Epic Failure for New Iowa Dog Track

Harley raced at Dubuque Greyhound Park

Last year, the Iowa legislature passed a law to phase out dog racing at one track and permanently end millions of dollars in annual subsidies for greyhound breeders. Unfortunately the Iowa Greyhound Association (IGA), which represents the dog racing industry, was able to win major concessions in the law.

In the coming years, greyhound breeders will receive an outrageous golden parachute worth a total of $72 million. Half of these golden parachute funds can be used to operate a dog track in Dubuque. The law gives the IGA the exclusive right to operate this track, under a sweetheart deal that grants them a five-year property lease for only a single dollar per year. In addition to this waste, the IGA was given yet another $2.4 million state handout in March.

After receiving one special favor after another, the new dog track in Dubuque is still a failure. We now have data for the first three months at the newly minted "Iowa Greyhound Park," and dog race gambling is down across the board when compared to a year ago.

Gambling on live races at Iowa Greyhound Park is down a staggering 25%, as the Des Moines Register reported yesterday in a front page story. If we take a deeper dive into the numbers, the picture becomes even more bleak for the IGA. Remote gambling on the races held in Dubuque is down by 32.1%, and total dog race betting for the track has decreased by 26.2%.

Of course, the IGA is trying to put the best possible face on this epic failure. In the Register, IGA lawyer Jerry Crawford acknowledged the the track is losing money, but still claimed that things are just wonderful:

"What we are trying to do is make racing special, not make it a 24/7 activity because that model doesn't work. Our approach is succeeding."

Meanwhile, the IGA has refused to make a single meaningful reform to improve greyhound welfare. In November I laid out four key changes the IGA could make to help greyhounds: a new system of housing, halting the use of anabolic steroids in female dogs, ending the use of "4-D" meat, and providing funding to ensure that every injured greyhound receives veterinary care.

None of these changes have occurred. Instead of proving to the world that it is capable of reform, the dog racing industry has again put its personal profits ahead of animal welfare. Sadly, this new Iowa track can probably limp along for a while because the vast subsidy dollars the IGA will receive. Let history show that its Dubuque experiment was an economic failure on day one, and amounted to nothing more than another facility where dogs suffer and die.

Texas Commission Delays Vote on Proposal to Subsidize Dog Racing

Marlee lives with her adopted family in Texas

Yesterday, the Texas Racing Commission delayed voting on a proposal to legalize so-called "Instant Racing" machines. Instant Racing devices are racing-themed slot machines, and in Texas would be used to directly subsidize dog races at Gulf Greyhound Park.

Greyhound racing is dying in Texas. Between 2007 and 2012, the amount gambled on live dog races in the state declined by 61%. During the same period, dog track attendance was cut in half. Wealthy dog track owners are desperate, and reaching for any opportunity to salvage their failing venture.

Greyhound racing should not be artificially propped up. Over the last six years, 2,150 greyhound injuries have been reported at Gulf Greyhound Park, including 86 fatal injuries. Those dogs died needlessly, at a gambling facility that is not economically viable. Hundreds of greyhounds also endure lives of confinement at Gulf, kept in small cages for long hours each day.

We are proud to stand with other humane organizations in opposing this terrible proposal, and are grateful for the support of the Texas Humane Legislative Network, the Humane Society of the United States, and the ASPCA. Together, we have joined a diverse coalition of organizations that oppose Instant Racing. Other groups that have weighed in include Stop Predatory Gambling Texas, Empower Texans, and the General Baptist Convention of Texas.

It's a positive sign that the Texas Racing Commission has delayed voting on Instant Racing, but the fight is not over yet. Everyone who cares about greyhounds should contact Texas Governor Rick Perry today, and ask him to oppose Instant Racing.

Together, let's send Texas dog track owners a message that their cruelty will not be rewarded.

Millionaire Greyhound Breeder Asks for More Subsidies

Millionaire greyhound breeder
Brad Boeckenstedt, Photo by the NGA

Last week, greyhound advocates gained momentum in Iowa when the Dubuque City Council announced it will ask lawmakers to remove a state dog racing mandate. There are currently two operational dog tracks in the state, and both have casino gambling. Under current law, these facilities are required to continue racing greyhounds in order to be operational.

The law also requires that dog races be subsidized with millions of dollars in gambling profits each year; funds that could instead be used for state programs. In Dubuque, these funds would otherwise go to local non-profit organizations.

To defend their subsidies, greyhound breeders turned to kennel owner Brad Boeckenstedt, who told a local reporter:

"Our family is greatly invested in our community and in the greyhound business ... It's kind of sad that they want to get rid of us now that they have slots."

The irony here is incredible. The fact is, Brad Boeckenstedt is a perfect example of the problem. Just since 2009, his kennel has received at least $4.75 million dollars in purse payments. Virtually all of these funds come from subsidy dollars. Also, that total does not include some subsidy payments from 2010 that the state no longer has records for. Last year alone, Boeckenstedt received $1.26 million in purse subsidy payments.

This is what the debate in Iowa has come to: a handful of greyhound breeders receiving millions in subsidies. Their spokesman for this bad public policy is the top recipient of subsidy dollars, a multi-millionaire greyhound breeder. Brad Boeckenstedt claims that he has "invested in our community," but in reality the state of Iowa has repeatedly invested in him, paying him millions for an activity that is no longer viable.

It's time for the gravy train to end. Next Spring, lawmakers should put an end to these subsidy payments for millionaire greyhound breeders.

Iowa Greyhound Trainer Fined, Suspended After Dog is Neglected and Dies

According to a state document, Iowa greyhound trainer Diann Yochum was recently fined and suspended after a dog in her care was neglected and eventually died.  The incident started when greyhounds were being transferred from one kennel to another:

"On November 21, 2012, while transferring greyhounds to a different kennel it was reported to the Board of Stewards that DS Cyclone, a greyhound under your care, was in poor health."

A state ruling for the case indicates that the dog had initially been seen by a veterinarian on November 1 for "weight loss and swollen hind legs." After an examination DS Cyclone was placed on an IV and given medication, which was to be administered over the next four days. The greyhound was then not seen again by a veterinarian until fifteen days later, on November 16. According to the ruling:

"DS Cyclone was observed in the crate by a licensed veterinarian, and still showed signs of weight loss and muscle mass loss and a poor prognosis was given for DS Cyclone returning to racing."

A state veterinarian then "discussed the option of euthanasia" with Yochum and kennel owner James Lovely but they "decided to wait and see if the greyhound would improve."  According to the official state ruling, their delay "resulted in the further deterioration over a three-week period of DS Cyclone" and state regulators were informed on November 27 that the dog had died.

In taking action against Yochum, regulators found that she had neglected DS Cyclone:

"The Board of Stewards find that you failed to provide sufficient and/or adequate veterinary care to DS Cyclone in a timely manner."

During the investigation, Yochum also admitted to investigators that she had failed to report the death of another greyhound a month earlier. That dog, named DS Trouble, was severely injured in October and "experienced paralysis of its hind quarters." Two days later, she was euthanized.

Over the past few years, Iowa greyhound breeders have fought hard to protect a multi-million dollar subsidy they receive from slot machine profits. Sadly, this neglect case proves that dog race subsidies do not guarantee adequate care. In 2009 alone kennel owner James Lovely received $229,681.95 in purse payments, and the least he could do is ensure that dogs in his kennel receive prompt veterinary care.

Greyhound racing is no longer viable in Iowa, and only continues because it is being artificially propped up. For the dogs, it's time to end greyhound racing in the Hawkeye state.

Dog Deaths Highlight Problems at Arkansas Racetrack

This morning, information on greyhound injuries in Arkansas was made public for the first time in a front-page Arkansas Times news story.

In part, the Times reported on a GREY2K USA analysis of greyhound injuries at Southland Greyhound Park. According to data we received from the state, 452 greyhound injuries were reported at Southland between 2008 and March 2012. Nearly half of the reported injuries involved broken legs.

During the same period, 32 dogs died or were euthanized due to injuries at the track.

This new injury data also tells the sad story of individual dogs who suffered and died at Southland. For example:

The final race for Bow Rockabilly. Image by Southland Park.

• On February 24, 2011 a three-year-old black greyhound named Bow Rockabilly died after he fell into the track rail during a race at Southland. According to statistics kept by gamblers, Rockabilly raced more than 70 times before he died.

• A three-year-old red greyhound named Marvel At This was euthanized in October 2008 after she suffered a broken neck during a race at Southland.

• A two-year-old white and fawn greyhound named CG's Spectator was euthanized after he broke both front legs during a race at Southland on July 19, 2008. At the time of his last race, the temperature was 96 degrees.

These dogs were never given the chance to know a loving home. Rather than become part of a family, they raced so that gamblers could use them as a number to bet on. In the end, each of them suffered a catastrophic injury and paid the ultimate price of their lives.

Please read our full report on greyhound injuries at Southland Park, and check out today's Arkansas Times report. Then, tell others about the ongoing humane problems at Southland. If you have friends or family that live near the track, ask them to not support this facility.

We can't help dogs like Rockabilly, but we can try to help the greyhounds at Southland now. That starts with giving them a voice, and spreading the world about their cruel fate.

Greyhound News Treats to End the Week

Sadly, Summer has passed and Autumn is here. Nevertheless, as the leaves fall our work to help greyhounds continues. To end this October week, here are a few greyhound news treats.

• Yet another former dog track is starting a new life. In Wisconsin, a local school board has voted to purchase the former St. Croix Meadows Dog Track and turn it into a school. This wonderful news proves yet again that the end of dog racing is not only good for greyhounds, but can also be in the long-term interests of the local community.

• Obviously, I am disappointed by the election of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin in West Virgina, who won by a narrow margin of 50% to 47%. Greyhound breeders are celebrating his victory, which ensures that their multi-million dollar subsidies will continue for the time being. One thing is certain, though: the debate over greyhound racing in West Virginia is only just beginning.

• Today, an Australian greyhound trainer proved once again that the racing industry is out of touch with mainstream humane values. Speaking to the Daily Advertiser newspaper, trainer Susan Burgess said that she recently bought two greyhounds as part of a "two-for-the-price-of-one" deal. In reporting on the deal, the newspaper noted that "bargain hunting is not just confined to market stalls or shopping malls."

• In the United Kingdom, a greyhound came in last in every race before it was discovered he is blind. This is a sad story that will hopefully have a happy end. Jack Sprat is an absolutely adorable dog, and is now looking for a loving home.

• Please consider taking a moment to vote for greyhound adoption advocate Dennis Tyler as a People Magazine Reader's Choice Hero. Dennis and his wife Claire are both tremendous advocates for greyhounds, and if he wins People will make a $10,000 donation to support greyhound adoption.
  

Have a great weekend, and enjoy Autumn. Before long, Winter will be here!

Top Recipients of Dog Racing Subsidies Contribute Thousands to Tomblin Campaign

With only days left in the race for West Virginia governor, greyhound breeders are simultaneously defending candidate Earl Ray Tomblin, while at the same time trying to distance themselves from him.

For example, this morning the Charleston Daily Mail published a letter from Sam Burdette, the president of the West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association. In his letter, Burdette defends Tomblin from what he says are "false and negative campaign accusations," but then claims that Tomblin hasn't actually helped greyhound breeders:

"Also, we have occasion to go to the Legislature on bills relating to the greyhound industry. We have not known Earl Ray to insert his influence into legislative action relating to the business."

What greyhound breeders are saying in public, however, contrasts sharply with what they are saying in private. On May 15, greyhound breeder Dean Miner urged other breeders across the country to support Tomblin and contribute to his campaign. He urged breeders to send checks directly to him, and said that he would bundle the checks together and they would be "hand delivered to Governor Tomblin." He further added:

"It's been my experience hand delivering goes a long, long way."

Miner's message, which was posted on an internet site used by the dog racing industry, made it clear that Tomblin's election would benefit greyhound breeders like himself:

"You can’t do better in this lifetime, but to have a Governor who has family that owns greyhounds, a kennel and a farm. If you don’t get involved now then I don’t know what to say."

Miner's investment in Tomblin has the potential to pay huge dividends. In return for his maximum donation of $1,000, which he gave to Tomblin on July 14, 2011, he can try to ensure that the subsidies he receives under the Greyhound Development Fund continue. In 2010, Miner received $225,986.11 in greyhound subsidies, placing him ninth in total subsidy dollars.

Dean Miner is not the only top recipient of greyhound subsidies who apparently thinks Tomblin is a good bet. Half of the top ten recipients of greyhound subsidies in 2010 have donated to the Tomblin campaign this year:

• The second largest recipient of greyhound subsidies is McMillon Kennel, which received $459,438.59 in 2010. The owner of McMillon Kennel, Millie McMillon, gave a maximum $1,000 contribution to the Tomblin campaign on June 10.

• The third largest recipient of greyhound subsidies, Ricardo Pacheco, gave Tomblin a $250 campaign contribution on March 31. In 2010, Pacheco received $323,888.01 in subsidies.

• The fifth largest recipient of greyhound subsidies, Harvey Maupin Jr., gave the maximum $1,000 to the Tomblin campaign in two separate contributions dated May 10 and August 18. His wife Loretta also gave the maximum $1,000 in two contributions, also dated May 10 and August 18. In 2010, Maupin received $248,773.83 in greyhound subsidies.

• The seventh largest recipient of greyhound subsidies, Rondis Cavender, gave $500 to the Tomblin campaign in two contributions on May 6 and June 1. In 2010, Cavender received $237,117.64 in greyhound subsidies.
  

Finally, it is worth noting that the author of today's letter, Sam Burdette, gave the Tomblin campaign $100 on June 14.

Next Tuesday, we'll find out if the bet greyhound breeders have made in West Virginia will pay off. I'm hopeful that Mountain State voters will instead make a humane choice and opt for Bill Maloney for Governor.

For Greyhound Advocates, Bill Maloney is the Choice for West Virginia Governor

In two weeks, West Virginia voters will go to the polls and cast their ballots in a special election to determine the next governor. Greyhound protection advocates should consider voting for Republican Bill Maloney.

In West Virginia, greyhound racing only exists today because the law requires that two casinos hold dog races in order to conduct other forms of gambling. Greyhound breeders also receive millions of dollars in subsidies annually, funds that would otherwise go to the state.

Bill Maloney has rightly said that these subsidies should end. He has also featured his family dog Holly, a golden retriever, in several campaign ads. My favorite ad starring Holly is named Reliable, and compares Holly's reliability to Maloney's vision as governor.

Sadly, Holly passed away a few weeks ago. Maloney's thoughts on her passing, though, tells us a lot about his humane values:

"Holly was there with us for every step of the way: From parades to festivals, she enjoyed every minute of the campaign trail ... we would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. Holly was special to all of us and will be greatly missed by people all over West Virginia."

By contrast, Maloney's opponent is long-time politician Earl Ray Tomblin. Tomblin's mother and brother are both greyhound breeders and he has staunchly defended greyhound racing, an industry that is cruel and inhumane.

The choice is clear. If Tomblin wins, greyhound breeders will continue receiving millions of dollars in subsidies, and dog racing will continue regardless of whether people bet on the races. This means that greyhounds will continue enduring lives of confinement and suffer serious injuries at West Virginia tracks. At Tri-State Racetrack, more than 3,000 greyhound injuries have been reported since 2005. At the state's other dog track, Wheeling Island, more than 700 greyhound injuries were reported between January 2008 and September 2009.

On the other hand, if Maloney wins West Virginia will finally have a governor who understands that the state subsidies for greyhound racing should end.

Our efforts to protect greyhounds are supported by people from all walks of life and political perspectives. We receive just as much support from conservative Republicans and we do liberal Democrats. For greyhound protection advocates, the choice for West Virginia Governor is clear. Vote for Bill Maloney.

Greyhound News Treats to End the Week

There is nothing my adopted greyhound Zoe likes more than treats covered in peanut butter. On behalf of Zoe, here are a few greyhound news treats to end the week.

• The fantastic blog by GREY2K USA Vice President Jennifer Krebs, Living the Greyt Life, has been nominated for a DogTime Pettie Award in the category of Best Cause Related Blog. Jennifer's blog is one of the best greyhound sites on the internet, and I am hopeful she will take take home the prize. Please take a moment to vote for Living the Greyt Life today, and ask your friends to do the same. Voting ends on July 29, and it is my understanding that DogTime allows readers to vote daily.

• Thanks to the hard work of greyhound advocate Trudy Baker and her group, Greyt Exploitations, one of the most notorious greyhound breeders in the United Kingdom has been forced out of the industry. Bravo!
  

• The bribery trial of Alabama dog track owner Milton McGregor is about to enter its sixth week. If the allegations about McGregor are true, he should face a stiff penalty for his alleged corruption.

• In New Zealand, the Labour party called for millions in additional government subsidies for dog and horse racing. Hopefully other political parties, and ultimately the voters, will hold them accountable for this reckless proposal.

• An Australian dog track plans on handing out a "free pack of lollies" and other candy to patrons as part of a "family fun" promotion event. Free gambling vouchers will be handed out, and the track will have "plenty of activities organised to keep the children entertained" while their parents gamble. This misguided promotion underlines the profit-first perspective of the dog racing industry.
  

• If you haven't already, please check out the funniest greyhound blog I have come across, Ironicus Maximus. This site is also a good place to look if you are considering adopting a greyhound. Each week, Ironicus Maximus highlights a greyhound that needs a home, like Jetta.
  

Finally, two notable greyhound advocates lost dog companions this week. My heart goes out to Tom Grady and Nancy Wellar. Losing a dog companion is always hard, and there is never a good time for them to leave us.