|
Greyhounds
|
|
|
For centuries, the
Greyhound has been prized for its intelligence, speed and beauty. Today, this
ancient breed, once the companion of kings, serves the multi-billion dollar Greyhound
racing industry. In the United States and other countries, the once noble Greyhound
now literally runs for its life.
Of the over 30,000 puppies born into the industry annually, only one in 20 will generate
enough prize money income to stay alive to the mandatory retirement age of five
years. This harsh, unforgiving system of breeding and killing for profit produces a
surplus of tens of thousands of Greyhounds annually, of which all but a lucky few are
exterminated in the cheapest manner possible when they fail to produce a profit.
Over the last several years, many groups have formed to rescue racers before they are
"retired" and help arrange an adoption into a private home. Because of
their efforts, thousands of families have discovered the lesser known side of a racing
Greyhound: They are friendly, smart, easy to train, sweet, good-natured, loving
animals. They're not high-strung, they don't need to be fed top sirloin, and they
don't need to run every day to survive. If you've never met a Greyhound, probably
most of your preconceptions are wrong.
There are some positive signs. Here's one:
"The ASPCA is currently supporting legislation (to ban Greyhound racing) in New
York. Still, the tremendous strides taken by people within the industry and those in
the Greyhound adoption movement go largely uncovered. Indeed, significant change is
coming from within the industry."
(Jacque Lynn Schultz,
"Running on Empty"
ASPCA Animal Watch, Winter 1996)
That's the good news. The real statistics are
sickening. Below is a link to a story published in the Pensacola, Florida News
Journal that paints an uncomfortable picture of what goes on at the track. Also, a
link to very graphic photos of what goes on after the track.
Below are some links to
internet sites maintained by Greyhound rescue organizations and others
dedicated to providing information - something I don't have time to do
here. If you're curious, or
thinking of adopting a racing Greyhound, please check them out to learn more - or email
me, and I'll do my best to talk you into it. You could do a good thing here!
|
A national, non-profit
organization dedicated to protecting greyhounds from the exploitation and abuses inherent
in the greyhound racing industry.
|
|
Adopt-A-Greyhound main page
adoption sources by location |
|
Not a subtle site,
but very passionate! Shreds the racing industry.
Good source for current news, and many links to adoption agencies.
|
Non-profit organization dedicated
to educating the public about the plight of racing greyhounds
|
About Retired Racing Greyhounds -
remarkable creatures and victims of shameful practices
|
National Greyhound Association
Site sponsored by
the NGA, the official registry of racing Greyhounds
|
Non-profit organization: Info,
adoption, FAQ, trivia, bookstore |
National (US) organization of
volunteers dedicated to finding responsible, loving homes for professional racing
greyhounds who no longer qualify to compete at the racetrack |
|
