Suspended Greyhound Trainer Has Troubled History

Photo by Pima County Animal Care and Control, 2010.

On Sunday night, television station KGUN reported that a greyhound trainer at Tucson Greyhound Park had been fined and suspended after a dog in her control tested positive for the powerful anabolic steroid Metandionone. According to records we obtained from the Arizona Department of Racing, trainer Nancy Guimond was suspended for 15 days and fined $500 after a dog named Bob's Bess tested positive after winning a race at the South Tucson track on May 9.

It's good that Guimond was sanctioned for this serious offense. However, her case also raises questions about the way dog racing is regulated. According to state records, since 2007 Nancy Guimond has been sanctioned at least thirteen times by state regulators in Arizona, Alabama and Florida, for having dogs test positive for prohibited substances and other offenses. For example:

• In 2008, Florida regulators fined Guimond after a dog in her control tested positive for the controversial industrial solvent Dimethyl sulfoxide.

• In 2008, Guimond was fined after a dog in her control tested positive for two stimulants, including Theophylline.

• Guimond was fined for an unspecified drug positive in Florida in 2009.

• Guimond was fined twice by Florida regulators in 2010, for unspecified violations.

• Guimond has been repeatedly disciplined by state regulators in Alabama and Arizona for entering race dogs that were over their set racing weight. Racing weights are closely monitored to prevent race fixing.

Finally, and perhaps most troubling, the official Florida license history for Guimond indicates that she was investigated for animal abuse in 2001. Her license history does not indicate whether she was disciplined, or provide details of what she was specifically accused of.

In light of this long history of violations, the recent suspension of Guimond should come as no surprise. It does, however, highlight a fundamental regulatory problem. Throughout the industry, greyhound trainers are allowed to violate the rules repeatedly, and continue working as if nothing has happened.

Nancy Guimond's suspension has already ended, and she is back at Tucson Greyhound Park. She will be allowed to continue racing dogs, despite her long history of track violations. Out of sight, out of mind.

Good Greyhound News From Both Sides of the World

Pilot lives with her adopted family in California

All across the world, the fight to end greyhound racing is moving forward.

According to new data that has been released by the Arizona Department of Racing, gambling at Tucson Greyhound Park amounted to just $12.6 million in the last Fiscal Year. That represents a catastrophic drop of 21.7% in just a single year, and is the lowest level of business for the track since at least 2001.

Tucson is a dead end track with a long history of humane problems. Based on this new data, I am more optimistic than ever before that it could soon close. It also provides some perspective on the recent attempt by Arizona Department of Racing Director Bill Walsh to thwart the will of the voters, and overturn a prohibition on anabolic steroids in the dog race industry. Rather than regulate this dying activity, Walsh has apparently decided to perpetuate industry standard practices that are cruel and inhumane.

Meanwhile, more good news for greyhounds was announced seven thousand miles away at the Macau Canidrome. According to new government statistics, the number of dogs imported to the track from Australia is down by 56% compared to a year ago. Because the Canidrome has no adoption program, this drop in imports likely means that the number of greyhounds killed has also been greatly reduced.

While greyhound breeders continue their campaign of innuendo and personal attack, the racing industry is collapsing around them. This progress should encourage everyone in the humane community, and motivate us to work even harder for the dogs.

Are There Zombie Greyhounds at Arizona Dog Track?

Happy Birthday Zoe

Is it possible that there are zombie greyhounds at Tucson Greyhound Park?

According to state records on October 3, 2012 state regulators prevented a greyhound named Bubbles Sidekick from racing at the track because she was "lame." Ordinarily this would not be unusual, as dogs are "scratched" from racing on a regular basis. But in this case it is quite strange, because according to a separate state record Bubbles Sidekick had actually died after racing at Tucson four days earlier.

Setting aside zombie humor, this discrepancy raises even more questions about the poor regulation of this low end racetrack. Which state record is inaccurate? Did a different greyhound die after a race on September 29, or was a different greyhound prevented from racing on October 3 due to being "lame?" Are there other similar discrepancies in official state records?

According to a database maintained by dog race gamblers, Bubbles never raced again after September 29. If that is the day she died, then the black greyhound passed away only a few days shy of her fifth birthday.

On Monday, we hosted a small party at the GREY2K USA office to celebrate the birthday of my adopted greyhound Zoe. Although this was a joyful occasion, it does remind me now of all the family birthday parties Bubbles Sidekick will never have.

Arizona Dog Track Regulators Again Hide Information From the Public

Photo by Pima County, December 2010.

A year ago GREY2K USA discovered that the Arizona Department of Racing was keeping Daily Stewards Reports, records that document each racing performance at Tucson Greyhound Park. These records contained important information, including the number of dogs that had raced on little rest and whether official hearings had been held at the track.

Citing these records, we reported in March 2012 that it was common for dogs to race at Tucson Greyhound Park on only two days of rest. Specifically, in a single month greyhounds raced with little rest a total of 748 times at the track.

We have now learned that shortly after we reported this troubling information about dogs racing on little rest, dog track regulators changed their official Daily Stewards Report forms. Sometime between July 2012 and January 2013, the Arizona Department of Racing made the following changes:

• It stopped publicly reporting the number of dogs that had raced on only two days of rest. Instead, the new form contains a check box titled "Dogs on 2 Days Rest Approved."

• It stopped publicly reporting whether there had been a "track safety meeting" that day.

• It removed an entire section of the Daily Stewards Report titled "Racing Comments." This is where regulators had been reporting on serious greyhound falls and other race incidents.

• It stopped publicly reporting whether any official hearings had been held at Tucson Greyhound Park.

This is not the first time that Arizona track regulators have tried to hide information from the public. The Department of Racing no longer reports greyhound injuries, and has failed to fully respond to public information requests.

This state agency is out of control. It is failing its duty to act as an independent regulator, and has lost sight of the fact that it represents Arizona taxpayers, not dog track executives. For the greyhounds, change is needed at the Arizona Department of Racing.

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.

Tucson Dog Track Executive Accused of Deterring Employee from Reporting Abuse

The Empty Concession Area of Tucson Greyhound Park

Regardless of how you feel about greyhound racing, we should all agree that employees have the right to work in a safe environment. A state record we just received from the Arizona Department of Racing, however, suggests that this right may not be recognized at Tucson Greyhound Park.

In July, an assistant greyhound trainer at the track named Michael Yelton was fined $100 and had his license suspended for five days for "acting in a abusive or threatening manner towards another licensee." Specifically, a witness statement describes an incident in which Yelton verbally abused another track worker and threatened her with physical violence. According to the statement, Yelton called her several deeply offensive and derogatory names, screamed at her, and threatened to strike her:

"He flip out and screaming at me to learn how to do my job and I told him not to tell me how to do my job ... Then he got in my face and threaten to hit me with his fist."

The witness further claims that she attempted to file a complaint regarding this incident, but was deterred by track security at the direction of Tucson Greyhound Park Tom Taylor:

"I went to security to get the write up paper when they told me that Tom Taylor told them not to write a report for them to leave Michael Yelton alone."

Even though Yelton was fined and suspended for his part in this incident, we see no evidence that this information was shared with state or federal authorities as a possible labor law violation. We are deeply troubled by the accusation that an employee was deterred from reporting a threat of violence, and have forwarded these documents to the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

Arizona Dog Track Regulator Denies Cover Up, But Facts Speak For Themselves

Bella Kingnarmer was injured at Tucson Greyhound Park in 2009

Two days ago, Arizona Department of Racing Director William Walsh wrote to us and denied that his agency has refused GREY2K USA public information requests for greyhound injury data. In part, his letter stated:

"The Department of Racing has not 'denied' GREY2K USA access to any public records it maintains."

This response is not only disingenuous, it is deeply misleading. The fact is, the Department of Racing is using a sneaky tactic to prevent the public from having access to information about greyhound injuries. GREY2K USA immediately responded to Walsh, and addressed this sneaky tactic.

Below, you will find a full copy of our letter. A digital copy, with endnotes and supporting documentation can be downloaded here. Hopefully, the Department will soon realize that this wrongheaded policy must end, and will provide the public with information about greyhound injuries.

"August 16, 2012

William J. Walsh, Director
Arizona Department of Racing
1110 West Washington St., Suite 260
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Dear Director Walsh,

Thank you for your correspondence dated August 15, 2012.  Please consider this a formal response to your letter.

Without question, the Arizona Department of Racing is willfully violating the Arizona Public Records Law. Specifically, the Department is intentionally not keeping physical possession of records related to greyhound injuries at Tucson Greyhound Park, in a patently obvious attempt to prevent such records from entering the public domain.

Greyhound injury records were produced as public documents in Arizona until approximately November 2009, when the Department opted to begin skirting the public information law. Additionally, they are public documents in other jurisdictions, including West Virginia, Iowa and Texas.

This “hide and seek” tactic to skirt public information laws is not new. In fact, in 1993 an individual named Steve Barham withdrew his application to become the next Director of the Arizona Department of Racing after he admitted using this same tactic in another state. The Arizona Republic Editorial Board addressed this issue forcefully:

“What Arizona did not need was an individual who willfully would seek to come up with creative means to cut off public access absent legal justification.”

Attached, you will find a full copy of the Arizona Republic Editorial.

Additionally, this is not the first time the Department has shown a disregard for public transparency. For example:

·         On July 15, 2012 Arizona Racing Commissioner Rory Goree publicly stated that he was “mulling some bill ideas” to make public information requests much more difficult.

·         On September 12, 2011 Arizona Department of Racing Director Lonny Powell forwarded a message about dogs racing in extreme temperatures at Tucson Greyhound Park to various racetrack lobbyists and executives. At the top of his message, in large font, he wrote “Please…no e-mail responses back…….”

Without question, the reports that were released prior to November 2009 demonstrate a serious problem. Specifically, between January 2007 and November 2009, 923 greyhound injuries were reported at Arizona racetracks. The most common injury was a broken leg, and other reported injuries included fractures, sprains, dislocations, muscle tears and strains, lacerations, a cracked skull, broken backs, heat stroke, puncture wounds and paralysis. Most greyhound injuries reported during this period were serious, and 67 were fatal or resulted in euthanasia. For example:

 ·         On April 11, 2009 a one-year-old brindle greyhound named Oxbow Savage died after he suffered a broken skull during a race at Tucson Greyhound Park.  The official injury report included the statement “Dangerous track – too wet!”

·         On February 23, 2007 a four-year-old white and brindle greyhound named Too Tall Sky was euthanized after he suffered a back injury during a race at Tucson Greyhound Park and had “no feeling” in his tail and rear legs. 

·         On August 12, 2009 a two-year-old brindle greyhound named Boc’s Flamingo was euthanized after suffering a broken leg during a race at Tucson Greyhound Park. According to the official injury report “surgical repair” was recommended but instead the individual responsible for the dog “decided on euthanasia.”

The public deserves to have access to this data, and it is not be in the best interest of the state for it to be withheld. We can only assume that the Department has chosen to block access to greyhound injury data because disclosure would not be in the financial interests of Tucson Greyhound Park.

In closing, I would like to remind you that you are not an employee of Tucson Greyhound Park. As a public official and state regulator, you represent the people of the State of Arizona. By playing hide and seek with Tucson Greyhound Park injury data, you are putting the interests of a private racetrack ahead of good public policy and the integrity of the Arizona Public Records Law.  It is my hope that you will reconsider this harmful policy and once again fully adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the law.

Sincerely,

Christine A. Dorchak, Esq., President and General Counsel, GREY2K USA

cc: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer"

Racing Commissioner Publicly Apologizes

GREY2K USA Board President Christine Dorchak & Zoe

Earlier this week, GREY2K USA sent Governor Jan Brewer a letter asking that she remove Arizona Racing Commissioner Rory Goree for inappropriate public statements he has made. In recent months, Goree has made a sexual remark regarding GREY2K USA Board President Christine Dorchak, mocked Christine over a near-fatal accident she suffered two decades ago, stated that he wanted to make it much more difficult for citizen groups to submit public information requests, and also suggested that confidential tips of greyhound cruelty should not be reported to the authorities.

Late last night, Goree publicly apologized for these remarks. His apology was initially posted on Facebook, and is being reported by the Arizona Republic. In part, his apology reads:

"This has riled up my Russian temper, causing me (on occasion) to go off the rails and express myself in ways that were probably not appropriate or thoughtfully considered ... To those whom I may have offended in the past, I offer my sincere apologies."

I'm glad that Goree now acknowledges his statements were inappropriate. His apology is factually incorrect, however, in claiming that these inappropriate statements were in response to "personal attacks" directed at him. An examination of his full comments, in context, clearly shows that is not the case.

In his apology, Goree also claimed that he now wants to focus on being an effective regulator of the dog racing industry:

"My job is to make sure that racing in Arizona is clean, well-regulated and (most important to me) humane. I plan to focus on that goal from this point forward, so don't be surprised if you notice a new, more civil tone to my comments."

If Goree is sincere in this regard, then I look forward to working with him to make positive changes. As a first step, I propose working directly with Goree and other Racing Commissioners to fully implement the Tucson Dog Protection Act, a local ordinance passed by voters in 2008 to improve humane conditions at Tucson Greyhound Park.

This law prohibits extensive confinement of racing greyhounds, prohibits the use of anabolic steroids, and prohibits the use of raw ‘4-D’ meat from downed and diseased animals. So far, the track has refused to adhere to this humane law, and is simply thumbing its nose at the voters.

Even though Goree did not support this humane law when it was proposed, we are hopeful that as a member of the Racing Commission he will acknowledge that duly passed citizen laws should be honored and implemented.

It's hard to know if Goree is sincere in his apology, but actions speak louder than words. He now has an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to greyhound welfare by setting aside differences and working with us. I hope he accepts my offer of collaboration. It would be wonderful if these reprehensible public comments were instead turned into a positive for the greyhounds. I think that is possible, and the ball is in Rory Goree's court.

Tucson Greyhound Park Issued Warning by State Regulators on Poor Track Conditions

Bella Kingnarmer suffered a serious injury at TGP in May 2009

Last month, I wrote about poor track conditions at Tucson Greyhound Park.  Sadly, newly received state records indicate that nothing has changed at this low-end track.

According to an official Arizona Department of Racing Stewards Report dated April 17, 2012, state regulators recently issued a warning to Tucson Greyhound Park over poor track conditions and equipment problems.  The Report indicates that a race was delayed due to a starting box "not being worked and or fixed" and states:

"Tucson Greyhound Park Racing Department was warned that 'no race will run from any distance not properly worked, nor will there be time allowed to work the shutes that are not in race ready conditions.' Duties that involve readiness of the track/repair of equipment that is used that night should be addressed early or at a reasonable time that will not interfere with the racing operation."

Three days later on April 20, another Stewards Report stated that a "penny sized piece of glass" and "three golf ball sized rocks" were found on the track before a race.  A week later, state officials reported finding three more "golf ball sized rocks" on the track along with a "pocket knife sized piece of hard rubber."

It is inexcusable for the track to neglect its racing surface in this way.  Even some greyhound trainers are outraged by the track's negligence in this area.  As I reported previously, state records indicate that one kennel owner recently reached out directly to state officials to express her frustration:

"Donna Mann called the Stewards off the roof to talk about the out of control injuries.  She has a list of 17 injuries which she gave to management, the racing office, and left copies in the racing office."

Thanks to the Arizona legislature, Tucson Greyhound Park now has the legal ability to hold fewer races and even end greyhound racing completely.  The question now is whether track management will take advantage of this new law, or continue with the cruel status quo.

It's certainly in the track's interest to begin winding down live greyhound racing.  If TGP refuses to make changes, in the end the humane community may have no choice but to move forward with a proposal to end all forms of gambling on greyhound racing in the state.

Greyhound Advocates Win Two Major Victories

I'm happy to announce that greyhound advocates have just won two major victories!

GREY2K USA just received the news that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed a measure to reduce racing at Tucson Greyhound Park.  Under the previous law, the track was forced to hold races year-round.  However, moving forward the track will only be required to hold races on 100 days per year.  Even better, the track can end greyhound racing completely if they enter into a contract with kennel owners.

This is a huge step forward for Arizona's greyhounds.  One humane problem after another has been documented at the Tucson track, and it would be wonderful for racing to decrease at this low-end facility.

Of course, it will now be up to Tucson Greyhound Park management to decide whether or not they will take advantage of this new law.  Either way, the humane community will continue fighting for the greyhounds.

Meanwhile, half a world away greyhound advocates have won a major victory in London.  On Tuesday night, a proposal to build housing on the site of the iconic Walthamstow dog track was approved by a vote of 4-3.  Dog racing supporters, who want racing to return to the track, reacted angrily to the vote according to Guardian reporter Daniel Binns:

"Furious scenes here ... members of the crowd have gone up to shout at the councillors who voted in favour of the plans."

Greyhound Safe

This angry response is not surprising, when you consider the fact that these are the same dog track supporters who expect to be subsidized by the government.

The Walthamstow vote is a major victory for the greyhounds, and is due in part to the hard work of advocacy groups like Greyhound Safe and Greytexploitations.

Jett raced 150 times in AZ

As big as this victory is, however, there is one final round left in the Walthamstow greyhound debate.  Dog track supporters have asked London Mayor Boris Johnson to intervene and overrule the housing vote, and media reports indicate that the Mayor is expected to make a decision within two weeks.

It would be outrageous for the Mayor put the interests of dog track supporters ahead of affordable housing, and I'm hopeful he will make a humane choice.

These two victories prove that the global fight for greyhounds is continuing to gain momentum.  Greyhound racing goes against our mainstream values, and these victories should give us hope that dog racing will eventually end completely.

State Inspection: Ticks "Crawling up the Wall" in Kennel at Tucson Greyhound Park

With each passing month, more evidence emerges of humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park.  Last week, we received new state records that document neglectful conditions in one of the track kennels, as well as an ongoing problem with greyhound injuries.

According to a March 6, 2012 Arizona Department of Racing Stewards Report, a state inspection revealed "ticks crawling up the wall" in the Brian Lewis Kennel:

"Brian Lewis kennel had ticks crawling up the wall behind the crates during a State Inspection and TGP Management told State Officials that the kennel would be addressed as far as cleanliness and to this date nothing has been done."

This is not the first time that poor kennel conditions have been documented at Tucson Greyhound Park.  In fact, similar conditions have been documented at the facility over and over again.  Sadly, it's becoming all too obvious that track management is simply incapable of addressing this chronic problem.

Meanwhile, the same March 6 Stewards Report also documents continued problems with track conditions at Tucson.  The Stewards Report refers to a previous meeting between kennel operators and track General Manager Tom Taylor, and states:

"After nothing was resolved from a meeting with the GM and trainers/owners, some trainers/kennel operators are now holding the State responsible for all the injuries at Tucson Greyhound Park.  As you can see there are 7 scratched greyhounds tonight 'ALL LAME'"

Later in the report, state officials indicate that one kennel owner contacted them directly to voice her concerns:

"Donna Mann called the Stewards off the roof to talk about the out of control injuries.  She has a list of 17 injuries which she gave to management, the racing office, and left copies in the racing office titled 'DAN' and the Director of Racing asked 'why do you need him it's our issue' and to date Dan Reinertson has not received copies."

Finally, it's important to note that this Stewards Report also provides evidence that track management is indifferent to humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park.  Reading through the records, a sad pattern emerges.  The state documents neglectful conditions in a track kennel, management tells the state they will address it, but then nothing happens.  Kennel owners hold a meeting with management about injuries, but "nothing (i)s resolved."  A kennel owner takes her concerns about injuries directly to state officials, but the track Director of Racing discourages her from reporting the problem.

This indifference by Tucson Greyhound Park management is part of the problem.  It proves that the track is incapable of being a good corporate citizen, and cannot be trusted to resolve even the most basic humane issues at the facility.  That is why it's time for Arizona lawmakers and voters to step up and help the greyhounds.  If they don't, no one will.

Greyhounds Still Given Anabolic Steroids at Tucson Track, Voter Law Ignored

This morning, Tucson Weekly documented the continued use of anabolic steroids at Tucson Greyhound Park. Reporter Tim Vanderpool personally witnessed steroid injections and took photographs, and wrote about his interaction with track veterinarian Dr. Joe Robinson:

"In morning's early light, Dr. Joe Robinson pokes the syringe in a tiny bottle, raises it above his head and draws back the plunger. Robinson apparently doesn't wish to publicize his finesse; each time I try to photograph this handiwork the longtime veterinarian spins his back to me."

Even though this harmful practice was outlawed by South Tucson voters, it is continuing at Tucson Greyhound Park. To circumvent the law, the dogs are taken to a parking lot just outside city limits to be injected. It is outrageous that Tucson Greyhound Park would so blatantly ignore the will of local voters.

Most importantly, it is deeply troubling that female dogs at Tucson Greyhound Park are still being given an anabolic steroid to prevent estrus. According to Care of the Racing and Retired Greyhound, there are several side effects of this dangerous practice:

"The adverse side effects of male-derived hormonal preparations are increased aggression which can result in fighting during trialing or racing; increased weight due to water retention; occasional loss of vigor; and virilization. The latter is evidenced by vulvar swelling, enlarged protruding reddened clitoris, and a clear to cloudy mucoid discharge from the vulva and mats the hairs under the tail where contact is made."

Thankfully, a humane proposal is now moving through the Arizona legislature that could significantly reduce racing at Tucson Greyhound Park. Because of the progress of this good legislation, I am hopeful that positive changes will come soon at the Tucson track.

Track management, however, should be on notice. The status quo is no longer acceptable at Tucson Greyhound Park. If reforms do not come soon, the humane community will have no choice but to take our case directly to the statewide ballot box. The greyhounds in Tucson need help, and cannot afford to wait any longer.

Drug Violations Raise More Questions About Tucson Greyhound Park

With each passing month, the evidence continues to mount that Tucson Greyhound Park is one of the worst dog tracks in the country. The latest proof of Tucson's problems come in the form of state records GREY2K USA recently obtained regarding positive drug tests.

During a span of less than four weeks in early 2012, the Arizona Department of Racing took disciplinary action against five greyhound trainers and assistant trainers for human and greyhound drug violations. Specifically:

• On January 25, an assistant greyhound trainer was summarily suspended after she tested positive for marijuana and cocaine.

• On February 15, a greyhound trainer was ordered to return prize money after two greyhounds won races and tested positive for caffeine.

• On February 16, an assistant greyhound trainer was suspended for 60 days and fined $300 after he tested positive for marijuana and cocaine.

• Also on February 16, a greyhound owner and trainer was suspended for 60 days fined and $1,000 after state investigators found a hypodermic syringe in his kennel. According to a laboratory report, the syringe was found to be "suspicious" for testosterone. The Board of Judges also recommended that the trainer's license be permanently revoked.

• On February 18, a greyhound trainer was suspended for 60 days and fined $300 after he refused to submit to a drug test. During his official hearing, the trainer indicated that he refused the test because he would not have passed. He also indicated that he would not have passed a previous drug test if another trainer had not provided him with synthetic urine.
  

Unfortunately, this is not a new problem at Tucson Greyhound Park. In 2007, the track was forced to close for two days after five licensees tested positive for illegal drugs. Nevertheless, these new records are another example of the sad life greyhounds endure at this low end track.

The End of the Cruel Greyhound Racing Industry is in Sight

Today, the New York Times reported on the collapse of greyhound racing in the United States. In just a few years the industry has been cut in half, and even racetrack owners are now working to reduce or eliminate dog races.

The reality is that most racetracks are now losing money on greyhound races, but are legally required to subsidize dog racing in order to offer other, more profitable forms of gambling. This dog racing mandate is indefensible and should end.

At some level, even diehard greyhound breeders know that dog racing will soon end. Their angry rhetoric and personal attacks are meant to distract attention from the facts at hand. They would rather attack greyhound protection advocates than debate the merits of dog racing, or acknowledge the economic failure of their cruel activity.

Over the past few years, the public has learned more information about greyhound racing than ever before. For the first time they have been able to see inside the Tucson Greyhound Park kennel compound, and read about the thousands of dogs that are suffering serious injuries at tracks across the country.

As members of the public learn these cruel facts, public opinion is changing. A good friend once told me that the greyhound racing industry contains within itself the seeds of its own destruction. Today, I think I know what he meant. The standard practices in dog racing go against mainstream values about the humane treatment of animals. As greyhound advocates our job is simply to make these facts available to voters and ask them to make a humane choice.

It's also important to remember that social change takes time. Even though public support for dog racing has collapsed, it could take many years for dog racing to completely end. Greyhound advocates must win multiple legislative victories in order to end this cruelty, and each of those victories will be difficult.

The legislative process can be both complicated and convoluted, and in some cases good public policy can be thwarted by special interests who invest in high powered lobbyists and campaign contributions. This is certainly the case in Iowa, where a handful of greyhound breeders have so far prevented full consideration of a measure to end dog racing. Greyhound racing is a losing proposition in Iowa, but these greyhound breeders are using millions of dollars they receiving in state subsidies to perpetuate this bad policy.

Similarly, I am disappointed that we were unable to pass greyhound decoupling this year in Florida. While I write this post I am watching the final hours of the Florida legislative session, and am frustrated that we were unable to help Florida's greyhounds despite having overwhelming support in both the House and Senate.

My disappointment, however, is tempered by my belief that in the end good public policy will triumph. There is no question that dog racing will end in both Florida and Iowa, along with every other state. If is not a question of if, but when. We are really fighting over how long this humane change will take, and how many dogs will suffer along the way.

Finally, I can assure you that GREY2K USA will not stop fighting until the greyhounds receive the freedom they deserve. It's the right thing to do, and I know in my heart that our best days are ahead of us.

State Records: Hundreds of Greyhounds Racing at Tucson Track Without Proper Rest

According to state records we recently obtained from the Arizona Department of Racing, dogs at Tucson Greyhound Park are routinely racing on very little rest. Just in the month of January 2012, dogs raced on only two days of rest a total of 748 times at Tucson Greyhound Park. Greyhounds are generally given a minimum of three days rest between starts, but this standard is being ignored at the Tucson track.

Racing on short rest can contribute to dogs being injured, and can also cause a metabolic disorder called exertional rhabdomyolysis, in which damaged skeletal muscles begin to break down. According to Care of the Racing and Retired Greyhound, exertional rhabdomyolysis appears in greyhounds that are "stressed by an excessive frequency of fast work" which it defines as "two to three races or trials per week."

Dog racing supporters often claim that greyhounds receive plenty of rest between races. According to American Greyhound Racing, which used to operate Phoenix Greyhound Park, greyhounds race "no more than three times in two weeks." Similarly, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain claims that greyhounds race "every 5-7 days." The most strident claim that greyhounds receive plenty of rest comes from the Greyhound Association of America, which asserts that dogs "normally race twice a week" and "the other five days of the week the racer will lounge in his kennel."

This is certainly not the case at Tucson Greyhound Park, where on average 24 greyhounds race every single day on only two days of rest. This is a dangerous practice that is potentially harmful to dogs, and must end. It is also another another example of the Tucson track's disastrous record on humane issues.

Thankfully, a bill is now advancing in the Arizona legislature that may finally give greyhounds the relief they deserve. Senate Bill 1273, which was filed by the racetrack itself at the urging of GREY2K USA, will eliminate a state mandate that Tucson Greyhound Park hold races year-round, including on the hottest days of summer and the coldest days of winter. Instead, the new law would require 100 days of racing per year. It also includes a provision that would allow the track to hold fewer races, or even end greyhound racing completely, if it enters into an agreement with kennel owners.

This racetrack proposal is not a perfect bill, but nonetheless its passage would be a huge step forward for the greyhounds. It will significantly reduce greyhound injuries, and also reduce the number of greyhounds who endure lives of confinement. Most importantly, it will move Arizona a step closer to ending the cruelty of greyhound racing for good.

Senate Bill 1273 has already passed the State Senate on an overwhelming vote of 28 to 2, and is now pending in the State House of Representatives. Hopefully the House will soon follow the Senate's lead and pass this common sense bill. Greyhounds have suffered for too long at Tucson Greyhound Park, and deserve a break.

Will Skechers Stand Up for the Real Underdogs, or Ignore Evidence of Cruelty?

With the Super Bowl only twelve days away, Skechers executives have so far refused to pull their advertisement that was filmed at Tucson Greyhound Park. They apparently intend to move forward with this misguided promotion, over the objections of more than 114,000 citizens who have asked them to reconsider.

In defending their decision, Skechers executives have started a campaign of misdirection. They want people to believe that our objection is with the content of the advertisement itself, which they point out, we have not yet seen. Of course, these executives know better. Our objection is not with the content of this proposed spot. The spot might be objectionable, it might not. Instead, our concern is that it was filmed at Tucson Greyhound Park. Tucson is one of the worst dog tracks in the country, and has a dismal record on humane issues. Skechers should be ashamed of their decision to partner with this notorious facility, and deserves to lose customers.

The problems at Tucson are so pervasive that it is difficult to report on all of them. In fact, just in the past few days we have obtained new documents from the Arizona Department of Racing regarding problems at the track.

First, in an official state Operations Report dated January 13, 2012, a state regulator reported that the "Management that operates the track has been sanctioned numerous times" including violations of Arizona Administrative Code, Arizona Statutes, State Department of Racing policies and orders from the Arizona Department of Racing.

Additionally, a series of e-mails we obtained highlights the challenge state officials have in regulating Tucson Greyhound Park. The e-mail exchange is primarily about ongoing problems at the track with parasites. According to Department of Racing Veterinarian Dr. Andy Carlton:

"Department of Racing personnel have worked diligently to inform track management and trainers that there is an ectoparasite problem requiring immediate attention ... the veterinarians have continued to inform responsible parties that the efforts are falling short and that the problem continues to worsen."

Dr. Carlton then goes on to explain why recent attempts to inspect greyhounds that are scheduled to race for parasites had largely failed. However, he expresses optimism that such inspections can address the problem.

In his message, Dr. Carlton was responding to a previous e-mail message by state regulator Daniel Reinerston, who serves as Chief Greyhound Steward at Tucson Greyhound Park. Reinerston had reached out to other regulators to express his frustration at the track's lack of oversight:

"On Monday, October 3rd I arrived at Tucson Greyhound Park (4:45 PM) and there was no vet in the Paddock, no Racing Personnel in the Racing Office and no Track Steward and the greyhounds were just walking through the Paddock at will with no checks at all .."

In a separate message dated December 22, 2011, Reinerston wrote to other regulators to tell them that it had "been a bad/long week at TGP." Unfortunately, he did not provide further details of what problems occurred at the track that led him to send this particular message.

It's not too late for Skechers to do the right thing. It's likely that the company was not aware of the problems at Tucson Greyhound Park when they filmed their ad there. However, they now know about the problems at this cruel facility, and with that knowledge comes a choice.

If Skechers moves forward with their Tucson Greyhound Park ad, it will demonstrate a lack of concern for the humane treatment of animals, and a degree of corporate callousness. In short, moving forward would call into question its willingness to be a good corporate citizen.

On the other hand, Skechers could decide to really side with underdogs everywhere, including the greyhounds now living at Tucson Greyhound Park. By scuttling their proposed ad, the company can send a message that it takes the humane treatment of animals seriously.

New Neglect Cases at Tucson Greyhound Park Should Give Skechers Pause

A few weeks ago, we learned that Skechers had filmed a Super Bowl ad at Tucson Greyhound Park. Tucson is one of the worst dog tracks in the country, and earlier this year was referred to as a "black mark" on the community in an Arizona Daily Star column.

After hearing from people all over the world the shoe company appears to be backpedaling, and has told us "we don't even know if that footage we (sic) ever appear in a commercial." This is a step in the right direction, but is not good enough.

Meanwhile, we have received evidence of two new cases of neglect that occurred at Tucson Greyhound Park. Both of these cases occurred only weeks before the Skechers ad shoot, and should give them pause.

According to the Arizona Department of Racing, a greyhound trainer named Willie Davis was fined $1,000 by the state for "failing to turn out and care for the greyhounds" in the kennel he worked in on September 28. According to state records, the dogs were not let out of their cages to relieve themselves for at least eight hours before a state investigator discovered the problem.

Three days later on October 1, another trainer at Tucson Greyhound Park was fined $100 after he brought four greyhounds to race with an "excessive amount of fleas." Thankfully, state officials did not allow the dogs to compete.

These recent cases are just the latest chapter in a long list of humane problems at the Tucson track. For example:

• In June, a kennel inspection report documented poor conditions including "floors filthy (urine & feces)/refridgerator covered inside and out with blood (from meat)." When he was confronted, the trainer responsible for the kennel "could not produce a log" indicating the ultimate fate of greyhounds that had previously raced and refused to sign the inspection report.

• Last year, GREY2K USA investigators gained access to the Tucson Greyhound Park kennel compound and documented the conditions in which dogs live. Hundreds of greyhounds live in darkness, kept confined in small cages and most of the dogs are muzzled. When track General Manager Tom Taylor was asked about our footage, his bizarre defense included the statement that the track is an "ideal place for dogs." Taylor also claimed that he "could show you a picture of the Mona Lisa and you could say 'Oh, that's horrible.'" Taylor did admit, however, that he would not allow his pet dog to live in the track kennel compound.
  

• Independently of GREY2K USA, nearly identical kennel conditions at the track were documented in 2010 and 2011 by a Pima County investigator.

• In February, we released a Report on Greyhound Racing in Arizona that documented a wide range humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park. Some of these problems include female greyhounds being given anabolic steroids, cases of neglect, unsanitary conditions, trainers testing positive for illegal drugs, dogs dying while being transported, and greyhounds suffering from various illnesses. In addition, nearly three hundred greyhound injuries have been reported at Tucson Greyhound Park since 2007, including dogs that suffered broken legs and other serious injuries such as a broken skull.
  

Tucson Greyhound Park has an extensive record of cruelty, which is why it is so hard to understand why Skechers would partner with this notorious track. I can only assume that Skechers was not aware of the track's chronic problems.

Skechers must now make a decision. I am hopeful the company will make the humane choice, and announce it will not run any ad that was filmed at Tucson Greyhound Park. If Skechers insists on moving forward, we have secured the domain www.BoycottSkechers.com and are prepared to take our campaign to a whole new level. Stay tuned.

Doubletalk by Dog Track CEO Refuted by Inspection Photographs

I thought I had heard it all.

As executive director of GREY2K USA, I have heard dog racing apologists make every excuse and rationalization imaginable in an effort to defend their cruel industry. They have said that greyhounds like to live in their cages, and that broken legs are no big deal. They have even suggested that greyhounds aren't dogs at all.

Even I was shocked, however, by the incredible doubletalk that Tucson Greyhound Park (TGP) CEO Tom Taylor used last December to defend the kennel conditions greyhounds endure at his track. After he was shown footage that was taken at TGP by GREY2K USA investigators, he claimed that they "saw what they wanted to see" and said that TGP is an "ideal place for dogs."

KOLD News couldn't verify his claims, however, because he refused to allow them into the kennel compound. He said he denied them access because they would "show it to thousands of people, and we don't know how they're going to take it."

Then, his defense of dog racing went from strange to outright bizarre. He said that "I could show you the Taj Mahal and people would say that's too, uh, religious." Even this, however, was apparently not bizarre enough for Taylor, who then added "Hey, I could show you a picture of the Mona Lisa and you could say 'Oh, that's horrible.'"

Of course, at the time of this interview I knew Taylor was not telling the truth. Our investigators had just documented terrible conditions at the Tucson track. At TGP, greyhounds live in darkness. They are kept in warehouse-style kennels in small cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. Most of the dogs our investigators observed were muzzled in their cages.

After KOLD TV reported on our investigative footage last December, I forgot about Tom Taylor's bizarre interview. I was reminded of it again, though, a few weeks ago when we received documents and photographs from the Pima County Animal Care Center. It turns out that a County investigator has inspected TGP several times over the last year, and taken photographs of the kennel compound. The photographs she took are nearly identical to the footage taken by our investigators, and document the same problems.

When we received these photographs, I asked our Communications Manager Danielle Festa to contrast Tom Taylor's interview with the photographs taken by the County investigator. The result is our new video, "Dog Track CEO Caught Lying."

Greyhounds are still suffering at Tucson Greyhound Park, and need help more than ever. Just yesterday, the Tucson Weekly newspaper reported again on the track's unwillingness to abide by a local ballot question passed in 2008 that mandated better conditions for racing dogs.

Please watch our new video, and forward it to everyone you know. I am confident that we will soon end greyhound racing in Arizona, but we can only do it with the help of everyone who cares about these dogs.