Victoryland Defeated by Financial Woes, Ends Live Greyhound Racing Program
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Due to declining revenues and increased political pressure, Victoryland Greyhound Park will hold its last and final race on May 14th.
Victoryland COO Lewis Benefield has issued a written statement regarding the track closure: “Economic realities make it impossible for us to continue offering live racing after the Juvenile Futurity. Greyhound racing will resume when we can again offer the electronic bingo games which for many years subsidized the cost of live racing.”
Victoryland’s track closure is expected to result in 200 job losses.
From my calculations based on the kennel list on their website, there will be 455 dogs that will be out of work at Victoryland. Even if some of those dogs are transferred to other tracks, there will still be a lot of dogs who are heading into retirement. If you’ve been considering adopting a greyhound, please contact your local greyhound rescue now to get your application rolling. Adopt a 45 mph couch potato!
I am both happy and sad by this news. I despise the living conditions these delightful dogs have to live in as racers but the amount of Greys that will now need homes is going to be enormous! I will share tweet and get the word out now as we will need many foster home and forever homes for the dogs.
took the words right out of my mouth. I am doing the same. 200 jobs lost..and not a word about what is going to happen to the dogs. Florida next year will probably shut down some tracks which latest figure showed 8000 dogs on tracks, kennels and on farms. How can we afford to deal with this as rescue groups. Tough times ahead.
Jane–you are so right–and I don’t see Grey2k offering solutions. They are only pushing for racing to end with no real thought to the dogs. Their people even admit in emails to each other that they know many dogs will die now, but that want to protect future dogs.
Well, I’m sorry–NO GREYHOUND deaths due to tracks closing is acceptable to me.
That’s a blatant lie, and you know it, Kathy.
If greyhounds’ deaths were ‘acceptable’ to us, why would we work to end dog racing? Dogs are dying on the track in every racing state every single day.
It seems it is *you* that accepts greyhound deaths. You speak out against efforts to end a cruel and inhumane sport that takes the lives of innocent greyhounds every single day.
How very sad.
Meanwhile, as a member of a GPA chapter’s advisory board, you may want to look up the word ‘neutrality’ in the dictionary.
Sorry–no greyhound deaths are acceptable to me. I’m not the one sending emails saying that in order to end racing some greyhounds will have to die or saying that they knew the Florida bill was not particularly a good one for the dogs, but that it would reach the end result of stopping racing. Those communications were coming from your partner adoption groups.
So again–if no deaths are acceptable to you–what is Grey2k plan again? I still have not seen a response on that. When will all the US adoption groups be pulled in to make sure the plan is organized, coordinated and well known by ALL the adoption group?
No such e-mails were circulated. Another lie.
The GREY2K USA plan is to end dog racing, to pass laws to protect greyhounds that are racing, and to support adoption efforts for greyhounds until racing is over.
We have ended dog racing in several states, we have passed laws that protect greyhounds who are racing, and we have supported greyhound adoption efforts.
We will continue that work until it’s no longer necessary.
Jen K said- “No such e-mails were circulated. Another lie.”
ksrake says: “It’s not a lie and I am not a liar. I am often accused of being too honest. And I actually do have one such email that was sent to me and I was privy to a conversation saying the same. ”
Jen K said:
“The GREY2K USA plan is to end dog racing, to pass laws to protect greyhounds that are racing, and to support adoption efforts for greyhounds until racing is over.
We have ended dog racing in several states, we have passed laws that protect greyhounds who are racing, and we have supported greyhound adoption efforts.
We will continue that work until it’s no longer necessary.”
Ksrake says – “that is a statement NOT a plan. A plan has details, tasks, timelines, resources, etc. Simply making a statement does NOT constitute a plan.
I also full aware of what the de-coupling bill was all about–provisions for the welfare of the dogs still shuold have been in it and the fact that Grey2k didn’t try to make that happen is irresponsible.
Enough said. Just remember one should not deal in absolutes. Everything is not all bad nor is it not all good.
I do believe you are an advocate for the dogs–and maybe you really do believe everything Grey2k says. I do not.
And whether you choose to believe it our not, I am also an advocate for the dogs. I spend my time to trying to help them–one dog at a time while promoting how fantastic a breed they are encouraging others to do the same. I don’t believe in exploitation (whether you believe that or not)–and I am not stupid and know there are those who do that. I also know there are plenty of other folks who truly do love them and try their darndest to take excellent care of them.
Stop condemning ALL the people. Condemn the bad ones and respect/help the good ones. the ones who do care and stand up for the dogs.
‘ONE such email’???
‘Privy to A (single) conversation???
What a bunch of bull.
You don’t believe in exploitation?
Yet you defend dog racing – an industry dependent on greyhounds as expendable commodities, not as sentient beings who deserve protection.
Oh wait a minute – you only defend the ‘good tracks’ and the ‘good people’ of dog racing.
Yet dogs still die on the ‘good tracks’, don’t they?
And dogs still die – because of the ‘good people’ – who are willing to risk the injuries and deaths of these gentle, innocent animals.
All for a buck or two.
Thank you so much for ‘believing that I’m an advocate’.
Really, gee thanks.
You don’t know me, you don’t know anyone who is a principal of GREY2K USA, you don’t know what tireless efforts are made each and every day for greyhounds by our organization or by any of the individuals who are part of it.
Kathy, you go on doing what you’re doing.
I’ll do the same.
Let’s agree to disagree, because nothing else will ever happen.
Greyhound racing is dying, rightfully so.
And when it dies, thousands of greyhounds will no longer suffer cruelty, neglect and exploitation at the hands of an inhumane industry.
Dog racing is Cruel!
what will happen to these dogs? That’s my question.
Many of these dogs will move to other tracks and many will be retired. The problem is that when dogs move to other tracks, they displace other dogs there who then move to other tracks, etc. Then the problem is when you get to the last stop tracks–there is no where else to go. The adoption folks at these kinds of tracks scramble to find places to get these dogs moved to. These are the tracks where dogs have a limited amount of time to adoption to get moved or else.
Whenever their ‘careers’ are over they are released to Greyhound rescues.
The probelm is that greyhound adoption groups struggle not only in trying to transport greyhounds to other parts of the country that don’t have as many greyhound, but also in taking a lot of greyhounds at once. It would be nice to say that the greyhound groups will take all the dogs, but reality is the greyhound adoption groups stay full–I know because I work with a large gryehound group. The greyhound adoption community REALLY needs people to step up and foster, and or adopt these magnificent dogs. I have 3 of my own PLUS a foster. Please consider fostering or adopting a greyhound to help make room for the dogs that will be coming from Victoryland.
Good
So wish we could say that for the one in Ebro, Florida. They need to close down forever
DOG RACING SHOULD BE BANNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
or simply killed by their owners. Hope this cruel sport will soon be banned
I am glad this will be over. I am sure even though some might proceed this sport in a small venue the numbers of abused dogs will dwindle with the closure of the tracks
I hate animal racing!!! I’m glad it ended.
Please god this doesn’t mean what it usually does, that these beautiful animals are destroyed and tossed in the garbage. Are you in touch with Greyhound Rescues around the country?
Even if you can’t adopt a greyhound, you could be very useful as a foster home. Greyhound rescue groups can absorb these dogs if they have the foster homes and money to do it. The need will not just be in Georgia. Dogs get moved throughout the race tracks in the US (and the one in Mexico) as owners and trainers try to find a spot each dog can make money. Wherever you are, consider supporting your local greyhound group by volunteering, fostering, or donating. Grey2K just got a $25K grant to push for more of these closures, but NONE of that money goes to helping rescue groups. You can have the most direct impact on dogs and the dedicated volunteers who will assure their safety by making a donation directly to a local group you’ve checked out.
Shel–you are so right! Everyone thinnks Grey2k is out there helping Greyhounds. THEY ARE NOT. They are pushing for an end to racing with no thought to the dogs. The Florida dibacle PROVES that. They want racing to end AT ANY cost. I’m sorry, but no death of a health Greyhound is acceptable to me even if Gryey2k thinks it is.
Please consider fostering one of these magnificent dogs. If you want to donate money to help greyhounds, donate it to your local greyhound adoption group who is actually out there trying to help get dogs saved and placed–not Grey2k who does NOTHING to help actual Greyhounds.
Kathy,
GREY2K USA has never thought that the death of any greyhound is acceptable. That is an affront to our work as an organization, and offensive to every person at GREY2K USA that works day in and day out to end dog racing – to stop the deaths of greyhounds.
The more tracks that close means fewer greyhounds that live in cages 20+ hours per day. Fewer greyhounds who suffer serious injuries and die while racing. Few greyhounds whose lives are in jeopardy when they are no longer competitive or ‘valuable’ to their breeders, owners, trainers, kennel operators.
Fewer of these:
http://jenkrebs.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20life%20lost%20but%20not%20forgotten
Fewer of these:
http://greyhound-data.com/d?i=1138817
Thank you to all of the commenters who can see the forest for the trees – who wish to see the end of this cruel sport and see the suffering of these gentle dogs ended.
http://jenkrebs.blogspot.com/2011/03/truth-about-impending-florida-dog-track.html
The thinking of people like you, who defend the very industry you are working to rescue dogs from, boggles my mind.
Then tell my WHY Grey2k did not push for language protecting the dogs when the Florida bill was going through legislation. That was completely immoral. That bill had anywhere between 4,000 and 12,000 greyhounds at risk WITH NO PROTECTION. I REPEATEDLY emailed you and Grey2k about what the plans was to save these dogs and I never once got a single response and when I tried to post that question in yours and grey2ks blogs–the comments were rejected and never published.
I also saw emails from folks working with Grey2k saying that they knew the Florida was not a good one for the dogs but that racing must be STOPPED at all costs (that means sounds like dogs will die). That bill was a bunch of policital garbage and you all were trying to push it thorough–regardless of the consequences.
I WANT THE DOGS PROTECTED and if you and Grey2k are doing it for the dogs then why is there no well thought out drafted plan–and don’t tell me that there’s the United Pathway Plan–that’s old and has not meat to it. It’s just a general plan that basically says the adoption groups will have to step up.
HELLO–I am with an adoption group. I have talked with several people at several adoption groups–we were all trying to figure what we could to help if the Florida bill passed. None of them had heard from Grey2k about what the coordinated plan would be.
And as for Victoryland–now many of those dogs will be sent to other tracks which will displace dogs from the other tracks–which will push dogs to last stop tracks like JCKC. That track alreayd has so many dogs with limited that need to be moved out that it makes me physically sick to my stomach. The group there is trying deparately to get dogs moved and to safety.
So tell me, how is Grey2k trying to help there? They aren’t because Grey2k is pushing a political agenda and not helping at the tracks that need the help.
Stop all the political propaganda and get down and dirty and help actual dogs–not thereotical ones.
Kathy, obviously you have no idea what you are talking about.
First of all, GREY2K USA formed an adoption coalition and had groups all over the country ready to take dogs from any tracks in FL that ceased live racing.
GREY2K USA has donated thousands to greyhound adoption efforts through the years.
GREY2K USA authored the only state-funded greyhound adoption program in the nation.
Upon finding that greyhounds were excluded from protection under the anti-cruelty statutes of New Hampshire and Florida, GREY2K USA presented and passed legislation to restore greyhounds to full legal protection.
There are over 300 adoption groups in the U.S. and STILL THE DOGS ARE DYING.
Your attacks on GREY2K USA here aren’t simply because you weren’t aware of the many efforts GREY2K USA made to be prepared if FL tracks began to close.
Your attacks on based on your own pro-racing stance – hence your references to ‘great tracks’ and the wonderful greyhound people who really care about their dogs.
If greyhound people are so great, why are you so worried that dogs are going to die when tracks close???
If they cared so much for their greyhounds, why would any dogs be in jeopardy???
Finally, I’m wondering if you cannot understand the difference between advocacy efforts and adoption efforts?
Do you truly not get the fact that unless the problem is solved at its source – greyhound racing – that the work of greyhound adoption groups will never be done?
It would be like someone working to rescue pit bulls from dog fighting, but speaking out against efforts to end dog racing!
It makes no sense.
Jen–not everyone is racing is bad–believe it or not, there are LOTS of people in the racing industry to who take better care of their dogs than the average person does.
Don’t lump the bad in with the good. There are bad teachers, doctors, cops, even parents. I don’t see people out ther trying to ban those industries.
Yes, there are tracks that need to be closed down–but do it in a responsible fashion–making sure each and every dog is saved.
Once again, you defend dog racing.
Every track needs to be closed down.
Every track has gentle greyhounds incarcerated in cages more than 20 hours per day.
Every track causes serious injuries to greyhounds while racing – suffering and death is a fact of this so-called ‘sport’.
Every track replaces slower dogs with faster ones – jeopardizing those dogs.
Why aren’t you asking the owners to take responsibility for the dogs they breed, race and make money off of?
Why aren’t you asking them to make sure every dog is saved?
Correction to my above reply -
It would be like someone working to rescue pit bulls from dog fighting, but speaking out against efforts to end dog fighting.
Jen–
Sorry to disappoint you, but I do know what I am talking about.
There was NO PROTECTION for the greyhounds in the failed Florida legislation and Grey2k knew it and did nothing about it. Sorry to disappoint you again, but we did have folks (in the legal profession) keeping up with the legislation–and you all testifying that you would take care of the dogs and they were working with all the adoption groups was an out and out lie. If that was the case–then again, I repeat WHY DID SO MANY OTHER GREYHOUND ADOPTION GROUPS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT YOUR SO CALLED PLAN?
If this plan is so wonderful and all encompassing–Why isn’t the plan published so ALL the adoption groups can participate?
Do you realize that if the Florida bill had passed and if even only half the number of greyhounds in Florida were at risk, you are talking about 4,000-5,000 greyhounds? That means that all 300 adoption groups would have to commit to around 15-16 dogs PER group? And who is going to pay for transport, vetting, temporary housing, electricty, kennel help?
I totally agree that bad tracks need to be shut down, but do it in a fashion that save the dogs–not put them at greater risk.
You still have not answered my question about why when I and others inquired (repeatedly) about what Grey2k was doing to do to help the dogs and the situation if the Florida leglisation passed did I never receive or response. Or why when I asked that question on your blog, the question nor any response were ever answered.
If Grey2k has everything under control–then why aren’t you sharing it with ALL the adoption groups instead of handpicked chosed few?
Your so called coalition only had a handful of adoption groups in it. I contacted dozens of other adoption groups and none of them were included or had had any contact from Grey2k.
My worry about tracks closing has to do with an oversupply of greyhounds needing homes all at once. It is also about dogs from one track moving to another track and so on so forth–displacing dogs and pushing lost of dogs all at once to the bad tracks.
I do understand the difference about advocacy and adoption–but if you push your advocacy efforts all at once–the adoption side cannot keep up. When that happens–even more dogs die.
Your comment about greyhounds being in kennels 20+ hours a day can be applied to pretty much every single humane society and rescue group there is.
Greyhounds love to run. Go watch a lure coursing event. The dogs are so excited they can hardly contain themselves.
I want the bad tracks closed with only good tracks that take excellent care of their dogs (and those kinds of track do exist) to survive. So tell me, if ALL tracks take such awful care of their dogs why are they so people friendly, gentle and sweet. Why do they run at all if they are not taken care? A sick animal cannot perform. Why when you talk to many owners or kennel operators do they light up when they talk about about their dogs. Why are the dogs so happy to see them and interact with them. NOT ALL RACING FOLKS ARE BAD. Yes, there are some–and those are the ones we hear about.
And some owners do provide funding to make sure their dogs get adopted and some owners require that there dogs be sent back to them so THEY can pet them out. But you have some owners who don’t care and they are the ones who don’t provide any funding or care what happens to their dogs–those are the dogs that end up at the bad tracks I was talking about.
At a good track, when a greyhound finishes a race, they get in a whirlpool and get a massage. I don’t think the average dog (working or pet) gets that kind of treatment.
The purpose of the Florida decoupling bill was not to ban dog racing in Florida.
The bill would have allowed dog tracks to decide whether they continued live racing or not. It would have allowed dog tracks, as individual businesses, to decide what portions of their business they continued and which they did not.
The bill would have removed the state’s mandate requiring tracks to offer live greyhound racing, which is unprofitable for many of them.
This bill would have allowed the market to decide whether dog racing survives or if it fails in Florida, as it should have always been.
Some tracks may have elected to cease their live racing programs.
Some of the tracks that would have chosen to end dog racing are seasonal tracks – tracks that are not currently running dogs. Seasonal tracks that close every single year, flooding the adoption community with unwanted greyhounds, and causing a trickle down effect on other tracks.
Other tracks stated they would continue their live racing programs as they are now.
Some of them may have reduced the number of live races but would not have eliminated racing completely.
Had the decoupling legislation in Florida passed, it would have resulted in a reduction in dog racing, saving lives and ending suffering for many, many dogs.
Now greyhounds will continue to languish in small dark cages for hours on end.
They will continue to suffer broken legs, crushed skulls, broken necks, heart attacks, spinal paralysis, and electrocution.
They will continue to be in jeopardy when they can no longer run fast enough to turn a profit.
I am deeply disappointed that the decoupling bill failed to pass.
It is not acceptable to me, nor is it to many other greyhound advocates, that thousands of greyhounds will continue to be forced to run for their lives for a ‘sport’ that the public no longer cares about and the market no longer supports.
Very, very sad.
By the way, Kathy – what exactly defines a ‘good track’ or a ‘bad track’, in your mind?
Which ones are good?
Which ones are bad?
Dogs are injured at ALL tracks.
Dogs die at ALL tracks.
Dogs live in cages 20+ hours per day at ALL tracks.
Calling any dog track ‘good’ isn’t neutral – sorry.
And, what’s going to happen to the dogs? I shudder to think.
I know of tracks that simply disposed of their dogs when the tracks closed, a friend of mine working in a vet clinic where “beautiful healthy Greyhounds were piled to the ceiling, after being euthanized.”
You are so right Vallarta–and the Grye2k folks wants us to believe they are helping–they aren’t. Their mission is to stop greyhound racing at all costs–and the sooner fokls relaize that, they will stop supporting them.
Grey2k needs to put their money where their mouth is. They spend their money on policitcs, not actually on helping real Greyhounds.
You guys have it all wrong… and I don’t say that to be condescending. I’m a former trainer (got out to finish my degree) and I can assure you, the dogs at Victory Land will be well cared for. Most will move on to other tracks and some will head straight into adoption. There is nothing to worry about in that regard. I have a ton of pics in my albums showing every aspect of these dogs lives… from birth to adoption, they’re given tons of love, affection and adoration. If anyone would like to discuss tihngs rationally with me in regards to racing please feel free… but, do so knowing I won’t get into an argument, but, rather I’ll try to help educate and open eyes
Blah, Blah, Blah. This is just such a lot of lies you’re spreading here. Who from the track is going to take in/adopt the 450+ dogs into their homes and their lives??? The other tracks are also experiencing financial pressure and they can’t afford to keep the large numbers of dogs in their kennels. Do you have a back-up plan for the future of all these ex-racers?
the lucky ones get released to rescues, some will be downgraded to lesser tracks, hopefully not to mexico. sadly way too many are still killed b/c not enough homes. Ebro was a horrible example of neglect & starvation. keep them closing, one by one!
Rescue groups will take as many dogs as they possibly can, and find them forever homes. I don’t know this track at all, but if it’s a “good” track, then probably all the dogs will be rescued. If it’s not a “good” track, then not as many dogs will be rescued, but there will be happy endings for the majority of these dogs regardless.
Don’t believe everything you hear people. Those dogs will be moved to other tracks, or adopted out. Just because some anti-racing group tells you that dogs are killed as a matter of course does not make it TRUE.
We’ll need foster homes and money to do something about the dogs. Your local greyhound group would love your help!
Debbie.. no need for “rescue”… there’s no burning building or rising floodwaters… the one’s who’ll continue to race will move on to otther tracks, while those who won’t be will need to be placed into adoption groups. Simple as that
Kris, did you know the track in Mexico (Caliente Greyhound Park) actually has one of the highest adoption rates of any track in North America? There are adoption groups all over Southern California who take their retirees in… I know, I have one asleep on my bed right now
Sounds like things are looking up for these beautiful animals!
And another one bites the dust. Slowly but surely.
Christopher, I’m glad you do good work to help the greyhound but the reality is when animals are bet on for sport there is a high potential for abuse.
Heather, they truly are and have been for years. I don’t look at things through rose colored glasses and I recognize there are some unsavorables in the business… but, I don’t agree with folks who want to see racing end. There’s nothing inherently cruel in letting an animal do what he was designed to do. It’s the individuals who are entrusted with the stewardship of these fine animals who mistreat them that get my blood boiling as well. Trust me, people like that Williams douchebag wouldn’t last a minute in a closed room with me.
Putting animals under stress and possible injury is cruel and that is exactly what is done in racing. Do they love to run? Absolutely! But animals should not be used for human entertainment and greed.
That’s good, but what does that mean for the dogs at the track?
It would also be nice if the park would make a big thank you gesture toward the breed by donating the track for converting into a “Greyhound dog park and play area.” I know these speedy gentle giants love to run and are the most beautiful to watch but owners don’t always have a safe place to let them do so.
This is just a thought for the future once the most critical concerns are met for finding forever homes. Probably a lot to ask from a “for profit” business not always concerned about the welfare of the dogs.
HOPEFULLY ALL THESE WONDERFUL DOGS WILL END UP WITH A MUCH BETTER LIFE THAN WHAT THEY HAD. IF YOU HAVENT HAD A ‘HOUND’ IN YOUR LIFE, YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSING!!!
I heard a rumor that less than 50 greyhounds will be out of work and there are adoption groups working to placing those dogs. No adoptable dogs will be put to sleep or are in jeopardy. As far as living conditions, I try not to knock it until I’ve tried it. Greyhounds love to run, they were bred to chase/hunt, to live in kennels. Until you’ve done more research than listen to a pack of lies online and the rhetoric from donation-sucking leeches like Grey2K, I’d avoid making blanket statements towards the quality of care the greyhounds receive from people who care for these hounds every day.
While I am sure conditions vary at every track, I do admit that I wonder if the ex racing greyhound’s wonderful disposition is a result of having been so socialized and bred for racing.
I agree with you. I don’t believe anything I hear from Grey2K, and they never seem to put their money where their mouths are. It’s not that I think the life of a racing Greyhound is all roses, but I’ve been around enough to know that there are good and bad tracks. I don’t think so many people would be so in love with the breed if they were all horribly mistreated, and I don’t think an unhappy dog would do as well at racing. Greyhounds are bred for a job, and that doesn’t make them unique. There are dogs bred for police work, military work, guide dog work, hunting and a host of other jobs. Most of these dogs LOVE doing what they were bred to do. That doesn’t mean that I don’t think there are tracks where the dogs aren’t mistreated. I think there are worse fates for Greyhounds than racing, though. I’ve met coyote dogs and that is something that will haunt you! Where is Grey2K when it comes to their plight?
Excellently put houndsooth4. They are always some bad apples in every industry. It does not mean a whole indusytry is bad. I know quite a few folks in the racing industry who adore their dogs and make sure they are well taken care of.
I also agree there are some bad tracks I would love to see clsoed own, but there are some awesome tracks that take excellent care of the dogs and the track. The public typically only hears about the bad ones.
I challenge everyone who is anti-racing to visit Derby Lane or Palm Beach, two really great tracks. Get a tour behind the scenes and see if you are still anti-racing.
Just keep an open mind and don’t believe everything you hear from Grey2k. Grey2k wants to end racing–period. they DO NOT care about the dogs. They don’t a dime HELPING greyhounds. All their money goes to fighting racing.
Kathy,
I’m a little confused. My understanding of Greyhound Pets of America chapters are supposed to be NEUTRAL about dog racing.
As you are on the Advisory Board of SEGA, which is the Atlanta-area chapter of GPA, how exactly are your comments in defense of dog racing and your attacks on GREY2K USA in line with being neutral???
Just curious…
http://greyhoundadoption.org/contact/segaboard.cfm
If you go back and read my comments–My goal is protecting the dogs–each and every one of them–not in just a thereoritcal sense. I am concerned with an oversupply of greyhound displacing other dogs at other tracks–pushing more dogs to last stop tracks–creating an oversupply of greyhounds needing to be moved all at once which is a situation what without a well thought out documented, well known, published plan is a disaster.
That’s what I am concerned with. And I am racing nuetral–I said bad tracks should be closed. If I was pro-racing, I would not want ANY tracks closed.
Lumping EVERYONE together and saying they are all bad people is childish. There are ALWAYS good and bad people in every industry, hobby, church, etc.
Apparently, my comments have struck a chord.
So again–what is Grey2k’s master plan?
Oh, and it’s interesting to tell people to visit ‘great tracks’ like Derby Lane or Palm Beach…
Why not JCKC in Monticello, Florida???
Why not Tucson Greyhound Park in Arizona???
What about Ebro?
http://grey2kusa.org/eNEWS/G2K-110210Email_.html
Oh, and here’s how ‘great’ Palm Beach Kennel Club is…
http://www.grey2kusa.org/pdf/6-17-10%20-%20Broward-Palm%20Beach%20NewTimes%20-%20Greyhound%20at%20Palm%20Beach%20Kennel%20Club%20tested%20positive%20for%20cocaine.pdf
Greyhounds live in cages 20+ hours per day, and suffer serious injuries and die while racing at every single track operating in the U.S.
Asd I said there are bad tracks–just as there are good tracks.
LeslieC – My understanding is similar. Most kennels were down to 30 or less dogs and there are about 9 active kennels. They were down to mostly grade C or higher racers, and our understanding is most dogs will move to other tracks. Some will be retired. Our group works with owners with dogs at VL regularly. Most knew this was coming and most kennels appear to have handled dogs accordingly. There should be no mass of dogs at risk.
Do you think a dog kept poorly, unhealthy, and treated badly would run a 550 in 30 seconds? Would turn out to be such a great pet? Grey2k is full of it. They are just an anti-gambling lobbying group that uses misinformation to get people to feel sorry for the dogs and bad about racing to get them to support their organization. That is all. There is nothing wrong with responsible racing. The dogs LOVE TO RUN! And most of the owners love these dogs. Ignore the lies, see the truth. A few bad apples do not a rotten tree make….
Leslie, if there are any leeches when it comes to greyhounds, it’s the people who breed them and make money off of them, and don’t give a crap about what happens to them when they are no longer profitable.
Your attack on GREY2K USA comes from your own pro-racing stance, is based on nothing accurate, and is defamatory.
They worry about the loss of jobs but not about the suffering of the dogs. Of course it is sad that people lose their jobs and maybe it was all they could find, but as a society we should really take a hard look at ourselves. We’ve gotten to be pretty ugly.
A quote from GPA Emerald Coast’s Facebook wall on this issue. “Unfortunately, that means that Pensacola and Ebro dogs will be displaced to make room for the Victoryland dogs that may be sent to race down here. Either way, there will be more dogs needing to find room in adoption programs.”
Bev–that’s exactly what I worry about.
what now will happen to the canine victims of the dog racing industry, will they still be victims now that they are”unemployed” or will they be truly liberated