Crate Expectations

Meet my friend Martin. 

 He’s as sweet as he looks.
 

Martin is tall for a greyhound, measuring 31.5 inches at the withers (shoulder blades).  He’s tired in this picture as he’d just finished racing.

 Massachusetts law 205 CMR 12.04: The Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, And Transportation Of Racing Greyhounds states:

“The shape and size of the enclosure shall afford ample space for the greyhounds to comfortably turn around, stand erect, sit or lie down without obstruction, interference, or impediment by the presence of food and water bowls.  Minimum dimensions shall be 32 inches wide, 42 inches deep and 34 inches high.”

The number 79 on his name tape refers to his racing set weight; the 38 his crate number.  Shortly after this picture was taken, Martin rolled onto his side, stretched out his legs and fell asleep as only a greyhound can.  So much for the claim:

“At local racetracks, thousands of greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept for 20 or more hours each day in cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around in. “

These pictures were taken at 4:30pm.  Martin and all the other hounds had already been out for an hour at 6:00am and 9:30am. He missed the noon session as he was up at the track.  After racing that day he had 5:30pm hour turn-out and late turn-out still to come.  Twenty hours in a crate oops cage?  I don’t think so.

Addendum: The Spin Begins

Say what you will, Mr. Theil.  Again, you have taken copyrighted pictures without permission and used them to present your spin on things.  At least use the entire blog post (again without permission) in your essay instead of editing it.  As you well know, I am neither the racing industry, the race tracks, nor the No on 3 campaign so do not accuse them.  I am just a private citizen who loves dogs, nothing more.   This is my blog and these are my opinions.

Tags: greyhound racing, greyhounds, massachusetts greyhounds