Untold amounts of money were spent at dog tracks, but we’re happy to report dog racing is declining.
As of 2010, eleven States have banned dog racing and there are less than ten States with operational dog tracks. While this is true, breeding and shipping dogs across State lines is still legal. Emphasis on dog racing is not the dogs, it is gambling, a chance to make “easy” money.
Greyhounds can run up to 40 miles per hour making them perfect to race. It can be exciting to watch these beautiful dogs run around the track and even better if you put your money on the winner. But we’re sure most people are not aware of the everyday lives these dogs must endure.
Thousands of Greyhound pups are born on breeding farms each year, but only a few are selected to race. The rest, pups and adults considered unfit for racing, are either destroyed or sold to laboratories for experimentation.
After a period of time, those dogs that are chosen to race are housed in cages only large enough for them to stand up. The cages are stacked on top of each other and this is where these dogs spend most of their racing lives.
They are taken out to relieve themselves 3 or 4 times a day and perhaps for training. In many instances they are fed what is known as 4D meat – diseased, dying, dead or downed cattle, mixed with charcoal to make sure humans don’t consume it.
Greyhounds can become seriously injured during races including severed toes, broken legs, spinal cord paralysis, broken necks and cardiac arrest.
They often suffer from severe weather changes as their enclosures may not be heated or air-conditioned.
Rescue groups have found that many dogs don’t receive proper medical care aside from annual vaccinations. Some are found to be infested with fleas and ticks.
The ASPCA has some advice as to how to help stop dog racing:
- Do not attend dog races
- Educate family and friends about animal welfare
- Adopt a retired Greyhound
- Work with the ASPCA to pass legislation banning dog racing
- Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade
- We would include working for legislation banning shipping racing dogs out of State and preventing breeding for racing.
There are a number of Greyhound rescue groups listed on the web. Consider adopting one (or two) of these intelligent, loving dogs and giving them the home they deserve.
In 205 days, Greyhounds from all over the country will be at Gettsysburg, PA.
The event, named Greyhounds In Gettysburg, will take place April 29 – May 1, 2011. There will be 2 1/2 days of activities from noon Friday to noon Sunday. Planned are a number of Greyhound related activities, sales of Greyhound related merchandise and food vendors.
Children under 16 years of age are free. There is a fee for all people over 16 years old which will support the Triangle Greyhound Society and is a tax deductible donation.
So mark your calendars for this fun event and register at GIG.
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