The Pack News Wire has been buzzing of late with news concerning greyhound racing. Much of the focus has been on the free-fall in attendance at tracks across the country and legislative efforts to either decouple racing from the casinos or end subsidies.

But some of the news goes into the strange mentality of those who either support racing or can’t see that trimming around the edges of the issue won’t help the dogs.

In Iowa, the Iowa Greyhound Association and the Iowa West Racing Association are reportedly requesting millions from a supplemental fund.

I wonder if the racing dogs will receive any aid from this fund. The deaths and injuries continue, with the only real relief coming in the form of a ban on greyhound racing.

In Idaho, a challenge is underway concerning the Post Falls Police Department’s investigation into what are known as instant racing machines. So there’s seems to be a controversy about gaming machines while not enough is being done to investigate the needs of the dogs in live racing.

It just defies logic.

And finally, we have the racing defenders who are battling against efforts to end dog racing at casinos, because it could lead to more gambling. Yes – that’s right. Dog racing supporters seem to be against other forms of gambling.

I guess cards, dice, machines and sports betting is really, really bad. But the dog racing folks feel like exploiting animals is the most righteous form of gambling. That’s warped on a grand scale.

In the WJHG.com article linked above, Jack Corey of the Florida Greyhound Association is quoted as saying, “Their ultimate goal is to do away with live greyhound racing and become mini casinos.”

Over the last few years, I’ve read similar statements, suggesting somehow that casinos with racing are fine. But take away the dogs and gambling is somehow tainted to a greater degree.

Again, this argument just defies reason. I’m not a gambler. I don’t bet on games or even lotteries. So while I’m not a supporter of casinos at all, I’d much rather have people betting on pro sports or tables or machines.

PACK MENTALITY BLOG: Compassion - teamed with Science and Logic