Massachusetts has long been one of the most progressive states in the Union, from taking the lead in raising the minimum wage to progressively legalizing gay marriage. That’s why it’s surprising that the Bay State is one of only 16 states in the country that still allow greyhound racing. The evidence against this unethical practice is clear, and the newest measure to outlaw it – Question 3 – should be passed immediately.
No matter what arguments racing lobbyists make to keep their industry alive, the fact remains that greyhound racing has a long history of inhumane dog treatment and shady business practices. At track kennels, greyhounds are kept in undersized cages and fed uncooked meat. Racing, the dogs endure harsh weather conditions and suffer serious injuries.
Opponents of the ballot question point to statistics suggesting that perhaps very few injuries are incurred on the track, but fail to answer what happens to dogs who don’t race ‘-‘- slow, injured and older dogs that owners no longer find useful. Half-hearted efforts by tracks to facilitate dog adoption are poor attempts at appealing to the public. Racing dog owners have been caught selling dogs for medical experimentation, using them for ‘target practice’ and, in some cases, simply killing the dogs, according to independent media reports cited on the website of ProtectDogs.org, a referendum supporter.
Massachusetts is one of just 11 states where operational dog tracks still exist. The more than 2,000 racing dogs in the state are split between two tracks, one of which is already in the process of being foreclosed because its owners failed to pay nearly $1 million in taxes, according to a July 31 NECN report. Opponents of the question point to this as further evidence that dog racing is a dying industry in Massachusetts, and should be left alone. Yet these very people make another argument that eliminating greyhound racing would remove thousands of jobs.
Arguments that greyhound racing isn’t ‘that unethical’ or that it brings ‘enjoyment and employment’ are ill-conceived and certainly fail to sustain Massachusetts’ reputation for upholding progress and justice. Voters should choose ‘yes’ on Tuesday, and drive this sleazy industry from the Bay State.
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Yes, it’s unfortunate that the dogs are fed uncooked meat. Make sure the coyotes get the memo – dogs are now to saute their meat before consuming. <p/>I reckon she ’bout smart as a phone pole, hrmmmhmmm