RI bucks trend, fights to keep greyhound racing

RI bucks trend, fights to keep greyhound racing
By ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press Writer Eric Tucker, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 2 mins ago

LINCOLN, R.I. – Greyhound tracks are folding across the country, but in cash-strapped Rhode Island — where the unemployment rate is among the nation's worst — lawmakers are betting on the dogs to save jobs.

Rhode Island legislators are fighting to expand greyhound racing, an increasingly outdated and unprofitable sport that has been squeezed out by newer forms of gambling. Over the objection of Gov. Don Carcieri, lawmakers have moved to force a bankrupt, state-licensed slot parlor to run 200 days of live racing at its greyhound track even though current law only requires 125.

Carcieri, a Republican, vetoed the legislation, but lawmakers in the Democratic-dominated General Assembly say they expect to override it.

Supporters of the dog racing bill say it's necessary to save 225 jobs — including pari-mutuel clerks, bartenders and security workers — to preserve tax revenue and to retain the 5,000 people who visit the track each week.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090712/ap_on_re_us/us_greyhound_racing_2



In this Nov. 11, 2008, photo, greyhounds race at Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park in Raynham, Mass. Massachusetts voters passed a ballot question that will ban greyhound racing in 2010, while in cash-strapped Rhode Island legislators have moved to force the bankrupt, state-licensed slot parlor to increase live racing at its greyhound track.
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)





Just did a little reading on Greyhound Racing...



Greyhound Racing Facts

1. Do problems exist with greyhound racing?

Yes. Greyhound racing constitutes animal abuse because of the industry's excessive surplus breeding practices, the often cruel methods by which unwanted dogs are destroyed, the daily conditions in which many dogs are forced to live, and the killing and maiming of bait animals, such as rabbits, during training exercises. The industry exists solely for the entertainment and profit of people—often at the expense of the animals' welfare.

snip...
6. Why would a state legalize greyhound racing?

Lawmakers initially perceived racing as a way to raise needed revenue. Most were, at first, unaware of the inhumane treatment involved. The reality, however, is that state revenue generated by dog tracks amounts, on average, to far less than one percent of a state's annual income, and has been declining markedly in recent years.


more...
http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/running_for_their_lives_the_realities_of_greyhound_racing/greyhound_racing_facts.html

get it straight. Yes, there are unscrupulous breeders. The sport itself is NOT abuse.

:yoiks:

The demise of dog racing is long overdue.

Specifically the one I've been to, Bonita, recently announced they managed to either adopt out 98% of their dogs over the last three years. They have these adoption booths and events. I have one. :-)

grayhounds that were raced. They are wonderful, sweet dogs, and you should see 'em run when they have a chance. They're very gentle and delicate in their movements around the house, though, and love being petted.