Greyhound Racing: Sport or Cruelty?
Greyhound racing in Massachusetts thankfully may be phased out by 2010, if laws are passed which will end this cruel practice. This is great news for dog lovers, especially those folks involved in Greyhound rescue and adoption. Thousands of these remarkable dogs suffer needless injury and even death, in a "sport" designed simply for entertainment and wagering.
Prior to 2001,when the Legislature passed a sunshine law requiring Greyhound Racing tracks to publicly reveal the numbers and type of injuries these dogs suffered, the state's two Greyhound racing tracks were able to hide the truth from the public. However, under penalty of perjury, they are no longer able to sweep this information under the rug, completely. Under penalty of perjury, these tracks reported that more than 800 racing Greyhounds were injured since 2002.
Approximately 80 percent of these reported injuries are broken legs, which prevent the dogs from racing for extended periods, or completely end their career on the track. Other injuries include seizures, paralysis, head trauma and cardiac arrest, the latter two frequently resulting in the dog's death. A shocking statistic for these racing dogs is that one dog is injured every three to four days in the state. Track reporting continues to water down the actual numbers of injuries by emphasizing "starts" only. The dogs are considered racing "units", completely dismissing them for what they really are; individual dogs with emotions, physical needs and who long for companionship.
The tracks continue buttering up their reports by stating that the dogs are well cared for, but in reality, according to photographs taken at the Wonderland Kennel Compound, the dogs are kept in small, stacked cages, which gives them no room in which to turn around or stand. The Massachusetts State Racing Commission sets standards for the cages to be 34 inches high by 32 inches wide. Since a large greyhound can stand 30 inches at the shoulder, they are unable to raise its head while standing in their cage. Not approved by the Massachusetts’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (MSPCA) the tracks continue to claim they are using approved cages. Dogs are kept in tiny cages up to 20 hours a day, with little social interaction with humans. They endure a miserable existence.
Dogs are highly social animals, who require contact with humans and other dogs with whom to play. Racing greyhounds are denied even these basic needs, which include interacting with other dogs, running free and allowed to be "just a dog."
Therefore, anyone who loves animals has to wonder why the industry is permitted to continue ignoring the rules, with little or no penalties levied at these tracks.
According to the "Boston Herald, "Gambling declined by 65 percent at Wonderland and 37 percent at Raynham from 2002-2007. The tracks’ claims that they pay hefty tax dollars to the state are overshadowed by the foreclosure proceedings that were begun against Wonderland for failure to pay over $800,000 in taxes. Even track owners admit that dog racing cannot continue without further handouts. However while they linger, thousands of dogs will continue to lead miserable existences, caged and put at risk of serious injury"
The MSPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, statewide animal shelters, more than 60 local veterinarians and dozens of lawmakers urge Massachusetts Voters to vote "Yes on Question 3"on November 4, "The Greyhound Protection Act."
How do you feel about dog racing? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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Comments (11)
J.A. Morrison October 21, 2008 9:24 AM
I used to enjoy watching horse racing until I saw Ruffian break a leg and then be euthanized. Watching racing of any kind after that was of no interest to me or my family. I have seen dog racing also and both now seem pointless. It is just a way to entertain the public and make money and even that is a laugh.
Racing started way back when the world was young and seems to pit man against man to see who is the fastest or who has the fastest animal. I hope it can be ended but then the one sport that I do love to watch would be under that same consideration and I would miss watching equestrian sports. I love to watch jumping competitions.
Vicki October 21, 2008 9:37 AM
Our local Petsmart has a Greyhound adoption frequently on Saturdays. These are dogs that are no longer racing. They are quite friendly and need loving, caring homes. I was not aware that they had lived in such conditions. I makes me appreciate them more now.
Ruth October 21, 2008 2:20 PM
I love the article. Very well written. I pray all the time that someday greyhound racing will be banned. Unfortunately, as long as people are willing to place bets on the dogs, there will always be racing. The sad thing is, thousands of greyhounds get put down or killed every year because there aren't enough rescues to save them. They are being bred at a very fast pace to replace those that get injured or aren't capable of running a great race. My heart breaks for those dogs that can't get rescued. If only everyone knew the love and devotion greyhounds have, then maybe more could be saved.
Amy October 22, 2008 5:16 AM
Although a dog breed might be built for speed it doesn't mean humans have a right to profit off of it natural talent. I can't imagine the numbers of dogs who were not fast enough that have been buried because they were not winners in a race. These dogs were meant to run free and not hampered by greedy owners who run them for profit.
Joanne October 22, 2008 1:17 PM
I feel the same way about grayhound racing as I have come to feel about horse racing. It's unnecessary and cruel. If humans want to bet theur hard earned money let them play the lottery or go to the casino. We are the guardians of all animals and this so called "sport" that injures and mistreats living creatures isn't
a sport at all. Humans have a choice whether or not they play a sport - these animals whether horses or dogs have no choice and are completely exploited as a commodity.
vera October 22, 2008 4:14 PM
For me, Greyhound racing is a sport that I am proud to be involved with. I speak from experience as a former greyhound trainer and kennel owner. I am disappointed to read incorrect statements presented as factual information. Proponents of greyhound racing many times base these statements on lack of knowledge and reprinted rhetoric.
I support the sport in every way as I was, and still am, a responsible greyhound owner and a greyhound adoption volunteer. I know how well the greyhounds are treated and I know they love to compete. It is because of their excellent care that they are such wonderful pets. Yes, greyhounds live in a kennel, but greyhounds enjoy more human interaction and socialization than some housepets and many human children. That is a fact I know. I also know many people that crate their housepets while at work all day and there are people that oppose that as well.
I believe the recent BOSTON GLOBE article summed up the issues by supporting a NO VOTE ON QUESTION 3. The Globe does not believe the evidence presented by Question 3 supporters rises to the level of abusive mistreatment that would justify shutting down a legal industry. The Globe recommends a NO Vote on Question 3. I believe in the sport, as I know it to be a responsible one. I am the first in line to expose any industry member that is not caring for the animals in a responsible manner-the same way I would report an abused child, or any other crime.
The Globe also states that proponents of Question 3 can take pride in the fact that, through their efforts in years past, the Massachusetts dog racing industry is one of the most closely regulated in the country. Thanks in part to that oversight; dog racing deserves a reprieve in MA. It is people that are suffering during these tough times, not the greyhounds.
Vera Filipelli October 22, 2008 4:19 PM
For me, Greyhound racing is a sport that I am proud to be involved with. I speak from experience as a former greyhound trainer and kennel owner. I am disappointed to read incorrect statements presented as factual information. Proponents of greyhound racing many times base these statements on lack of knowledge and reprinted rhetoric.
I support the sport in every way as I was, and still am, a responsible greyhound owner and a greyhound adoption volunteer. I know how well the greyhounds are treated and I know they love to compete. It is because of their excellent care that they are such wonderful pets. Yes, greyhounds live in a kennel, but greyhounds enjoy more human interaction and socialization than some housepets and many human children. That is a fact I know. I also know many people that crate their housepets while at work all day and there are people that oppose that as well.
I believe the recent BOSTON GLOBE article summed up the issues by supporting a NO VOTE ON QUESTION 3. The Globe does not believe the evidence presented by Question 3 supporters rises to the level of abusive mistreatment that would justify shutting down a legal industry. The Globe recommends a NO Vote on Question 3. I believe in the sport, as I know it to be a responsible one. I am the first in line to expose any industry member that is not caring for the animals in a responsible manner-the same way I would report an abused child, or any other crime.
The Globe also states that proponents of Question 3 can take pride in the fact that, through their efforts in years past, the Massachusetts dog racing industry is one of the most closely regulated in the country. Thanks in part to that oversight; dog racing deserves a reprieve in MA. It is people that are suffering during these tough times, not the greyhounds.
Vera October 22, 2008 4:27 PM
For me, Greyhound racing is a sport that I am proud to be involved with. I speak from experience as a former greyhound trainer and kennel owner. I am disappointed to read incorrect statements presented as factual information. Proponents of greyhound racing many times base these statements on lack of knowledge and reprinted rhetoric.
I support the sport in every way as I was, and still am, a responsible greyhound owner and a greyhound adoption volunteer. I know how well the greyhounds are treated and I know they love to compete. It is because of their excellent care that they are such wonderful pets. Yes, greyhounds live in a kennel, but greyhounds enjoy more human interaction and socialization than some housepets and many human children. That is a fact I know. I also know many people that crate their housepets while at work all day and there are people that oppose that as well.
I believe the recent BOSTON GLOBE article summed up the issues by supporting a NO VOTE ON QUESTION 3. The Globe does not believe the evidence presented by Question 3 supporters rises to the level of abusive mistreatment that would justify shutting down a legal industry. The Globe recommends a NO Vote on Question 3. I believe in the sport, as I know it to be a responsible one. I am the first in line to expose any industry member that is not caring for the animals in a responsible manner-the same way I would report an abused child, or any other crime.
The Globe also states that proponents of Question 3 can take pride in the fact that, through their efforts in years past, the Massachusetts dog racing industry is one of the most closely regulated in the country. Thanks in part to that oversight; dog racing deserves a reprieve in MA. It is people that are suffering during these tough times, not the greyhounds.
Joyce October 22, 2008 4:35 PM
My daughter and her fiance have a precious adopted Greyhound who was listed on an adoption site and he is so handsome and smart and attached to all of us!He has special needs because of the cruelty he suffered being caged up far beyond what is needed and his ears have notches clipped of their ears so as to identify him as a "racing" dog and not treated as a pet with feelings and needs!He doesn't know how to sit as he had to stand or laydown in his cage and he has emotional problems that caused him to be rejected out of several families who didn't have the time or patience to work with him.He is a blessing and a joy to love and respect and gives us much more then we give him.I am proud to be his "grma." and enjoy each day with him!
Joyce October 22, 2008 4:35 PM
My daughter and her fiance have a precious adopted Greyhound who was listed on an adoption site and he is so handsome and smart and attached to all of us!He has special needs because of the cruelty he suffered being caged up far beyond what is needed and his ears have notches clipped of their ears so as to identify him as a "racing" dog and not treated as a pet with feelings and needs!He doesn't know how to sit as he had to stand or laydown in his cage and he has emotional problems that caused him to be rejected out of several families who didn't have the time or patience to work with him.He is a blessing and a joy to love and respect and gives us much more then we give him.I am proud to be his "grma." and enjoy each day with him!
Ruth October 28, 2008 9:47 AM
I can't believe the comments Vera made about supporting greyhound racing. Vera, you might've treated your dogs well, but the majority of greyhound owners donot. They are only used to make money and when thier racing days are over, many greyhounds are inhumanely killed and thrown in mass graves because there aren't enough rescues to save them. You think that is right Vera? Greyhounds are not treated well at all. I've seen the damage that has been done to these beautiful creatures of God. And many greyhounds are very badly hurt racing around the track all for the pleasure of people betting on them. That is not ok Vera. Racing is cruel and should be banned. Yes, greyhounds love to run, but they should never be forced to run and get hurt for the sake of making money on them. Many owners don't give a crap about thier dogs if they don't win the races. They don't care what happens to them. Vera, thousands of greyhounds are killed every year because the owners don't care enough to find good homes for them. Yet you think this is ok? No Vera, you are wrong to think it's ok to race them. They are not happy living in kennels for the 1st 2-3 yrs of thier lives. That is just wrong. They don't even have soft beds to lie on in thier kennels. They lay on shredded newspapers. Vera, you sleep on shredded newspapers and see if it's comfortable. The only love these greyhounds get, is when the kennel caretakers give it to them and even then, some don't care enough to even pet them. This Vera, is the truth, plain and simple.
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