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| Photo by Kansas City REGAP |
With each passing month, more evidence emerges of humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park. Last week, we received new state records that document neglectful conditions in one of the track kennels, as well as an ongoing problem with greyhound injuries."Brian Lewis kennel had ticks crawling up the wall behind the crates during a State Inspection and TGP Management told State Officials that the kennel would be addressed as far as cleanliness and to this date nothing has been done."This is not the first time that poor kennel conditions have been documented at Tucson Greyhound Park. In fact, similar conditions have been documented at the facility over and over again. Sadly, it's becoming all too obvious that track management is simply incapable of addressing this chronic problem.
"After nothing was resolved from a meeting with the GM and trainers/owners, some trainers/kennel operators are now holding the State responsible for all the injuries at Tucson Greyhound Park. As you can see there are 7 scratched greyhounds tonight 'ALL LAME'"Later in the report, state officials indicate that one kennel owner contacted them directly to voice her concerns:
"Donna Mann called the Stewards off the roof to talk about the out of control injuries. She has a list of 17 injuries which she gave to management, the racing office, and left copies in the racing office titled 'DAN' and the Director of Racing asked 'why do you need him it's our issue' and to date Dan Reinertson has not received copies."Finally, it's important to note that this Stewards Report also provides evidence that track management is indifferent to humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park. Reading through the records, a sad pattern emerges. The state documents neglectful conditions in a track kennel, management tells the state they will address it, but then nothing happens. Kennel owners hold a meeting with management about injuries, but "nothing (i)s resolved." A kennel owner takes her concerns about injuries directly to state officials, but the track Director of Racing discourages her from reporting the problem.
This morning, Tucson Weekly documented the continued use of anabolic steroids at Tucson Greyhound Park. Reporter Tim Vanderpool personally witnessed steroid injections and took photographs, and wrote about his interaction with track veterinarian Dr. Joe Robinson:"In morning's early light, Dr. Joe Robinson pokes the syringe in a tiny bottle, raises it above his head and draws back the plunger. Robinson apparently doesn't wish to publicize his finesse; each time I try to photograph this handiwork the longtime veterinarian spins his back to me."Even though this harmful practice was outlawed by South Tucson voters, it is continuing at Tucson Greyhound Park. To circumvent the law, the dogs are taken to a parking lot just outside city limits to be injected. It is outrageous that Tucson Greyhound Park would so blatantly ignore the will of local voters.
"The adverse side effects of male-derived hormonal preparations are increased aggression which can result in fighting during trialing or racing; increased weight due to water retention; occasional loss of vigor; and virilization. The latter is evidenced by vulvar swelling, enlarged protruding reddened clitoris, and a clear to cloudy mucoid discharge from the vulva and mats the hairs under the tail where contact is made."Thankfully, a humane proposal is now moving through the Arizona legislature that could significantly reduce racing at Tucson Greyhound Park. Because of the progress of this good legislation, I am hopeful that positive changes will come soon at the Tucson track.
Four months ago, we wrote to the Canidrome racetrack in Macau and asked them to release Brooklyn the greyhound. Brooklyn is a four-year-old white, red, and fawn greyhound who is currently racing at the Canidrome. Like other greyhounds at the track, Brooklyn was likely born in Australia.
Nonetheless, this agreement was an important first step for the greyhounds. All of the parties should be proud of this accomplishment, which would not have been possible without the leadership of ANIMA and the Macau government.
"...does not provide sufficient assurance that adequate provision would be made to safeguard the health and welfare of greyhounds in China at the end of their racing life."Click here to read more.
Meanwhile, we are working to end dog racing at the Canidrome, which operates on the Chinese peninsula of Macau. Although dog racing is illegal on the mainland, and no other dog tracks exist in China, it has been tolerated on this tiny peninsula.
| Christine A. Dorchak, Esq. President, GREY2K USA | Carey M. Theil Executive Director, GREY2K USA |
"We've not had a change in the board in 20 years because the mayor of Birmingham has not called a meeting."Under Waggoner's bill, lawmakers could call appointment meetings for the Commission. This is a small but important change, and I am hopeful it will become law.
