I recently talked to Monica Davis, Adoption
coordinator for Greyhounds of the Verde Valley. For the last 6 years her organization has
found forever homes for 50 greathounds
every year.
Dogs come from a dog track in Tucson where
dogs race in14,000 races a year sometimes in 112 degree heat. These dogs have
never had a toy, a treat, or learned their names. The ones I’ve met somehow
seem grateful to have found a new life and quiet, docile, affectionate pets for
that lucky owner.
These “40 mile an hour couch potatoes”
ready to cozy up to their owner and a good book after. mandatory retirement.
Although dog racing is illegal in 34 states
there are approximately 1,500 breeding farms in 43 states and 46 racing tracks.
26,464 pups were registered with the NGA in 2000. (Greyhounds must be
registered with the NGA to race at any U.S. track.)
 |
| Doris McFadden & a ready-to adopt Greyhound |
These noble animals, once prized by
pharaohs above human servants, where imported to the U.S. to help control the
jack rabbit that threatened crops. (Looking at my yard they’ve been doing more
racing than jack rabbit control.)
After adoptions the group, like others,
continue to offer support, education, and play dates as well as information and
tips.
“The best off track bet you’ll ever make.”
Like other groups they are always looking
for foster and forever homes.
Books recommended to
help you learn about greyhounds
"Adopting the Racing Greyhound" by Cynthia Branigan
"Greyhounds, a Complete Pet Owners Manual" by C. Caroline Coile
"Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies" by Lee Livingood
"Greyhound Guide" by Claudia Presto
"Greyhounds, a Complete Pet Owners Manual" by C. Caroline Coile
"Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies" by Lee Livingood
"Greyhound Guide" by Claudia Presto
Find a Greyhound Adoption Agency Near You
Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane. Greyhounds endure lives of nearly constant confinement, kept in cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. While racing, many dogs suffer and die from injuries including broken legs, paralysis, and cardiac arrest. And many greyhounds are euthanized every year, as the number retired from racing exceeds the number of adoptive homes.
ReplyDeleteAt racetracks across the country, greyhounds endure lives of confinement. According to industry statements, greyhounds are generally confined in their cages for approximately 20 hours per day. They live inside warehouse-style kennels in stacked cages that are barely large enough to stand up or turn around. Generally, shredded paper or carpet remnants are used as bedding.
An undercover video recently released by GREY2K USA shows the conditions in which these gentle dogs are forced to live: http://www.grey2kusa.org/azVideo.html
For more information on injuries these dogs suffer, please view:
http://www.grey2kusa.org/azInjuries.html
http://www.grey2kusa.org/eNEWS/G2K-022811Email.html
Dogs play an important role in our lives and deserve to be protected from industries and individuals that do them harm.
V Wolf Board Member, GREY2K USA
Yes, Val the true story behind greyhound racing needs to be exposed. I honor the dedicated volunteers who rescue as many as they can and search for loving homes. Please contact me directly as I am looking for research sources for a book.
ReplyDelete