Grey 2K USA reports that in 2003, as many as 33,000 greyhounds were bred for commercial dog racing in the United States, and at least 5,000 were killed because they failed to meet industry performance standards. While 34 states have banned commercial dog racing, 15 others currently have tracks in operation.
Massachusetts is one of them. In November, voters in the state can end greyhound racing for good when the Greyhound Protection Act appears on the ballot. If the Act wins a majority, the two tracks in the state — which each use at least 1,000 dogs to operate and have reported injuries to 700 dogs since 2002 — will be no more.
To get involved or learn more, check out the Committee to Protect Dogs website or this summary by the Humane Society of the United States. In the meantime, non-Massachusetts residents can urge their friends, colleagues, and state officials not to support greyhound racing.
