grey2k usa greyhound racing report

First-Ever Greyhound Racing Report Says Nearly 12,000 Dogs Injured

Laura Goldman,

grey2k usa greyhound racing report

More than 900 Greyhounds have died and nearly 12,000 have been injured while participating in races from January 2008 through November 2014, according to a report released today by GREY2K USA and the ASPCA.

And those are only the deaths and injuries that have been reported. “The vast majority of the 80,000 greyhounds born into dog racing can’t even be accounted for,” GREY2K USA and the ASPCA note on Change.org. Neither Alabama or Florida report Greyhound injuries.

“High Stakes,” the humane groups’ first-ever report on Greyhound racing, is being emailed to state lawmakers and opinion leaders.

“For the first time, both the humane and economic costs of this cruel industry are documented for all to see,” said Christine Dorchak, president of GREY2K USA, in a news release. Founded in 2001, the non-profit is the largest Greyhound protection organization in the United States.

“Taxpayers are losing money, states are doling out millions in annual subsidies and gentle Greyhounds continue to die as pawns to this antiquated industry.”

Greyhound racing is banned in 39 U.S. states, “but this cruel sport continues to exploit Greyhounds despite public outcry and overwhelming financial losses from a dying industry,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations.

The 80-page report documents the cruelty and neglect in the industry, including the training of young dogs on unregulated breeding farms; the administration of illegal drugs (including cocaine); poor kennel conditions; lack of veterinary care; and a diet based on diseased meat.

senior greyhound

Fortunately, the Greyhound racing industry has been on the decline in recent years. During the past decade, gambling on dog racing has dropped by 66 percent, and Greyhound breeding has dropped by 57 percent.

Along with the report, GREY2K USA and the ASPCA have started a Change.org petition urging governors of the seven states that continue to operate dog racing tracks — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia — to end this cruel sport. The petition currently has about 2,000 signatures. [Update: As of April 15, the petition has more than 193,000 signatures!]

“The ASPCA is proud to stand with our partners at GREY2K USA to shed light on the wanton cruelty inflicted on the thousands of dogs that enter the racing industry each year,” Perry said. “We hope state lawmakers will agree that it is time to end dog racing once and for all.”

How to Help End Greyhound Racing

  • Make a donation to GREY2K USA. “A generous supporter has offered to match your donation in celebration of the release of the U.S. report,” according to the website.

Photos via Facebook

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