady financial decline since 1991.
Greyhound tracks continue to operate in seven states. Some of these states are trying to revive the industry by requiring gambling facilities to also operate greyhound tracks. “This forced union continues to subsidize a cruel industry that drains millions of dollars from state governments,” says Dorchak.
GREY2K USA and the ASPCA launched a petition on Change.org urging the governors in the seven aforementioned states to take decisive action to end to this cruel sport.
Sources: GREY2K USA, ASPCA
