Greyhound Awareness

GREYHOUND PROTECTION LEAGUE “ISOLATED INCIDENTS” AND DOCUMENTED DEATHS OF SOME OF THE HALF MILLION RACING GREYHOUNDS WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LAST TWO DECADES

2009-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

“We’re talking about young healthy dogs that are being killed.

When you look at them, you see all they want is a little attention and some love.”

An Iowa veterinarian

People, September 23, 1991

“If there’s anybody to be indicted here, it’s the industry because this is what they’re doing to these

animals. The misery begins the day they’re born. The misery ends when my client gets a hold of

them and puts a bullet in their head.”

Buddy Brackin, attorney for contract greyhound killer, Robert Rhodes

National Public Radio, May 31, 2002

The cases below are those documented by media sources or legal documents since the 1980’s. The Greyhound Protection League began actively tracking such incidents in 1989. Prior to that time, there was virtually no interest in the fate of greyhound racing dogs. Many more incidents have occurred but have not been reported in the press or cannot be accessed. According to industry insiders, reported cases of abuse and killing represent the tip of the iceberg. Below are some reasons why greyhound racing sucks.

DISCOVERY OF 36 ABUSED GREYHOUNDS by the Iowa Department of Agriculture forces license forfeitures of greyhound breeder, Kenneth Sherrets. Upon a routine inspection of Sherret’s Independence, Iowa dog farm in September, inspectors found greyhounds in very poor condition. The Dept of AG made several subsequent visits and issued repeated warnings; finally filing a complaint on October 25th. The report stated that the greyhounds were subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment and caused to suffer unnecessary pain due to inadequate food, water shelter, bedding and medical treatment. Sherrets subsequently lost his Dubuque booking and his racing privileges in both Iowa and Wisconsin. Sherrets, a long-time NGA member, allowed the NGA to remove the dogs from his farm. NGA officials refuse to disclose the whereabouts of the neglected greyhounds to the local press.
Source: Iowa Racing Commission Ruling, October 27, 2004; KWWL TV, November 1, 2004; WCF Courier, November 9, 2004

THE FIRST AND LAST RACE FOR DOOMED GREYHOUND PUPPY “Mr. Junior Mint,” an 18-month-old puppy, wasentered into his first-ever schooling race on July 30th at the Flagler dog track. He fell and was bumped into the rail during a collision with “Our Baby Ruth,” another 18-month-old pup. Two of his legs were severed when he was hit by the lure motor; he died from massive blood loss. “Our Baby Ruth,” who was also injured, disappeared from the record on August 27th after performing poorly in subsequent schooling races.
Source: Greyhound Protection League complaint filed August 2, 2004; DBPR Report. September 30, 2004

KENNEL COUGH STRIKES AGAIN The virus, once again, started in South Florida and spread throughout the state. It then made its way to Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and to tracks in New England in spite of quarantines. Reporting of race dog deaths is not mandatory. The acknowledged death toll of 22 is contradicted by insider reports which put the number closer to 50. Researchers are attempting to determine why this highly contagious, but relatively benign virus turns deadly in racing dogs. The effects from the stress of racing are being explored.
Source: Multiple media sources June - July 2004; University of Florida Veterinary School

UPDATE - RHODES CASE: CLARENCE PATTERSON, A KEY FIGURE IN GREYHOUND KILLINGS, IN CUSTODY Patterson, who had eluded authorities for nearly two years was located in the Alabama jail system. His discovery greatly improves the prosecution’s case against other defendants who have been trying to get the case dismissed after the death of Rhodes and disappearance of Patterson. Patterson, who held a booking at the Pensacola dog track, has been described as the go-between for other Florida trainers who sent dogs to Rhodes to be killed.
Source: Mobile Register, June 30, 2004; July 7, 2004

Please visit the Greyhound Protection League for more information.

Animal Planet Recognizes Woman For Greyhound-Rescue Efforts

2009-10-27T23:15:00.001-07:00

A Bethany woman is recognized by Animal Planet for rescuing more than 5,000 greyhounds over the past 30 years.

Activists Argue Over Dog Racing Ban

2009-10-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

It was standing room only Thursday at a state hearing on the pros and cons of the Greyhound Protection Act.

Adopt a Four-Legged Athlete

2009-10-27T23:10:00.001-07:00

Five years ago the Greyhound Adoption Group brought retired racers to San Diego from a track in Tucson. Sarah Boesen explains how San Diegans can take one of these dogs home and what type of maintenance they require.

Italian Greyhound Club Of America 2009 National Specialty

2009-10-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

I adopted my dog, also an Italian Greyhound, from a rescue group three years ago, which is why I was asked to participate.

New Photo of Zephyr

2008-02-08T08:30:00.001-08:00

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

2007-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Greyhound is a breed of dog that has been primarily bred for companionship, coursing game and racing. The Greyhound is the second fastest accelerating land mammal, beaten only by the cheetah; a combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest and aerodynamic build allows it to reach speeds of up to 45 mph in less than one and a half seconds, or within 3 strides.

Meet Luigi Zephyrini

2007-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is my little Italian Greyhound, Luigi Zephyrini. Zephyr came to us a little over a year ago when he was being evicted from his home for a third time that month. Apparently, his original owner had become depressed and could no longer care for him. She gave him to someone else who was ill-equipped to handle the needs of a greyhound, who gave him to yet another person, who gave him to someone else who did not check with their landlord first to see if they could even have a dog. What they got was a resounding "no" to that question, and so I recieved a phone call from my step mom. She heard of the plight of this little man, and knowing I was interested in getting an Italian greyhound at some point in the future, asked if I would be willing to foster him. My son and I thought it would be a great opportunity to see if we would be a good match, so we said "yes".

Zephyr is not our first greyhound. I adopted a greyhound from a racetrack in Waterloo, Iowa almost 17 years ago. She was the most awesome companion anyone could ever ask for. Her name was Cleopatra, but we called her Patty for short. Having had such a positive experience with Patty, we eagerly accepted Zephyr into our home. It quickly became apparent that we would not be fostering Zephyr at all - we would totally adopt him.

Italian Greyhounds in the News

2007-09-02T09:30:00.000-07:00