The First Look Inside West Virginia Dog Racing

September 04, 2013 • Rescue

FIDO wanted to share this important update with you, from our friends at  Grey2K USA  

For years, the public has had very little information about greyhound racing in West Virginia. That changed today when we released a new 46-page report, which addresses both humane and economic issues related to this cruel industry. This document is now being shared with opinion leaders and lawmakers, and was made possible thanks to a grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

With the arrival of Greyhound Racing in West Virginia, local citizens will now learn about the cruelty of dog racing in the Mountain State. Some of the key findings include:

• Between 2008 and June 2013, nearly five thousand greyhound injuries were reported at West Virginia racetracks. During the same period, 1,442 greyhounds suffered career-ending injuries and289 greyhounds died or were euthanized.
• Thousands of greyhounds endure lives of confinement at West Virginia tracks. Greyhounds are kept for long hours in cages that are barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around.
• Between 2008 and 2012, the total amount gambled on live greyhound races in West Virginia declined by 37%.
• Greyhound racing is heavily subsidized in West Virginia. Every year, greyhound breeders and owners receive tens of millions in casino gambling profits that could otherwise be used for important state programs.
• There have been at least seven cases of documented greyhound abuse and neglect in West Virginia since 2008, including greyhounds being hit and punched, and a broken-legged dog who received no veterinary care for four days.

Greyhound Racing in West Virginia also documents how greyhound puppies live at greyhound breeding farms in the state, and includes photographs of greyhound puppies being tattooed at a young age and greyhounds living in outside runs in the snow.

Click here to check out this new report,  and then also read today’s coverage as published on the front page of the Charleston Daily Mail.

To help donate and support our cause visit - www.GREY2KUSA.org .

 

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