Greyhound racing opponents brush off
broader agenda fueled by scare tactics

RE: "Expanded gambling increases dangers
to greyhounds," by Jennifer Krebs, Nov. 28.

By Philip G. Ruotolo, President
Florida Greyhound Association
© Ft. Myers News-Press
Thursday, December 10, 2009

National animal rights organizations have launched a full-blown campaign to end greyhound racing. The guest opinion by Jennifer Krebs of Grey2K USA showed that this Massachusetts-based group now is targeting Florida.

State residents should prepare themselves for the Grey2K onslaught of distortion, misinformation, overblown hysteria and gut-wrenching visuals that bear little resemblance to reality. A few facts may help Floridians distinguish truth from fiction.

First, more than 90 percent of all registered greyhounds are adopted or returned to the farm as pets or breeders when they retire. With breedings down substantially in recent years, it is likely that in the very near future, 100 percent of all adoptable greyhounds will be placed in loving homes when they retire.

Second, it's just common sense that greyhounds must have proper nutrition, plenty of exercise, comfortable and safe housing, and prompt veterinary care in order to perform at their best. It's counterproductive to do anything less.

For example, Grey2K claims that the meat classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as 4D is unfit for greyhound consumption. In fact, the opposite is true. The USDA labels 4D meat as unsuitable for human consumption, but perfectly acceptable for animals. It is found in most commercial pet foods. Unlike humans, dogs' digestive systems are built to consume raw meat, not cooked meat. Anyone who has ever seen a dog gobble up a dead bird or mouse knows this to be true.

Grey2K also deceives when it talks about greyhound housing and exercise. Industry rules require that greyhound pens be large enough for the dogs to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Greyhounds are routinely turned out four times a day for exercise. When they're not playing and running, greyhounds prefer to rest, which is why they are often called "40 miles per hour couch potatoes" by their adoptive owners.

Third, to suggest that expanding gambling will hurt greyhounds is simply absurd. If more revenue is available to greyhound tracks, purses will increase, which means that owners and kennel operators will be able to devote even more resources to quality care and adoption programs.

Fourth, Ms. Krebs argues that greyhound racing should be eliminated because the industry is in financial stress. By this logic, most U.S. businesses should be shut down. The current economic crisis, combined with changes in entertainment spending and the competitive environment, have made these times very difficult for greyhound tracks. But this industry still supports thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax payments that the state can't afford to lose.

Finally, it should be noted that Grey2K USA is lavishly funded by one of the nation's wealthiest and most radical animal rights groups, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). For a clue as to its real agenda, just look at the words of its CEO, Wayne Pacelle, who told the newspaper Animal People in 1993, "We have no ethical obligation to preserve different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. One generation and out. We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals."

Grey2K and HSUS are joining forces to ram their animal rights agenda down the throats of Floridians. Whether you enjoy watching greyhound races, eating meat, wearing leather, fishing, going to the zoo or raising pets, you'd be well advised to keep an eye on these groups and take their deceptive emotional appeals with a grain of salt.