New Report Highlights Horrors of Texas Greyhound Racing

Monday, March 18, 2013 - 4:00pm
Greyhound Locked In Cage

We already knew that Greyhounds at racetracks suffer immensely. But today, Greyhound advocate group GREY2K USA released a report that shows just how bad things are for dogs forced to race in Texas.

The report, produced with funding from the ASPCA, showed that at Texas racetracks:

• Greyhounds are forced to live in confined, stacked cages, with large Greyhounds being unable to stand fully erect in their cages.
• In 2012, six Greyhounds died at Gulf Greyhound Park from a form of canine influenza, often a recurring epidemic in cramped living situations.
• In 2011, a Texas Greyhound trainer failed to obtain veterinary care for an injured Greyhound until two days after the injury occurred.
• Greyhounds are fed 4-D meat from diseased animals to reduce costs.

The report also showed that1,507 greyhound injuries were reported at Texas racetracks from January 2008 through December 2011. Fifty-six of these injuries were fatal or required euthanasia, with the most commonly reported injury being broken legs. Other serious injuries reported included torn muscles, puncture wounds, a fractured skull and paralysis.

Frankly, we don’t see why the Texas dog racing industry doesn’t just throw in the towel—Lone Star State residents are way over dog racing. The report shows that gambling on dog racing and dog race attendance are way, way down.

Angry? Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade to stand up for animals.

Tags: 
Advocacy
Animal Cruelty
Take Action

Comments

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:02 — Jennifer Murtha (Visitor)
This makes me ashamed of the state I call home. Please stop this cruelty!

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 00:51 — Bonnie W (Visitor)
This is absurd to treat animals this way for people to make a living??? Wonder if they train their kids likes this ?? ALL about money But no one wins !! SICKO industry

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 13:20 — cathy (Visitor)
all the abuse going on in this world makes me so sick sad to my heart please stop the cruelty to these pooh dogs its not fair they all look to us for everthing we are there voice.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:03 — Carol Beliveau (Visitor)
Using any animal as a form of human entertainment or making money is the cruelest possible thing to ever do.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 13:37 — Barbara Edwards (Visitor)
Greyhound Racing Carol Beliveau (Visitor). Barbara's reply I agree with you - Using any animal as a form of human entertainment or making money is the cruelest possible thing to ever do. Owners make money from these beautiful animals but the owners do not repay their kindley, instead they lock them away like prisoners - which is what they are. I think anyone who does this should go to jail and be given the tiniest cell there is. But will owners ever change, once an oaf always an oaf.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 14:45 — Linda Robinson (Visitor)
Ditto! Once an oaf....That's exactly why it begins with changing the laws, and education. One thing about an oaf is that they do not like prison/jail!

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:04 — Bonita Rankey (Visitor)
It's just not right making these animals live in such confined conditions and race so people can make money. Let them have a normal life, or give it up. Would you like to be kept in a small box unable to move???? You cruel idiots.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:04 — Nichole Guarino (Visitor)
This is a very disturbing and sad situation! I have lost faith in humanity completely! this needs to stop

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:54 — Donna (Visitor)
I am just appaled at how some people if you call them people can abuse any animal in our society, I get lots of mail about animals and it makes me cry every time I see these animals suffering as much as they do. What has our world come to, I dont know any more. If I could I would take all of the abused animals and care for them. Shame on all you other people that dont have any love in your heart......

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:04 — Alex (Visitor)
Why is this still going on? This should end now, it is no longer popular and should be banned all over the United States. Just because Texas is considered the "Lone Star" state and they think of themselves as a different county, they shouldn't be aloud to torture animals. They are part of the United States, they should start acting like part a united nation instead of it's own self. It's not only selfish but it's hurting innocent animals.

Sat, 03/23/2013 - 07:56 — Tanya (Visitor)
This is still happening because our great States get kick backs from the little bit of money the tracks pull in. This is the fate of all Racing Greyhounds not just ones in Texas. I've been working with rescue since the early 90's. It has improved but their conditions are still substandard. Currently I have a foster that is afraid of everything. I can not begin to imagine what she has seen in her short lifetime, but it makes me sick! I will continue to stand and be their voice until this ends World Wide! Some of these great animals are sold to 3rd world countries to race when the US has used them up.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:04 — Diane Lampe (Visitor)
I have owned 3 greyhounds. These dogs are so gentle....PLEASE STOP THE RACING OF GREYS....

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 13:00 — Stephen S Hall (Visitor)
I have had two greyhounds, and I agree -- they are gentle, beautiful dogs. They bring joy to any household lucky enough to have one. Both of my greys brought me more joy than anything I could have ever given them in return. When I watched them race around the backyard, I used to think that it's too bad the owners of these dogs (owners while they are still on the track) never really knew what wonderful beings they owned. They missed out on truly embracing a wonderful gift from God.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:23 — Andrea hedges (Visitor)
So sad they should stop the racing n let them be happy dogs as they should be!!!! Stop this horrible act!!!

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:32 — Jenny Jaegers (Visitor)
It is so sad that many people who claim to be against animal cruelty and would never watch a dog fight, are still going to these races for entertainment and to the circus and other activities that are pure animal cruelty. This breaks my heart. We can't always cure cancer or aids or solve poverty in one day but it is so easy not to support these races. Don't go!!!!!! It is so easy to not support animal cruelty but still so many people do. Breaks my heart.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:41 — mike (Visitor)
Agreed. And what is equally sad is. People who claim to be against animal cruelty and still eat them. Everytime u sit down to have a meal you decide whether or not to promote animal cruelty and exploitation.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 15:27 — siobhan (Visitor)
If people really loved animals they would be vegan. Just watch, "Vegucated", "Forks over Knives", or "Food Inc." and get the real story about your burgers, hot dogs, bacon, pork chops, ham, eggs, milk, cheese come from. Educate yourselves people on the truth about the food you eat and where it comes from and what animals without choice endure to end up in your stomach. I hate to say it but it makes a racing Greyhound's life look like a walk in the park.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 20:38 — catt (Visitor)
such a cruel act to such a beautiful unique breed of dog. People disgust me sometimes

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 21:40 — Cleide Blackwell (Visitor)
I am heart broken! Humans can bee such monsters and so greedy that don't care...My heart goes out to those poor souls slaves of their owner and without a voice. Shame on you who race dogs and to whom bet on them. This has to STOP NOW!

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 22:06 — Brynn (Visitor)
After adopting our second greyhound, I did some research online and found a forum where someone had indicated that a greyhound was in need of transportation North in order to be helped by an adoption agency. Our girl was in 53 races and broke her rear right leg in her last one. She was then left for months with a broken leg before the agency we work with was able to get her medical attention. She is the most loving, thankful, energetic little girl, and I am horrified that anyone could leave her that way.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 22:14 — Tiara (Visitor)
STOP THE RACING AND ABUSE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 00:23 — Kathy (Visitor)
WTH? When will the human race realize animals are NOT here for their entertainment. But rather for their enjoyment and unconditional love. REally?? Get a life!

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 07:07 — Bernice Griffin (Visitor)
Please speak up for these innocent creatures who did not ask for this lifestyle.. In Texas the horse racing and casino slot machines are more popular... Lets fight to band this racing in Texas and to arrest the abuser ... who is and has taken advantage of these defenceless animals... no one human or animal deserves this treatment.

Sat, 03/23/2013 - 22:54 — P J Schuster (Visitor)
As long as we are getting rid of the cruel practice of dog racing, lets include horse racing too. It is also a cruel "sport", the horses also suffer abuse & if they don't measure up they are sold to the slaughter houses.

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 01:30 — Carol Edeker (Visitor)
My grey is a beautiful loving angel of a dog who shares her kindness and love to many people. How it hurts to think of what she suffered in her early years and her residual fears that just don't go away. Yes please add me to an effort to stop greyhound racing in TX my new home.

Wed, 03/20/2013 - 18:48 — Kim Reaser (Visitor)
I hate all forms of animal based entertainment. Circuses, dog racing, horse racing, petting zoos, road side animal displays...yes, even Sea World. People know how those animals are treated yet they choose not to acknowledge the cruelty because they would have to be responsible for their low ethics.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 00:29 — Suzin (Visitor)
My greyhounds are the center of my universe. I pray that in my lifetime greyhound racing will be a practice of the past. Stop using these beautiful animals as a form of entertainment.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 00:29 — Suzin (Visitor)
My greyhounds are the center of my universe. I pray that in my lifetime greyhound racing will be a practice of the past. Stop using these beautiful animals as a form of entertainment.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:38 — Rosanne Benson (Visitor)
I cannot believe in this day and age that we still allow this horrendous abuse of our domestic pets.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:41 — Terri Kaptain (Visitor)
Disgusting how humans treat animals. It is disgraceful...all for the mighty buck. This should be treated the same as dog fighting, etc. These poor beautiful creatures should be all be freed and be able to live their lives in comfort with humans who will love them instead of treating them as a commodity.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:44 — Sheri (Visitor)
such a shame this is still allowed to go on! I'll be glad when this is made illegal.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:44 — Johnson (Visitor)
The mistreatment and cruelty in Texas greyhound racing is a black mark against the great state of Texas and should be abolished by state legislative action.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:48 — LL (Visitor)
We know you footed the bill for the reporting but what exactly are you doing to prevent this from continuing? to stop the cruelty to these poor animals? Dog racing should be illegal. It's upsetting to know that these people are allowed to treat those dogs poorly. No vet care, dumping them in stacked cages, obviously no walks/exercise other than forcing them to race. I would like to see a report on what the ASPCA is doing to end all this. Millions have been donated to the ASPCA yet there is still a backlog on animal cruelty reports all over New York. By the time the humane law enforcement actually get to investigate these abuse reports, it's many months later and sometimes too late to even save a life. I'm very upset. I would like to see change. Maybe you guys should hire more animal cops to catch up on your backlog and be up to date. People have donated so much to see animal lives saved. What is the money being spent on?? Many admins?

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 15:32 — siobhan (Visitor)
Get your act together ASPCA, and start making the difference you so proudly claim to make. Become effective and do a better job. Otherwise you are just like the animal abusers, exploiting animals for financial gain.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 18:10 — Nico (Visitor)
I agree and I have the same questions. I make donations monthly to this organization and while I do believe that they help many animals, I would like to see more done to improve turn-around times on their investigations. I am realistic about the ASPCA not being able to stop all the cruelty and help every animal in need, but I just wish I knew what my money was actually going towards.

Sat, 04/06/2013 - 04:06 — Frances (Visitor)
Do y'all realize how much it cost to care for just 1 animal muchless millions that the ASPCA has to take care of. And all the puppy mills and Slaughter houses and dog fighting,hording of animals, puppy's and kittens being set on fire just because somebody wants to see how they react. Well I have and if not for the great ASPCA we have here in TEXAS it would ALL still be going on. So before you bash the ASPCA and TEXAS get you 5 animals to take care of the vet bills, food, medican, and beding just for 5 and compare that little bit to the millions the ASPCA take care of and you'll know where your money goes. Just saying is all.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:49 — Cheryl Frassetto (Visitor)
This is so sick and so inhumane! This cruelty HAS to stop!!!! These are beautiful animals that need love, comfort and joy in their lives....being abused is NOT one of them!! STOP THIS INSANE ACT OF CRUELTY!!

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:55 — Harvey (Visitor)
I had a greyhound. It was the MOST lovable dog of all times. People that make animals suffer one day will suffer as well. I hope that day comes soon.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 09:58 — Dawn (Visitor)
Greyhound racing is not entertainment. It is just another explotation sp? using a wonderful animal to make a buck. Stop this insane form of torture.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:03 — Bob and Carolyn P (Visitor)
We are 100% agaist greyhound racing. My wife and I are Greyhound people, we are members of a Greyhound group. The act of racing is clowing coming to an end - many many tracks are closing. It will take time, but we see that one day Greyhound racing will be a thing of the past. Over the years I have been aroung "Great"Hounds, we have not seen one that was not sweet. Adopt one, or two....

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 11:51 — Chris Adams (Visitor)
I totally agree that Greyhound racing needs to b abolished!!I am a Greyhound owner and our "girl" raced in the Panhandle of Florida! She ran over 100 races and actually won 10 if them before a broken leg forced her out of racing and into our living arms!! She is a wonderful and loving addition to our family!!!

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:05 — Karen (Visitor)
Grey2K is my favorite charity. They achieve great results in closing tracks and defending dogs that are victims of the racing industry. PLEASE give whatever you can to them to help them in their worthwhile efforts.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:06 — Judith (Visitor)
If this type of treatment and abuse was given to thorough bred horses, even the horse owners would be enraged. Greyhounds are bred to race like fine horses are but if we take the joy of running from them by how we treat them, we have no business racing them. I enjoy watching and cheering on a good race - be it human, horse, or even turtles - but the runner must be the one who enjoys it the most and should receive the most benefit from it. If not, then we all are the cruel abusers.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 11:34 — Christina Erskine (Visitor)
Unfortunately, horses used for racing (Let us not forget what goes on to get Tennessee walkers their unnatural gait) are not immune from inhumane treatment. The horse racing industry, I use the word "industry", has been cited time and again for their misuse of the horses. In short, any animal used as a commodity to make money is highly susceptible to being abused. Money is the incentive. Why does one think that puppy mills are big business...money. Each of us have to take on one battle at a time.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:08 — Patricia Miller (Visitor)
I adopted a greyhound, who just turned 2 in December, and she is absolutely one the the most awesome, loving, dogs I have ever had. She is a clown and makes me laugh.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:10 — Denise Michel (Visitor)
I can't believe that the United States as a so called civilized nation would allow this to continue. Senators and Reps.........open your eyes and stop greyhound racing altogether. It is not a sport and it should not be tolerated!

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:21 — Michael Guest (Visitor)
This should become a thing of the past. When greyhounds are no longer in racing, please give them homes for retirement from show business.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:22 — Bo (Visitor)
c'mon lets free these greyhounds no one is watching the races any how they should all be put up for adoption . give these dogs a break thanks Bo

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:31 — Don (Visitor)
This is happening in TEXAS? Why am I not surprised?

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:59 — Reni (Visitor)
It would have been nice to have more information in this article about the work the Greyhound Rescue Organizations do to help these dogs "retire" from racing and find their forever homes. I have 2 retired racers and they are the most wonderful dogs! Even though the state I live in has shut down its tracks, there are several groups that still have mission of helping Greyhounds and work with tracks out of state to transport dogs here for adoption. My husband and I worked with some amazing volunteers to find our hounds. these volunteers are dedicated to finding homes for Greys and helping treat injuries and other medical conditions for the dogs in their foster program and have inspired us to volunteer ourselves. This article is missing that positive information - I'm sure there are some very hard working individuals in Texas helping find homes for Greyhounds.

Pages

Post new comment