The Tucson Weekly has done a marvelous job covering the ills at the Tucson Greyhound Park.
Here are two stories that might go under the radar: The stories are about two dogs which were lovingly named Bert and Ernie.
This article appears in Jul 12-18, 2007.
We keep hearing about the dreadful lives of racing greyhounds; living in tiny cages..deprived of food and water..discarded if hurt, ill or not winning races. Yet, the business continues. Greyhounds are even considered ‘livestock’ so they aren’t offered the same protections of other dogs under the current laws. Thousands of puppies are born every year and only a small number become successful racers; the unsuccessful ones are thrown away. There aren’t enough loving homes to absorb all the unneeded dogs.
Others are killed or sold to labs for experiments. Why do we call ourselves civilized, but allow this to continue?
Yet another Tuscon casuality. These dogs deserve better and someone should be keeping a better watch on what is going on. What a terrible to happen to any living creature.
Sheila
So many misdeeds perpetrated by Tucson Greyhound Park . . . It’s difficult to comprehend why the State of Arizona tolerates their existence.
This story, like so many others, breaks my heart. This is how “man’s best friend” ends up? I am so sick over what this and other tracks keep calling “isolated incidents?” How many of these incidents does it take to wake up the public to this deplorable situation? now if these were children……….
I am saddened by the abuse of the greyhounds. There is a chance to help as the Massachusetts legislature once again is being asked to put on the ballot closing of the tracks in Mass. If they are allowed to put slot machines in at the tracks it will be a life sentence for the greyhounds there. If anyone knows of a way to help, please do so now. I have 2 greyhounds from one of the tracks there and would love to see them closed. As in all parts of the country, greyhound abuse needs to end for the sake and lives of the dogs.
I have been the proud person for six rescued greyhounds. It still amazes me that there are so many people ignorant of the plight of the racing greyhound. There have been people who will ask me if they were winners! NOW THEY ARE! My husband has had people show them betting slips showing how much money they lost on races—well no one put a gun to your head to place the bet!
They are considered LESS than livestock–they are “athletic equipment” and are treated as such.
When the human race comes to grips with the fact that we are NOT suerior to four legged creatures we will all be in a better place.
Each of the six greys that I have had the privledge of sharing my home with have “given back” to me every day of their lives. My life is so much better having them in my life.
These stories are nothing new. It’s the same old crap. Why can’t people see that racing is a blood sport and this is what happens. There was a fight in Florida not too long ago. The dogs were just abandoned with their wounds. One died. What happened to the trainer and assistant? Nothing.
It’s time to ban racing. Starting with the Tuscon track.
I currently have four of my own greys and am fostering a 9 yr old brood who was abandoned on a Kansas farm. The guy sold his farm, then moved out leaving all the greyhounds.
I have 4 wonderful greyhounds and I don’t know what I would do without them. What a disgustig sport this is run by disgusting people. It needs to be stopped.
As I read this story one of my greys nudges me for attention. I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have her. Then I turn back to reality and the sad stories of those not as fortunate as my dogs. Making people aware is one of the greatest tools we have. For every person educated about this abusive sport, there is one less person to attend the races. When you look into the big brown eyes of a greyhound, you know that you have the responsibility to do as much as you can to help these gentle giants. I wish I could do more.
this is a terrible sport please put a stop to it
The abuse needs to stop. Enough said.
Haven’t we heard enough? These problems are endemic to the industry. It’s time we put an end to this cruelty.
In this day and age, there is no need to exploit animals for what some consider entertainment. This has to stop!
Greyhounds are some of the kindest, gentlest animals on this planet. To read of them abused this way is sickening. It’s time to put an end to exploiting these beautiful animals for sport.
Although I am not a pet owner myself, I nontheless do not condone the abuse and torture of any living animal. The actions of such individuals says much more about them by revealing their sadistic inhuman behavior. To partake in any “sport” that pits animal against animal until death violates the rules of civilized society and must be stopped.
the pictures of ernie and bert are deplorable. how can this be allowed to go on? i love my hound, and all animals deserve better. this must stop now!
This has to STOP!
How can you look into these eyes and not see God. This has got to stop. What kind of creature can get enjoyment out of this torture.
The saddness I felt after reading this account will stay with me for quite awhile. Unfortunately incidents like this are not uncommon. There are too many greyhounds like Bert and Ernie that endure suffering, pain, neglect and often untimely painful deaths yet their stories are seldom reported. I pray that we as a nation will wake up soon and say – NO MORE!
It’s absolutely repulsive to think that abuse of any living creature is tolerated in a lawful, civilized society. It’s time to end this “sport.”
Who was there to protect these greyhounds? Who is there to protect them now? NO ONE. GET IT. Greyhound racing has to stop for the animal cruelty to end. Attrocities such as these happen far too often and many go unreported to protect the industry and the gambling entity. Is it really about the greyhounds? NO!
May many, many blessings be showered on all of you who take care of these wonderful, beautiful creatures. How is it that this torture can be allowed to go on?
This is not a sport; certainly not given the way these animals are treated. Thank you to thos who care for these beautiful darlings who have no voice to defend themselves.
I believe that how we – as a society – treat our animals, is a reflection of how we treat each other. Sadly, our society allows the abuse of these gentle, elegant creatures, and calls it a “sport.” This is not a sport. It is abuse, and it must stop. Perhaps if we learn to protect and care for our animals, we will learn to protect and care for each other. Children LEARN hatred and violence, and they can LEARN respect and kindness. It doesn’t seem like a difficult choice to me.
My family has adopted 6 rescued greyhounds over the years & fostered countless others. Whenever I go home to visit I’m greeted by the 3 wonderful boys they currently have & the 2 – 3 that they are fostering.
The boys & girls need every one of YOU to be squeaky wheels… You’re your congressmen/women, contact the media, write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper do anything you legally can to get in-between the promoters of this blood sport & their profits.
Race cars not greyhounds!
Pleas visit: http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/running_for_their_lives_the_realities_of_greyhound_racing/greyhound_racing_facts.html
Thank you
Greyhound Racing is not a “sport”, but an exploitive industry which needs to be stopped. These abuses happen every day and while the industry does its best to cover them up, they need to be exposed and dealt with. Greyhounds are sweet, gentle souls who deserve much better.
Yet another “isolated incident” as will certainly be described by the in-humane dog racing industry. Too bad the same thing done to this innocent animal cannot be done to them.
“….then God sent the Greyhound to live
among man and to remember. And when the
day comes, God will call the Greyhound
to give testament, and God will pass
judgement upon man ….”
Violence against greyhounds is just another example of man’s inhumanity to living creatures. Why are we, then, surprised at wars created for man’s greed?
Intentional cruelty to animals represents humankind at its lowest ebb. It is on a par only with cruelty to small children, and is something only sub-human beasts are capable of doing. Hopefully God will not be quite as merciful as we think He is and the beasts will be made to pay in this life or the next. God bless the animals.
This incident is just one of many that go on every day where ever there is greyhound racing and greyhound kennels.
How much longer must the dogs suffer at the hands on humankind? If a human being can do this to dog, what must he/she be doing to another human being?
We can no longer tolerate this kind of behavior towards “mans best friend.” Let us all speak out to stop this madness from continuing to claim the innocent lives of the greyhounds.
It is incomprehensible that the abuse and neglect continues, that people are still supporting a “sport” and industry that allows this cruelty to go unchecked and unpunished. The greyhound racing industry and tracks need to be held accountable. And since they have demonstrated an inability to “self-police,” it’s time to focus on the “fans” who cast an affirmative vote in support of all the abuse and neglect each time they visit the track. We, as advocates of these beautiful creatures, need to also work the demand side of this problem, by educating and challenging the conscience of the track patrons so that ultimately lack of attendance puts the tracks permanently out of business.
P.S. In the end, I hope Bert felt that he was finally with people who cared enough to help him and ultimately who mourned his passing.
The “greyhound racing business”, or should we say the “greyhound blood sport”,is as bad as the business of dog fighting. In both the dogs suffer terribly and die.
This must be stopped. And let’s begin the END with permanently closing Tucson Greyhound Park, and we should suspend Michael Vick from the NFL, while we’re at it. These would be a good start!
Man, where did all these blog users come from? Thirty-two posts about the Greyhounds! I totally agree with all of you that dog racing is an exploitative and abuse-ridden business, by the way. I hope you folks will stick around to comment on other blog posts!
This sickens me. This is not a sport but a sadistic way of humans having fun at these beautiful animals expense. How can anyone taking part in this lay their head on their pillow at night!!!!! Shame on all of them!!!!!!!!
Ernie update:
Ernie is doing great; his wounds are slowly healing (that is they are showing granulation) and the vet said today he is looking a lot better than expected. He said we were doing a good job bandaging him (The “We” is Dale and Jim who are fostering Ernie). The vet wants us to leave the wounds open for a few days with Ernie just wearing a t-shirt to see if we can get the big wounds to move into scabbing over.
Ernie’s personality is really beginning to shine through. He can get up by himself (instead of being lifted) and is curious and loves checking out things in the house…like toilet paper and how if you grab just right and run down the hall it looks a lot like Halloween!
He is off of boiled chicken and rice bland diet and on to regular big boy food…which he loves, so much he is getting fed 3 times a day. He has a great appetite which makes giving him his meds easy. He is on pain meds and antibiotics.
He always ready to give kisses and wags his tail a lot even when going through bandage changes. Ernie also had 2 other angels Kate & Tina who give him a long wonderful hands on Reiki treatment…he loved it and was really active the next day and the wounds looked better the next day as well. Ernie says a BIG THANKS to all who care about and are helping him.
Here’s a picture of Ernie recuperating – http://www.flickr.com/photos/azgreyhoundrescue/868629139/