Who I am is not important; I’m someone just like you. What makes me different from many is that I have sought to understand the facts about greyhound racing in Massachusetts and will herein try to separate the truth from the anti-racing zealots’ propaganda. I am but one small voice- but a voice nonetheless. And here I will have my say.
As you may know, greyhound racing in this state is the topic of a ballot question in the upcoming November elections. Several groups that purport to have the best interests of the racing greyhound at heart have banded together in an attempt to end the proud 73 year history of Massachusetts greyhound racing. In actuality, they have their own best interests at heart: animal rights extremism which may well someday affect your very choice to live with a companion dog. Greyhounds, for these people are just the beginning. But these are topics to delve into another day.
Today, I am tired of hearing false adoption statistics for retired greyhounds in Massachusetts. Let’s start here: racing greyhounds do not need “rescue” as they are well cared for and happy to race. When the time comes, they RETIRE
“The commission shall maintain accurate records and statistics regarding the disposition of all greyhounds that have participated in dog racing, including schooling races, in the commonwealth” (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 128C: Section 7)
When a greyhound retires to adoption, returns to its home farm for breeding, or is moved to another track extensive information must be supplied to the state. The zealots would like you to believe that they “disappear” but that is simply not true. And how many greyhounds retired in Massachusetts are adopted out? 100% Can that be said of the dogs languishing at the MSPCA (a big supporter of the ban on racing) or in local pounds who are euthanized in huge numbers daily just because “their time is up”? Nationwide, greyhound adoption this year has had 93% success placing animals retiring into homes. We in Massachusetts lead the way, and that is something to be very proud of.
Why is our rate so high? Our laws are strict and there is good cooperation between the track kennels and the adoption groups to facilitate the care and placement of retired greyhounds. There are no “kill dates” as there are at the pounds; occasionally, greyhounds may wait many years for the right home but none are euthanized. Let us also not forget that Grey2K, now a part of the “Committee” which sponsors the anti-racing bill along with HSUS and the MSPCA has never given any money or any support whatsoever (not even a can of food) to any adoption group in this state (or any state!) or any greyhound in need. They have, however, finally adopted one- it’s good exploitation oops public relations after all…
Tags: greyhound racing, greyhounds, massachusetts greyhounds, question 3
19 September, 08 at 1:24 PM |
Hi
Welcome to the group who are opposing the animal rights movement at every turn. The Shelters are giving false “kill” numbers. The AR groups are also bringing in 100,000s of thousands of dogs from other countries. They are shuting down show dog breeders with unconstitutional laws. The laws are illegal and that seems to be the way to shut down the animal rights movement. Another way is to split them up. Peta is now promoting sex with humans, the HSUS opposes that because of there so called religious beliefs. Then you have the Socialist Party who claims all of them are with the Socialist Party. The Socialist party is mad because they want all animal eating to stop this minute and animal ownership to cease. What a Pandoras Box we opened. Keep up the good work. Godspeed
24 September, 08 at 2:27 PM |
Hi Tara,
You could not have said this any better. I hope the tracks do everything they can to fight this unfair and meanspirited effort. Keep up the good work and keep giving correct and additional information.
You might also want to mention that the State has an independent Racing Commission that oversees all aspects of racing. The Commission continually regulates and investigates the industry. Additionally, anyone who has a grievance could go to the Commission and ask them to initiate an investigation.
In addition, there are State and private veterinarians who constantly monitor conditions at the tracks. There are the track officials themselves who monitor. The owners, trainers, assistant trainers, grooms, etc. monitor and certainly would notice something amiss. There are uniformed and undercover State Police detectives who monitor the tracks and who are also allowed to conduct random unannounced searches at kennels and farms across the state. It is hard to believe that all these parties are “in cahoots” to not notice things. Additionally the tracks are open to the public and the fans themselves who go to the races are allowed to get as close as possible to the dogs and they certainly would notice something amiss.
Try to keep on the high road and best of luck. You have your supporters. they may not be as vocal as the others, but they are there.
You seem like a very fine person.
Chris