According to recently released state records, more than 700 greyhounds were reported injured at Wheeling (WV) Island Racetrack and Casino since 2008, and more than 1,000 dogs were prevented from racing because they were lame, injured, or because of illness.
This is the way Greyhounds should be treated. (Photo courtesy of Grey2K USA)
“These terrible greyhound injuries are occurring every day at Wheeling Island,” says Carey Theil, executive director at GREY2K USA “Dogs are suffering broken legs and other serious injuries on a daily basis.”
In total, at least 707 greyhounds were reported injured at Wheeling between January 2008 and September 2009, according to state records provided by the West Virginia Racing Commission. More than one hundred of these injuries involved broken legs, and other reported injuries included dislocations, broken ankles, lacerations, fractured skulls and spinal injuries. Additionally, 62 dogs died or were euthanized during this period.
Greyhounds Flex, Taylor, and Maddox get ready for a run. (Photo courtesy of Grey2K USA)
Greyhound race tracks recently closed in New Hampshire and in Massachusetts. Greyhound racing still exists in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Rhode Island, Texas, Florida, Iowa, and West Virginia. “Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane and should end,” says Theil. “Dogs play an important role in our lives, and deserve to be protected from individuals and industries that would do them harm.”
I look forward to the day when greyhound racing no longer exists, and I hope that day is soon.
GREY2K USA is a national, non-profit greyhound protection organization with more than 25,000 supporters in all fifty states.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by michelechollow: #Woof Wednesday: Why Greyhound Racing is Wrong http://bit.ly/aNsx4B...
Human beings choose to fight (like pit bulls) or race (like greyhounds). Dogs don’t get the luxury to make that choice. We amuse ourselves by abusing animals. It’s wrong.
Thanks for this, Michele. A good friend of mine in Tucson is extremely active in fighting against greyhound racing; she’s a thorn in the side of the track owners. So I’ve become very aware through her in knowing about the evils of the sport, and the more awareness there is that it’s not just harmless fun — for the dogs and viewers — the better.
In fact, I’m going to provide a great site for those who want to help with greyhound rescue (and who like cool jewelry): http://greyhoundinjuryfund.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/tucson-bracelets-benefit-az-greyhound-rescue/
Wow! I had no idea there were so many injuries associated with greyhound racing! It ridiculous that humans aren’t intelligent enough to find a form of amusement that does not involve harm to another being. Thanks for the info, Michele. Awareness is the first step!!
Thanks Amy,
Awareness is the first step, and we have a handful of states that still have greyhound racing and more states that simulcast the event. Now, we need to end this completely.
[...] to know what’s wrong with greyhound racing and why it should be stopped. This short post at Pet News and Views will educate [...]
I agree 1000% Rod!!
It astounds me how “evolved” we humans think we are, yet we continue to abuse animals all in the name of “entertainment”, more like devolution the way I see it!
Thank you for helping to get the word out. Thanks to articles like this one, more and more people will become aware of the truth behind greyhound racing.
[...] Did you know that over 700 racing greyhounds have been injured at Wheeling (WV) Island Racetrack and Casino between January 2008 and September 2009. More than 1,000 dogs were prevented from racing because of injury or illness, and 62 dogs died or had to be euthanized during this period. Greyhound racing is wrong! Read more at PetNewsandViews.com [...]