Shocking Stats Reveal The True Cost Of Greyhound Racing

by Rachel Leavy

Published: February 18th, 2015

shocking stats reveal the true cost of greyhound racing

Grey2K USA and the ASPCA study shows 12,000 dogs injured at the racetracks over seven-year period.

Greyhound racing has proven itself to be a cruel sport that shows no regard for the animals it exploits. Since 2008, over 900 deaths have been recorded due to negligence in the “sport.” Even though it’s been banned in most states, a few continue the inhumane practice.

Recently, Grey2K USA and the ASPCA collaborated on a report titled High Stakes, to show the world what really happens at the racetracks. The report includes statistics compiled from over 600 sources, spanning a time period from 2008 to the present. It was mailed out to anyone who has a say in the matter, including lawmakers and opinion leaders.

Let’s break it down: the statistics show that 909 deaths were recorded, 27 cases of cruelty, over 11,000 injuries and more startling facts. Another disturbing fact uncovered was that some of the dogs tested positive for cocaine. The High Stakes report shows that we need to encourage laws that help protect these innocent dogs and stop gambling on their health and welfare.

Grey2K USA is the country’s largest greyhound protection agency. It’s a nonprofit organization whose entire purpose is to take care of the breed. We’re happy to report that Greyhound racing is at on the decline (since 1991) and since this time, 41 tracks have been shut down. The public is catching on that the industry is failing, and that greyhound racing does nothing but hurt animals and perpetuates gambling. Our fingers are crossed that this report does its job and helps get the remaining states to ban the cruel sport.

For more information on the High Stakes report, visit the Grey2USA website.

Rachel Leavy

Rachel Leavy lives in Rochester, New York with her dog, Maria, and her gecko, Nigel. She has loved animals all her life, and has owned her own dog training and walking company for five years. When she's not playing with puppies, she can usually be found writing short stories, riding horses or out at a play.

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The sport of betting on greyhound racing is on its last legs in the United States. The state of Arizona plans to ban the cruel practice by the end of this year. Many who attend Greyhound dog races and bet on what they hope to be the winning dog believe that the dogs absolutely live for this sport. They may even utter the words “they’re bred for this!”, knowing little to nothing about the cruelties they and other animals face behind the scenes. Just to give you an example, many different types of small animals are used as “bait” to get the dogs to run (such as rabbits, possums and even kittens) and they never make it out alive. Also, once the dogs retire (mostly due to injuries like broken legs, backs and head trauma), they don’t exactly have happy endings, to say the least. Related: Shocking Stats Reveal the True Cost of Greyhound Racing These are just a few reasons why the Senate is reportedly eager to pass the ban after Arizona’s Senate Finance Committee unanimously agreed to make it illegal. If the practice becomes illegal, it will make horse racing the only live sport in the state. Horse racing is not without its cruelties either, but we’ll take it one step at a time. For now, the dogs at Arizona’s only Greyhound racing track (the Tucson Greyhound Park) will soon have their day of freedom. Currently, there are still many states where Greyhound racing is legal – Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Of those listed, six have active tracks; these include Iowa, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and West Virginia and Arizona, the state in question. Related: All About the Lovable Greyhound Breed There were a total of 819 injuries alone at Tucson Greyhound Park reported 2008, 2009 and from June 2013 through July 2015 according to a report made by Grey2K USA. Furthermore, the park was under investigation after several of their athlete dogs died due to “fatal illness.” The investigators found that the dogs were being kept in tiny cages and were muzzled nearly all the time. The Greyhound racing world is a cruel one and hopefully, with Arizona soon banning the awful practice, the remaining states where Greyhound racing is still legal will also change legislation. [ Source: OneGreenPlanet, Grey2K USA ]

Florida Voters Overwhemingly Ban Greyhound Racing But Not All Are Happ

The midterm elections brought an end to Florida’s historic greyhound racing industry, but not all animal ‘advocates’ are happy with the voting results. On November 6, Florida voters chose to pass Amendment 13, which put an end to greyhound racing in the state. Currently, Florida is the home of 11 of the nations 17 greyhound race tracks, and it’s a multi-million dollar (though ever-declining) industry. Related: Shocking Stats Reveal The True Cost Of Greyhound Racing But now, nearly 70% of Florida’s voters chose to ban betting on greyhound racing, making it the 41st state in the country that will no longer have race tracks of their own as of 2020. Stephen Wells is the Executive Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and says that the historic vote makes Florida a more humane state. Saying that it will end the cycle of cruelty to victimized states and that now greyhounds will be able to retire and run on their own terms, instead of being forced to run or spend most days in cages, Wells believes this was the right choice for protecting Florida’s greyhounds. But not everyone is happy about the amendment’s passing, including many animal advocate and greyhound rescue groups. Opponents say that they are concerned about the unclear amendment in the wording that may jeopardize other dog sports–including agility and flyball competitions. They’re concerned the vague wording puts even charity races like ‘weiner dog’ or ‘powderRuff’ events in jeopardy of being illegal as well. The amendment’s specific terminology is this: “Prohibition on racing of and wagering on greyhounds or other dogs.—The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. After December 31, 2020, a person authorized to conduct gaming or pari-mutuel operations may not race greyhounds or any member of the Canis Familiaris subspecies in connection with any wager for money or any other thing of value in this state, and persons in this state may not wager money or any other thing of value on the outcome of a live dog race occurring in this state. The failure to conduct greyhound racing or wagering on greyhound racing after December 31, 2018, does not constitute grounds to revoke or deny renewal of other related gaming licenses held by a person who is a licensed greyhound permitholder on January 1, 2018, and does not affect the eligibility of such permit holder, or such permitholder’s facility, to conduct other pari-mutuel activities authorized by general law. By general law, the legislature shall specify civil or criminal penalties for violations of this section and for activities that aid or abet violations of this section.” Advocates of the amendment say that while the wording does include ‘other dogs’ and ‘live dog racing,’ it specifically addresses the issue of greyhound use and abuse, and they believe that is the right step in protecting generations of greyhounds. Related: 8 Great Things About Greyhounds Additionally, the end of the ‘sport’ will also mean that rescues will need help now more than ever in order to help find loving homes and alternatives to the over 8,000 greyhounds and breed stock that are currently living in Florida. With the dogs no longer able to be bred to run, or to run, it’s presumed the rescues will be flooded with dogs useless to their ‘owners.’ If you want to help, look into your local greyhound rescue agencies and see what you can do to help the transition for these wonderful dogs as easy as it can be.

Florida Senator Wants Voters to Ban Dog Racing

Much to the chagrin of many animal lovers, dog racing is still a hot ticket in some states. Florida voters will have the opportunity to ban dog racing in the state in 2018. Dog racing is a banned sport in 40 states in America. But in some, particularly Florida, special interest groups find it a big moneymaker, and always seem to find a way to prevent legislation banning it from going through. Florida Senator Tom Lee says that every year, there is a bill to ban the practice, and every year, some special interest group hijacks it for leverage on other issues (or because they don’t want to ban the practice) and the bill never follows through. Related: Shocking Stats Reveal The True Cost Of Greyhound Racing Senator Lee says that he wants to let the citizens of Florida decide whether the practice, which is based on 12 dog tracks in the state, should be banned forever. Lee has filed a constitutional amendment that proposes phasing out dog racing in Florida over the next three years, and he says that this is based on the recommendations of many within the industry who say that the phase-out plan is actually better for the dogs. Senator Lee said that in talking with people, a proposal that would end the practice immediately would sadly result in the shooting and killing of the dogs. The racing of dogs is an abhorrent concept for many, especially animal rights advocates who say that the dogs, mostly greyhounds, are mistreated in poor kennels and often given performance-enhancing drugs even. Some even argue that immediate euthanasia is better than the alternative of more time racing and being treated so poorly. In May of this year, a greyhound race trainer in St. Petersburg had his license revoked because six of his dogs tested positive for cocaine. Malcom McAllister had 40 years of experience with dog racing, and while some insist he is not representative of the industry of dog racing, many can’t help but wonder how the dogs could be treated humanely as such commodity. Calvin Holland races his greyhounds in St. Petersburg, though, and says that his dogs are all treated like family and given good homes when they retire from racing. He says his dogs are never abused, and live good lives with families when they no longer race. His family has five generations of dog racing, and he doesn’t want to see it go because it is such tradition in his family. Related: Arizona To Ban Greyhound Racing by End of 2016 Senator Lee says, though, that dog racing costs the state big money simply to regulate it–about $4 million dollars a year. It’s not worth the money lost, or the danger to the dogs. He also says that those who complain that ending dog racing would put thousands out of work simply is putting profit before ethics, and that just because something is money and job-making, it doesn’t make it the right thing to do. In order for the voters to be able to have it on the ballot to decide in 2018, Senator Lee needs 2/3rd of the members of the Constitution Revision Commission to vote alongside him.

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UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

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From Woofs to Words: Pet Translation Device Is Just Around the Corner

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How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

Great Dane Sets the Largest Litter Record at North Carolina Rescue

A North Carolina dog gave birth to a litter of puppies and has set a record in the process. Earlier this month, Perfectly Imperfect Pups, a North Carolina foster-based rescue took in a pregnant Great Dane, named Meadow. Two days later, Meadow gave birth to 15 puppies. “It’s the largest litter we have ever seen,” said Nicole Kincaid, the rescue’s founder and director. “We could not believe it when we heard she had 15 puppies, and most of them male! We are so excited for their bright future!”Meadows litter is the largest the rescue has seen since it was founded three years ago. The PIP’s founder and director, Nicole Kincaid, shared that this is also the largest litter she has seen in her 13-year-long rescue career. According to Kincaid, Meadow’s litter is unique for another reason - most of the puppies in the litter are male. “Shockingly enough, we have 12 boys, which is a huge number of boys out of a litter.”PIPs share the news of the record-breaking litter in a Facebook post, writing, “Puppies, puppies, and more puppies! Mamma Meadow and her crew are doing great.”“We are shocked to find out how many puppies she actually had and that all have survived and are doing well,” said Kincaid, according to PEOPLE. “Before being taken in by the Perfectly Imperfect Pups, Meadow had an unsteady past. “She has been passed around to five homes, since giving birth to another litter in February. She was being given away on social media and we reached out, but unfortunately, they gave her away pregnant to someone else.”“Within two days they contacted us and asked if we could still take [Meadow], and of course, we were delighted to take her in,” Kincaid shared. “We got her to our vet the next day, and the day after, she started going into labor.”Meadow is just one of many dogs who had the misfortune of being bounced around from one home to the next. Kincaid shared that this wasn’t Meadow’s fault, saying, “People get a large breed dog, and they don’t realize what they are getting themselves into.”“We are delighted that this will be her final [litter], and her next home will be her forever home,” said Kincaid. “We will also make sure that all 15 puppies go to homes that are experienced with large breed dogs.”For now, Shari Willson, one of the Perfectly Imperfect Pups’ fosters is taking care of Meadow and her pups. The foster mom is supplement feeding the pups in between feedings to make sure all puppies are getting enough food. “Everyone’s gaining weight, everyone’s eating, they are all doing really well,” said Willson.Kincaid praised Meadow’s foster home, saying that her organization “is so proud of our foster parents. They take in dogs without knowing what the next few days or months could bring.”“Taking in a pregnant dog is even more of a challenge because you don’t always know when mom will give birth, how many puppies will be born, or what complications may come along,” she said.The rescue has already received applications and hundreds of messages about adopting Meadow or her puppies when they are old enough to go to their forever homes. All of PIP’s adopters sign a contract in which they commit to taking care of the dog for its entire life and promise to contact the rescue if they can no longer care for them. The rescue’s post-adoption team follows up with the adopters and is available to answer any medical or training-related questions. Mamma Meadow and her pups are going to make wonderful companions and loving dogs to their new families! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Rover Releases the Most Popular Pet Names of 2023

Whether you’re stumped for a name for your new dog or cat, or you’re just curious to know what people are naming their pets these days, Rover has some answers for you. The company released a list of the most popular pet names of 2023, and the 11th annual Top Pet Names Report also sheds light on the inspiration behind the names.Here are some of the interesting findings that Rover shared.

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