Decline of the greyhound racing industry gets some national exposure
The ever-declining greyhound racing industry (and thankfully so) got some national attention with story posted on the Washington Post website on Tuesday – via the Associated Press.
The article notes a decade ago there were 50 greyhound tracks in 15 states. Now, there are 25 tracks remaining in seven states. But over half – 13 active tracks – are in the state of Florida.
And we have this Pack of Putrid Punditry-worthy statement from one Gary Guccione -
“” But Guccione, of the National Greyhound Association, says kennel crates are “very comfortable and plenty big enough. They jump into them gladly.” They are padded with carpeting or shredded paper and the “crate is their home, their room, their happy place.” “”
Unfortunately, too many in the racing industry have too little knowledge of dog cognition or self-awareness. They don’t realize that this all these dogs know. What they falsely claim is willing behavior in jumping into the crates or what they claim is a “happy place” is anything but.
No animal wants to be crated for such extended periods of time. Once these greyhounds get into homes, often their aversion to crating comes to the surface. I’ve seen it quite often, with greys we’ve adopted and with those adopted by people we know.
And “plenty big enough?” – not hardly. I’ve seen the videos – with the dogs muzzled, cramped and miserable for hours on end.
If greyhounds are born to run, and do so to provide a living for the owners, why are these greyhounds left to languish in a crate, cage or pin for any time at all?
I remember a few years ago, over 50 greyhounds were shot and left on the garbage dump in West Palm Beach, Florida. Apparently they couldn’t race anymore. Now they parade a few dogs around at the Kennel Club in West Palm to show how compassionate they are. Problem is those dogs can’t run anymore.