Simulcast Gambling on Dog Races is Dying

Gina is Happy That Greyhound Simulcasting is Dying

As the greyhound industry slowly dies, nineteen remaining tracks are being partially propped up by states that don't host races but allow gamblers to bet remotely on dog racing. As a result of this simulcast betting, states that have already outlawed greyhound racing, like Massachusetts, are unfortunately supporting animal cruelty.

Thankfully, greyhound simulcasting is withering. It is falling in virtually every state, with several experiencing catastrophic declines in just the past five years:

• In Massachusetts, greyhound simulcasting dropped by 32%, from $38.6 million to $26.2 million.

• In New Hampshire, greyhound simulcasting declined by a staggering 36%, from $21.4 million to $13.7 million.

• In Nevada, greyhound simulcasting fell by 19%, from $8.3 million to $6.7 million.

• In Oregon, greyhound simulcasting dropped by 23%, from $8 million to $6.2 million.

This is good news for greyhounds. It also refutes false claims that have been made recently by the industry. Just last month, National Greyhound Association Executive Secretary Gary Guccione told Kansas lawmakers that greyhound racing isn't dying at all because simulcasting is so successful. Obviously his claim is pure fantasy.

Even though greyhound simulcasting is dying, along with the rest of the dog race industry, it is still a problem that needs attention. These states shouldn't support greyhound cruelty, and it's time for them to get out of the dog racing business altogether.

Greyhounds Run Into the Ground at Mexico Track

Three weeks ago, GREY2K USA Board member Charmaine Settle inspected Agua Caliente, the only greyhound racetrack in Mexico. Her inspection follows similar visits to greyhound tracks in Macau, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.

Caliente is owned by Jorge Hank Rhon, the controversial former major of Tijuana. Throughout his life Rhon has been plagued by scandal. He has been accused of having links to organized crime, being connected to the murder of an investigative reporter, and participating in the trade of illegal wildlife.

Agua Caliente races dogs that are bred in the U.S. and shipped across the border by American greyhound breeders. Julia Ward, the current President of the National Greyhound Association, is one of the largest owners of dogs currently racing at the Tijuana track.

Here are some of Charmaine's thoughts about what she saw:

"Caliente is a very large, modern facility which houses a casino and simulcasts of various sports, with dogs racing outside. Flamingos and white swans greet you when you approach the massive entrance and when you get inside, large paintings adorn the walls on  your way to the casino."

"The kennels, which are within steps of the casino on the same property, are run down and neglected. This juxtaposition was striking, and unsettling. It continued to bother me long after I had left."

"If you walk out of the track and continue down a ramp to the left you begin to hear all the dogs barking and can see, through trees, a shantytown where the dogs live."

"The kennels looked terribly old, crumbling and dilapidated with some of the roofs looking like they were about to cave in. The kennels appeared to have no windows letting in any light or fresh air. With temperatures approaching a hundred degrees, I can't imagine how hot and miserable the poor dogs must be while they suffer in the confines of their cells."

"I asked questions, and was told that about eighty dogs were used for the matinee that day, and each dog races about three or four times per week."

Sadly, the information Charmaine was provided about race frequency at Caliente appears to be accurate. According to an analysis by GREY2K USA Research Director Matt Read, greyhounds routinely race on little rest at the Mexico track. For example, a dog named Coach Hero has entered in a shocking 413 races since 2011. Nearly half of his races occurred after he received only a single day of rest, and nearly three-quarters of his racing starts occurred after he received two days or less. An examination of other dogs competing at the track shows that Coach Hero isn't the exception. When it comes to racing on little rest, he's the tragic rule.

Coach Hero also highlights the fact that Caliente is a place where American greyhound breeders dump dogs. Even though he's racing in Mexico, Coach Hero is owned by Greg Geter, a top recipient of state dog race subsidies in West Virginia.

A photo Charmaine took of the Caliente kennel compound

Racing dogs on little rest is inhumane and irresponsible. It increases the risk of injury, and can cause a disorder named exertional rhabdomyolysis, in which skeletal muscles begin to break down. According to industry handbook Care of the Racing and Retired Greyhound, this disorder appears in overworked greyhounds, which it defines as "two to three races or trials per week."

The American greyhound breeders who are sending dogs to race in Mexico, including NGA President Julia Ward, should be ashamed of themselves. The very existence of this low end track, where greyhounds are run into the ground, is another reminder that this cruel industry routinely places profits before animal welfare.

NGA Tells Sheriff Not to File Charges, Instead Tries to Profit from Greyhound Neglect Case

A greyhound puppy at the Vonderstrasse
farm in Kansas, 2012

Last week the National Greyhound Association (NGA) announced it was revoking the membership of Shane Vonderstrasse, after an inspection at his Arkansas breeding facility found greyhounds "not receiving proper care and adequate shelter." The NGA is a lobby group that represents greyhound breeders.

In its statement, the NGA indicated that it was "accompanied by local law enforcement" agents during the inspection. It also quoted Executive Director Gary Guccione, who claimed this incident is proof the industry effectively polices itself:

"This was an unusual case that required NGA's immediate action and full attention ... NGA representatives and members responded to the situation swiftly and effectively." 

As usual, the NGA is only telling the public part of the story. The full truth is shocking, and proves that the NGA's top priority is protecting greyhound breeders, even those who have committed acts of serious animal neglect.

According to an official Incident Report from the Izard County Sheriff's Office, a large number of dogs were in distress when the Vonderstrasse inspection occurred. Citing a witness, the Report states:

"There was 141 dogs that were alive and 2 were deceased (sic) ... some of them had to be nursed back to health ... the dogs that were dead had died from lack of food and water. He said Mr. [redacted] only had financial ability and means to house 50 to 60 dogs."

NGA Executive Gary Guccione,
photo from Facebook, 2013

The report also indicates that Vonderstrasse had at least one previous incident involving animal welfare, and the NGA "had a problem with [name redacted] a short time back in Abilene concerning greyhound dogs and had to pick up a number of the dogs at that time." This previous incident has also been mentioned in recent industry discussions.

After the dogs were rescued, the Izard County Sheriff's Office asked the NGA if it wanted to press charges against Vonderstrasse:

"I asked [name redacted] if they wished for the state to press charges on [name redacted] for this incident. He told me I needed to talk with Gary Guccione [partially redacted] to see if they wished to press charges."

Incredibly, three days later the NGA responded by telling the Sheriff's Office not to charge Vonderstrasse with animal neglect:

"He stated that he did not wish to pursue charges because he believed they 'got all they were going to get' from [name redacted]. [name redacted] also said he would not be willing to come to Izard County to testify in Court."

As outrageous as that admission is, the next revelation in the Incident Report is even more troubling:

After being rescued, Lady Wire and her four young
puppies are being auctioned off on Friday

"He also stated he did not want people knowing that he was not willing to do so."

Unfortunately, this story has one more sad chapter. After being rescued, some of the Vonderstrasse dogs were given to adoption groups. But at least 23 dogs from the case are being auctioned off to the highest bidder by the NGA on Friday. The auction list includes a nine-year-old fawn greyhound named Gable Eris. Three years ago she was sold to Vonderstrasse for a mere $400, and after everything she has been through she deserves a break.

But there will be no retirement for Gable Eris if the NGA gets its way. She is on the auction block so the industry can make a few more dollars off of her sad life. She is joined by seven other female greyhounds to be used for breeding, including an eight-year-old red fawn greyhound named Lady Wire. Lady Wire is being auctioned off with four young puppies that are only a few weeks old. Her puppies were born nine days after Lady Wire was removed from the Vonderstrasse farm.

Enough is enough. The NGA should be seen for what it actually is: a lobby group that covers up for greyhound breeders, and prevents them from being held accountable for their actions. It puts out press releases, while at the same time actively enabling greyhound cruelty and neglect.

To Greyhound Breeders Dogs are Merely "Overstock"

The Fall 2013 National Greyhound Association Auction

Earlier this month the National Greyhound Association (NGA) held a semi-annual dog auction in Abilene, Kansas. These events occur in the Spring and Fall, and are one of the last remaining vestiges of commercial dog racing. At these auctions young greyhounds are sold off to the highest bidder. Older females are also sold, destined to live as breeding dogs for the racing industry.

Greyhound breeders claim that they love their dogs. However, reading through this year's official Fall Auction Program, it seems that the dogs are nothing more than products. For example, the entry for a three-year-old female greyhound named WW's Fly Away indicates that she is being sold as part of an "overstock reduction sale." In total, twenty greyhounds had nearly identical notations. All of these dogs were being sold by greyhound breeder Julia Ward who was just elected as President of the NGA.

The entry for WW's Fly Away also includes this tragic note:

"Last bred to Little Andy, whelped naturally, but all pups died."

One of the greyhounds being auctioned off for breeding was nine years old, and at least seven other dogs were eight years old. The entry for one of these greyhounds, Flying Dawn, states that she has "produced top grade racers in her first two litters." Another entry, for eight-year-old Flying Brookside, states that she "offers the opportunity to own a Kiowa Sweet Trey daughter" and adds that two of her sisters have "been excellent producers."

Similar language is found in the entry for SE's Kelsey C, which indicates that she was being sold "to dissolve a partnership." This is what greyhounds are to the commercial racing industry. They aren't members of the family, but instead are "opportunities" and "producers." Rather than living beings, they are "partnerships" and  "overstock" that needs to be "reduced."

Finally, these sad auction entries also provide information on greyhound injuries. Dog race promoters like to claim that injuries are rare, but this industry data suggests otherwise. Many entries include information about past injuries that dogs suffered, including:

"Injured early."

"Had nagging problem that affected her racing career."

"Retired due to injury."

"She was injured in second start of Puppy Stakes."

"Retired with stopper injury."

"She got hurt her seventh start."

Beneath the public relation facade, this is the true face of the greyhound racing industry. A dwindling number of people who buy and sell eight-year-old greyhounds and view them as nothing more than "producers" and "overstock." This kind of ideology is out of touch with mainstream values, and will soon disappear with the industry it supports.

What Will Greyhound Race Promoters Say Next?

For years, greyhound breeders have personally attacked GREY2K USA and our supporters. These attacks are an intentional strategy designed to protect the cruelty of greyhound racing. One of the top supporters of the dog race industry, Rory Goree, admitted this last year when he wrote:

"Keep pressing grey2k - force them into defense mode - do not allow them to play offense. Make them spend time and resources defending themselves instead of attacking the industry."

Thankfully, this cynical strategy is having absolutely no impact. While greyhound breeders spend all of their time attacking us, dog racing continues to decline. Gambling on greyhound races has now dropped for nineteen consecutive years.

That is why, most of the time, we simply ignore this nonsense. Dog race promoters can attack us all they want, while we stay focused on the task at hand. I also suspect that greyhound breeders believe they can somehow intimidate us with these caveman tactics. But instead, these personal attacks only inspire us to work even harder for the dogs.

Once in awhile, though, it's worth taking a moment to diffuse some of the most egregious lies that dog race promoters spread about GREY2K USA and our work.  For example, in recent days greyhound breeders have been circulating a phony chart which claims that GREY2K USA's two founders receive as much as 42% of all expenditures in compensation.

There is, however, one problem with this claim. It is completely false.

To arrive at these phony figures, greyhound breeders magically invented hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenditures that don't exist. Specifically, they nearly doubled salaries for every year over a six-year period by including statements that were filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, Lobbyist Division. Because GREY2K USA fights for greyhound protection laws, we are required in some states to register as lobbyists. Some of these states also require that we report part of our salaries. These are not additional expenditures, they are the same expenditures that we publicly report every year. To arrive at their phony figures greyhound breeders pretended as if these were additional expenditures, which is simply a lie.

But their deception doesn't stop there. After creating these phony expenditure figures, they began to circulate them on the internet with sensational messages like:

"WOW! They are the ultimate greyhound profiteers!!!"

Of course it's deeply ironic that attacks like this, based on made-up phony numbers, would come from people who actually do profit from the suffering of greyhounds.

Here are the facts.

• GREY2K USA is effective because we employ a full-time staff of hard working, highly competent advocates who fight for the dogs.

• In 2011, 83% of all expenditures were used directly for programs including legislative advocacy, ballot initiatives, legal research and public education about the cruelty of dog racing.

• In 2011 our five employees all earned $41,580 or less, despite the fact that they have decades of advocacy experience and strong educational backgrounds, including an advanced degree and a law degree.

• GREY2K USA leadership earns a salary that is less than half the median salary for small non-profit Chief Executive Officers.

• In 2011 our opponents, the National Greyhound Association, spent $346,854 on salaries on benefits. That is more than double what GREY2K USA spent during the same period.

The bottom line is that we are an efficient, effective non-profit organization that is winning the fight over dog racing despite being heavily outspent.

These dog race promoters can make up all the phony numbers they want, and attack us until the greyhounds come home. It will have no effect on our campaigns, and will not save their cruel industry. These personal attacks should be seen for exactly what they are: the last gasps of a dying industry that doesn't realize its fate is already sealed.

National Greyhound Association Pushes Plan to Protect Animal Abusers

One of the greyhounds neglected by Ronnie Williams in 2010

Last week the National Greyhound Association (NGA) came out in favor of "ag gag" bills, proposals that have been introduced in several states to criminally charge whistleblowers who record evidence of animal cruelty. In doing so, the group not only launched a bizarre attack on greyhound advocates, but also sided with extreme factory farm interests and animal abusers.

These wrongheaded proposals have met a tidal wave of opposition from dozens of organizations including The Humane Society of the United States, the National Press Photographers Association, the National Consumers League, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union. They have also been roundly criticized by newspaper editorial boards from across the country, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Boston Globe. Perhaps the most stinging rebuke came from the Knoxville, Tennessee News Sentinel, which wrote that the ag-gag bill in their state "could help facilitate animal cruelty and is an attack on First Amendment rights."  The newspaper went on to add:

"This bill is about protecting animal abusers."

In its statement, the NGA also made various false claims about our cruelty reporting policies, and told people to tell them about incidents of greyhound abuse rather than contact law enforcement authorities. The fact is, GREY2K USA has a very clear policy of forwarding credible complaints of greyhound cruelty to state regulatory agencies. A few examples of such reports can be found here, here and here.

Meanwhile, we have obtained thousands of state investigative files through public information requests, and have found virtually no evidence of the NGA, or its public relations arm the so-called "American Greyhound Council," providing regulators with information about greyhound abuse. That is apparently why the NGA wants the public to contact it first, so it can ensure that greyhound cruelty cases are covered up rather than reported.

Of course, this shouldn't surprise anyone. After all, this is the same organization that has opposed efforts to report greyhound injuries to the public. It also refused to take action against greyhound trainer Ursula O'Donnell, who was accused of participating in a conspiracy that resulted in the death of thousands of greyhounds. Similarly, no action was apparently taken against former NGA President Dutch Koerner after he admitted hiding ownership in a dog track kennel and working with another man to falsely certify dogs. Koerner continued working in the dog racing industry for years after this incident, and was even given the NGA's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

Incredibly, when Koerner passed away earlier this year NGA Executive Secretary Gary Guccione praised him as a "strong advocate for holding greyhound owners and kennel operators accountable." Apparently this accountability did not apply to Koener himself.

After looking at the record again, the NGA's support of "ag-gag" bills makes perfect sense. Their job isn't to protect greyhounds. Instead, its focus is protecting the dog racing industry at all costs.

Greyhound Breeding Declines for 10th Straight Year

According to new data from the National Greyhound Association, the number of greyhounds registered to race declined again in 2012. During the year, a total of 10,157 dogs entered the racing system for the first time.

This is the tenth year in a row that the number of greyhounds bred for racing has declined. In fact, this number has been cut in half in just five years.

This drop in race dog breeding is yet another indicator that greyhound racing is a dying industry. Every year, fewer dogs are enduring lives of confinement and suffering serious injuries. Also, as the number of greyhounds bred for racing shrinks, it becomes more likely that dogs will be adopted when they are no longer profitable.

This new information is great news for animal lovers, but it is also a reminder that we must continue working. Together, I know we can make even more progress for greyhounds in the years ahead.

Dog Track Pioneer: Golden Days of Greyhound Racing are Gone Forever

Raynham Park in Massachusetts is overgrown with weeds

It's not often that I agree with one of the pioneers of the commercial greyhound racing industry. That happens to be the case today, however. In the current edition of Greyhound Review magazine, industry Hall of Fame member Paul C. Hartwell acknowledges the collapse of the dog race industry in a column titled "Those old-time Crowds."

Hartwell, who has been involved with the greyhound racing industry since the 1930's, starts his column by pointing out that the crowds are gone, and regular dog track customers have vanished:

"For most of my racing life there was a hard-core of racetrack customers that were just as regular at the track as were the employees or dogmen. They showed up every night just as if they were on a payroll. Some were touts, some were gamblers, and for some it was just the right place to be. For whatever reason they were there, they never missed a night or a race and they knew as much about the overall racing operation as anyone that was working at the track. You just don't see that anymore."

Hartwell then quotes National Greyhound Association Secretary-Treasurer Gary Guccione, who says that because voters ended greyhound racing in Massachusetts, track patrons now have to return to their "assisted living facilities" to "stare at the TV." This is certainly not a vote of confidence in dog racing.

Finally, Hartwell ends his essay by stating that even though he believes commercial greyhound racing will survive in some form, its golden days are over:

"It looks like greyhound racing came along when the country needed it, but now the attitude of the public has changed and its attention is aimed elsewhere. For this reason, even though I believe that greyhound racing, in one form or another, will be around for many years to come, I don't think any amount of  high-powered advertising is going to bring back the golden years many of us were fortunate to have experienced."

I concur with Hartwell that the attitude of the public has changed, and the glory days of greyhound racing are gone forever. I would go a step further, however, and point out that commercial greyhound racing is not only a dying industry, it is a cultural dinosaur.

The dog race industry can no longer effectively compete with other forms of entertainment, and is out of touch with mainstream values on the humane treatment of animals. It is an antiquated relic from a previous generation, and will eventually end.

Humane Advocates are Winning the Debate Over Greyhound Racing

Jake runs on the beach

In the debate over the future of greyhound racing, humane advocates are winning. Just consider these facts:

• According to statistics from the National Greyhound Association, for the first six months of 2012 the number of dogs registered to race has declined by 14% when compared to a year ago.

• During the same time period, the number of greyhound litters reported to the National Greyhound Association has declined by 4%.

• The membership of the National Greyhound Association has declined by 16% over the last year, and now represents only 1,226 individuals nationwide.

• According to state statistics, the amount gambled on pari-mutuel wagering at Florida dog tracks in Fiscal Year 2011-2012 declined for the seventh consecutive year.

• In July 2012, the amount gambled on pari-mutuel wagering at Florida dog tracks was down by $1.6 million when compared to July 2011.

The greyhound racing industry is slowly dying. Greyhound breeders have repeatedly tried to convince themselves that there will be some magic revival of their cruel industry, but that's not happening. This decline also explains why dog race promoters have resorted to desperate personal attacks. At some level, even greyhound breeders know that their industry is vanishing before their eyes.

While these new statistics are good news for greyhounds, we must continue fighting for the dogs. At GREY2K USA, we will work hard until the cruelty of greyhound racing ends everywhere. We are making progress, but there is a lot still left to do.

Greyhound Advocates Win Victories in Florida Primary

State Representative Mark Pafford visits with GREY2K USA

Greyhound advocates won big victories in the Florida primary last night, with nearly two dozen greyhound friendly candidates advancing to the general election. Overall, 88% of all candidates endorsed by GREY2K USA advanced including 70% (7 out of 10) of contested races. There is still one race too close to call, with greyhound ally Randy Johnson trailing by less than 30 votes.

Meanwhile, greyhound breeders had a tough night. Most notably, candidate Rachel Burgin lost by a big margin to former State Senate President Tom Lee. Two years ago Burgin voted against greyhound decoupling as a member of the State House of Representatives, while Lee is a former GREY2K USA Leadership Award recipient.

Greyhound breeder lobbyist Jack Cory campaigned hard for Burgin, and even mailed an outrageous smear ad to voters in the district attacking Senator Lee's family. This smear was so out of bounds that one of the groups that donated to Jack Cory's Political Action Committee told the Tampa Bay Times that they wanted their money back. The mailing also resulted in a formal complaint to the Florida Elections Commission, which in part claimed that the mailing was paid for by payments to a "vendor that appears to be fictitious."

These primary night victories are wonderful news for greyhound advocates. Greyhound protection is a mainstream issue, and now has more support in the Florida legislature than ever before. With that in mind, I am hopeful that we will see significant legislative progress for the dogs in the years ahead.

National Greyhound Association Losing Fight Over Dog Protections in Home State of Kansas

Photo by Kansas City REGAP

In Kansas, most dogs are protected by the state Pet Animal Act.  This law requires that dog breeders be licensed and undergo routine inspections.  It also mandates minimum standards of care, including a requirement that shelters euthanize animals only through modern methods.  This good law is hardly radical, and some of its provisions date back nearly forty years.  It does not, however, currently apply to greyhounds.

For years, the National Greyhound Association has fought hard to ensure that greyhounds remain exempt from the Pet Animal Act.  Until this year, the group has succeeded in ensuring that greyhounds don't receive these basic legal protections.  This year, however, things might turn out differently.

A proposal now moving through the legislature, House Bill 2596, would eliminate the greyhound exemption in the Pet Animal Act.  The bill has already been approved by both the state House and Senate, and is now waiting for one final procedural vote before going to Governor Sam Brownback for his signature.

HB 2596 is not perfect.  Even though greyhound breeders have so far been unable to prevent its passage, they were able to win a compromise.  In place of the greyhound exemption, new language will be added which states that the Pet Protection Act will not apply to any farm or kennel that is registered with and inspected by the National Greyhound Association.  Although this is a setback, the new language will also give the Agriculture Commissioner some authority to inspect greyhound breeding facilities.

Even with this compromise, HB 2596 is a step in the right direction.  I'm hopeful that it will become law, and Kansas greyhounds will finally be given a few more protections.

Finally, it's curious that greyhound breeders have fought so hard against this humane change.  It makes you wonder, what exactly do Kansas greyhound breeders have to hide?

Decline of Dog Racing Industry Continues

GREY2K USA has received updated data on the number of dogs registered to race, and the statistics are good news for greyhound advocates.

In 2011, a total of 11,759 greyhounds were registered to compete in the United States. This is the lowest total in decades, and represents an 8% decrease from 2010. In short, fewer greyhounds are being bred to race.

This is wonderful news, and will directly benefit dogs. As a result of this registration decrease, it is very likely that fewer greyhounds will be killed than ever before. This reduction also means that fewer greyhounds will endure lives of confinement and suffer serious injuries.

Of course, this decline also provides more evidence that dog racing is a dying industry. In fact, as of December 2011 the National Greyhound Association (NGA) had only 1,460 members nationwide, and their membership has declined by 12% over the last year.

Greyhound breeders often make outrageous claims about the effect dog racing has on local economies. The fact is, however, that greyhound racing is no longer economically relevant. Dog racing is a thing of the past, and this reality is reflected by the NGA's low membership.

For greyhound advocates, these new statistics are encouragement that dog racing's days are numbered. For the greyhounds themselves, the end of this cruel industry couldn't come fast enough.

Dog Racing Promoters Spin Dangerous Adoption Policy While Threats Continue

The dog racing industry is working overtime to defend their wrongheaded adoption policy, which discourages people from adopting from any group that speaks up for the dogs.

Yesterday, the American Greyhound Council (AGC), which serves as the industry's public relations arm, tried to put a positive spin on this dangerous policy. Specifically, the AGC claimed that their new policy is merely "preferring to work with moderate adoption organizations that take a cooperative, constructive approach."

Of course, for the dog racing industry a "cooperative, constructive approach" means adhering to its code of silence. The message that is being sent is very clear: if greyhound adoption groups speak up for the dogs or advocate for their welfare in any way, they will face retribution.

Meanwhile, other members of the dog racing industry are doubling down on their rhetoric about greyhound adoption. One pro-industry blog even posted a troubling message yesterday that included a reference to valuing "your greyhound:"

"If you value your greyhound, think first before you get a greyhound from an anti-racing group."

Finally, in an attempt to distract attention from this dangerous policy, greyhound breeders have begun to fabricate statements about greyhound adoption. For example, dog racing supporters have been circulating a purported "quote" they claim was made by GREY2K USA Board Member Eric Jackson. Eric is a long-time greyhound adoption advocate who serves as a volunteer for Greyhound Companions of New Mexico. According to dog racing supporters, Eric stated that "GREY2K USA is going to continue working to stop the flow of racing greyhounds into adoption."

This is a perversion of his actual statement. In reality, here is what Eric said:

"Clearly we have a substantial difference of opinion about the racing of greyhounds. I'm pleased that you continue to find homes for former racers, as we do. And if you want to actually reach the stated goal of 100% adoption, there are any number of anti-racing groups who are ready, willing, and able to help. Meanwhile, GREY2K USA is going to continue working to stop the flow of racing greyhounds into adoption by stopping the industry that breeds them without sufficient plans to rehome them."

As you can see, what Eric actually said is the exact opposite of what dog racing supporters are now claiming. I suppose we should expect this kind of political trickery from the dog racing industry, which has proven time and again that it is more interested in profits than in animal welfare.

The bottom line is that there are many wonderful adoption groups that have the courage to speak up for the dogs, and these non-profit organizations help thousands of greyhounds. One good example is the National Greyhound Adoption Program, which has adopted out more than 7,000 rescued greyhounds since its formation. Those 7,000 greyhounds would be killed, rather than find homes, under the dangerous policy now being promoted by the racing industry.

Greyhound adoption should be an area where we all put aside our differences and work together. Neither side of the dog racing debate should politicize greyhound adoption, but instead seek common ground. Sadly, those who promote dog racing are primarily interested in greyhound adoption as a public relations tool. In their own words, they want adoption groups that will be "cooperative" with their cruel industry.

The Dog Racing Industry's Code of Silence

Last week, I wrote about how the Iowa Greyhound Association (IGA) asked people to not adopt from any group that speaks up for the greyhounds.

We have now discovered that this is not a random act by Iowa greyhound breeders, but instead is apparently part of an overall strategy by the greyhound racing industry to enforce a code of silence.

Shortly after I posted about the IGA's dangerous adoption policy, Iowa greyhound breeders posted a response on their website by Marsha Kelly. Ms. Kelly is a political operative who works for the dog racing industry, and has a reputation for scorched-earth tactics. Just in the past few weeks, she has publicly referred to the Governor of Arizona as a "whacked out bitch" and called the Governor of Wisconsin a "weasel."

In her response for the IGA, Kelly restated the dog racing industry's myth about adoption statistics, made various false claims about GREY2K USA, and stated:

"The success of our adoption effort has never and will never depend on the participation of a handful of extremely hostile 'anti-racing' groups. We don't need to depend on the hate-mongers."

Sadly, this wrongheaded attempt to stop people from adopting greyhounds could have real consequences. Despite what Ms. Kelly would have people believe, greyhounds are still being killed when they are no longer profitable. Just a few days ago, dog racing supporter and adoption advocate Pam Davis acknowledged this fact on Facebook:

"There are a lot of dogs not accounted for and we know where some of them went (not to homes)."

In the same discussion thread, a volunteer for Greyhound Pets of America Emerald Coast made a similar statement:

"PE is still euthanizing perfectly healthy dogs. We try to take every one of them but track politics betwn (sic) trainers makes that impossible for us."

Meanwhile, another adoption advocate with links to the industry claimed that healthy greyhounds are not only killed at low end tracks, but also at high-level racing facilities:

"I could throw out names ... but all I would end up with is a lawsuit. It's definitely not 100% even at top tracks."

This last statement is particularly troubling, and goes to the heart of the issue. Even some members of the dog racing industry know that greyhounds are being killed, and want to see change. They don't speak out, however, because they are afraid of facing retribution. According to dog racing supporter Myke Stewart:

"I can't say much of anything here, since I still have family with viable interests in the racing industry and would do NOTHING to jeopardize their standing or jobs."

That is the real game that is being played. The greyhound racing industry and its spin doctors, like Marsha Kelly, are apparently willing to go to any lengths to hide the truth about their cruel practices. For years, they have intimidated industry members who seek change, and are now doing the same thing to any greyhound adoption group that speaks up for the dogs.

This behavior is outrageous, and proves yet again that the greyhound racing industry is willing to put its financial interests ahead of animal welfare. On this issue, I agree with a comment made by adoption volunteer Julie Richardson Costello, who was responding to some of the statements cited above:

"For crying out loud. Be the voice for those that cannot speak. Sounds like the pathetic Penn State scandal. All the witnesses and ears looking the other way."

Well said, Julie. I couldn't have said it better myself.

More Proof That the Greyhound Industry's Adoption Claims are a Myth

A few days ago, I wrote about the bogus adoption statistics being promoted by the National Greyhound Association. For years, the NGA has falsely claimed that the overwhelming majority of greyhounds are adopted, and that this number now reaches "nearly 95%."

Thankfully, the truth began to come out last month, when the Secretary-Treasurer of the National Greyhound Association responded to a question from an adoption advocate in Colorado, who wanted to know what statistics are available on the ultimate fate of racing dogs. In his answer, the NGA spokesperson admitted that they don't actually know what happens to greyhounds when their racing careers are over. Specifically, he wrote:

"No cumulative annual records are available that we're aware of on disposition, whelped, where they race, where they end up, etc."

Now, there is even more proof that the greyhound racing industry's adoption claims are completely made up. Shortly after my post went up, a greyhound adoption advocate named John Parker was asked a similar question on Facebook. Until recently, Parker was the national Vice President of Greyhound Pets of America (GPA), the largest adoption organization in the country. GPA is partly funded by the industry and does not speak out against greyhound racing. In other words, as the largest industry-funded group GPA is in a unique position to know whether these adoption claims are true or not.

When he was asked directly, here is what Parker said about adoption statistics:

"Unfortunately there is no central clearinghouse of statistics on the number of greyhounds adopted and euthanized."

Incredibly, he then acknowledged that the NGA's estimates are driven by their agenda:

"Any 'percentage adopted' or 'numbers put down' you see is just an estimate, often agenda-driven (even the NGA's)."

Finally, he ended by arguing that it is likely that the number of greyhounds being killed is declining, but there is ultimately no way of knowing for sure:

"My own sense of it is that the number of healthy, adoptable Greyhounds that are euthanized is in rapid decline, but I wouldn't venture a guess. Since putting down healthy greyhounds at the end of their professional careers is so widely discouraged and even condemned nowadays, it's no doubt a practice that's carried on in a very low-key if not secretive way."

Mr. Parker and I have fundamental disagreements about the merits of the greyhound racing industry. Nonetheless, on this point I agree with him. There are no actual statistics on the ultimate fate of racing dogs. The statistics being touted by greyhound breeders are completely made up, and are "agenda-driven." Further, while it is likely that the number of greyhounds being euthanized is declining, without real statistics there is no real way of knowing for sure.

The National Greyhound Association should never again be allowed to cite these bogus statistics without being challenged. They have already been allowed to tell this lie for far too long.

National Greyhound Association Admits They Don't Know What Happens to Dogs

Yesterday, the Wichita Eagle published a letter from Gary Guccione, one of the nation's most prominent supporters of dog racing.

Guccione, who is the Secretary-Treasurer of the National Greyhound Association (NGA), was responding to a pro-greyhound letter published days earlier by GREY2K USA Board Member Caryn Wood. The NGA is an organization that was formed decades ago to support the dog racing industry.

Guccione argued that "racing greyhounds are among the best-cared for animals in the world," and claimed that they know exactly how many greyhounds are adopted out each year. Specifically, he wrote:

"Almost 95 percent of all racing greyhounds are either adopted or returned to the farm when they retire."

This would be good news for greyhounds, if it were only true. There is only one problem: it isn't. In fact, just seven weeks ago the same Gary Guccione told a completely different story to a Colorado adoption advocate.

Specifically, Guccione was asked about what happens to greyhounds that are bred in Colorado. His message was forwarded to us when we were asked for the same information. When Guccione was put on the spot, here is what he wrote:

"No cumulative annual records are available that we're aware of on disposition, whelped, where they race, where they end up, etc."

Finally, we hear the truth. The National Greyhound Association has absolutely no idea how many greyhounds are adopted each year and how many are euthanized. Sadly, greyhounds are not being tracked by anyone and their ultimate fate is completely unknown.

The NGA's 95% adoption claim is a myth that dog racing supporters have been perpetuating for years, a false statement they have made over and over again in an attempt to defend this cruel industry. From this point forward, the NGA should be challenged every time they make statements on greyhound adoption. They are clearly not a reliable source.