Hey Lady- You Got A License For Those Hounds?

In order to work even as a kennel helper at a greyhound track occupational licensure is required by state law.  Leadouts (those that walk the dogs to the starting box and retrieve them at the end of the race) , assistant trainers (kennel help), trainers, and owners of racing dogs must be licensed and issued identification cards by the states they work or race dogs in.   Massachusetts has some of the strictest laws in the nation for the proper care, racing, licensure, and retirement of the racing greyhound despite what some may wish you to believe.  Amongst other things, required dimensions for crates are clearly delineated, the number of turnouts (dogs’ outdoor exercise periods) per day are specified, and surprise thorough kennel inspections may happen at any time- the State Police accompany the inspectors and the penalties are severe for infractions.  Racing in the Commonwealth at both Raynham and Wonderland is highly regulated and the laws ensure the good care of the dogs.

Henry and I navigate the maze of hallways and stairs leading up above the clubhouse to the Judges’ Office.  Set at the highest vantage point above the track, the office is normally off-limits to all, except for a certain amount of time before daily racing begins and after it ends.  It is during this period that the judges allow licensure testing.  We’ve come to apply for my assistant trainer’s license.  Inside the small room, the judge hands me the test I must pass with at a score of at least 70% and sends me into an adjoining room to work on it.  I’ve been studying the Mass and Racing Commission laws for some time and work my way through the questions.  I’m a wreck.  The judge takes my application form, my test, and the application fee that Henry insisted upon paying for himself (even after multiple arguments…).  She reviews everything, grades the test, and pronounces me licensed!  I don’t even remember walking all the way back downstairs as I was dumbfounded.  The State will perform a background check on me as a routine part of the licensure process.We stop at the racing office to have a photo (eeeks!) ID made before heading to watch Henry’s racers. This is probably been one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had (and I’ve had MANY).  Thank you Henry for teaching me and believing in me enough to fund my application; I hope to someday make you proud.

Tags: greyhound racing, greyhounds