Iowa: It's Time to End Greyhound Racing
- by: alicia graef
- recipient: Iowa Legislature
There's growing support among lawmakers and business leaders in Iowa to shut down the only two greyhound race tracks operating in the state.
Previous proposals were introduced in 2010 and 2012 that would've resulted in the casinos paying the state millions to end dog racing, but they didn't get anywhere.
Now, lawmakers are acknowledging growing support for ending greyhound racing in the state and are coming forward again in support of decoupling. Unfortunately, state law currently forces the casinos to use slot machine profits to operate tracks and keep purses big.
However, interest in racing has declined significantly in the state and casinos are now propping up the Mystique greyhound track in Dubuque and Bluffs Run Greyhound Park in Council Bluffs with $14 million a year in subsidies that leaders argue could be better spent elsewhere.
While the push to end racing in Iowa isn't so much about the welfare of greyhounds as it is about bad business, if it shuts down the tracks it's a win for the dogs.
While some poor performers and retirees may find their way into rescues and forever homes, thousands of others are left running for their lives. They're confined, suffer from injuries on the track and during transport, are drugged, neglected or killed when it's no longer profitable to keep them.
According to an analysis of injury reports from Grey2K, 175 dogs were injured from January 2011 through July 2012 at Iowa's two tracks, 24 were euthanized. Another 530 greyhound injuries were reported between January 2006 and August 2010.
These dogs deserve better and the industry's argument that many are adopted doesn't justify their continued exploitation.
Commercial dog racing is illegal in 38 states but is still legal in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia.
Please sign the petition urging Iowa's lawmakers to join the 38 other states that have shut greyhound racing down by supporting legislation that will close these tracks for good.
As a dog lover and someone who strongly supports animal welfare, I am writing to express my excitement for the growing interest among lawmakers and business leaders for ending greyhound racing in Iowa.
Interest in greyhound racing is clearly declining and propping up a dying industry with $14 million in subsidies from casinos every year isn't just bad business when the money used could be better spent elsewhere, it's bad for greyhounds.
Thousands of dogs needlessly suffer from confinement, neglect and injuries. According to an analysis of injury reports from Grey2K, 175 dogs were injured from January 2011 through July 2012 at Iowa's two tracks and 24 were euthanized. These dogs all deserved better. Still, thousands of others are confined, suffer from injuries on the track and during transport, or are drugged, neglected or killed when it's no longer profitable to keep them.
While some poor performers and retirees may find their way into rescues and forever homes, rescuers shouldn't have to continuously extend resources for dogs in need as the industry continues to breed and exploit them.
Commercial dog racing has been banned in 38 states for good reason. Now it's no longer a question of whether or not it's going to make a comeback in Iowa, but how to fairly shut it down.
I sincerely hope you will join the other states that have taken a stand for animal welfare and support legislation that will decouple racing and shut the last two tracks in Iowa down for good.
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