Friday Hound Blogging

It seems the overlords too, are not immune to the Hope and Change winds that swept the nation in the recently concluded election. Since almost anybody with the common sense god gave a dill pickle realizes that greyhound racing is on it's last legs here in America, they hope to change the laws in other countries where this from of animal exploitation...er...sport isn't allowed.

First up, Guam. "Those folks can barely read," said one industry spokesperson. "We ought to do great there."

Erm...not so much.

OK. South Africa. They're bound to at least have a city, right?

Legalizing greyhound racing in South Africa had the potential to create 30 000 jobs and generate annual tax revenue of R1.5 billion, supporters said this week after the department of trade and industry (dti) launched public discussions on the subject.

When asked where they got their figures, supporters reached around behind themselves and patted their posteriors.

Shane Brody, the spokesperson of Amatwini Sport, said up to 7 000 dogs were bred yearly in South Africa, but because greyhound racing was illegal, the government was losing out on taxing significant income made by the industry. One representative of the Legislature asked Brody why the government couldn't just go ahead and tax the dogs anyway, without opening the door to racing.

"I...well...ah...it's...OK, let me get back to you on that," Brody replied.

According to a report submitted to the dti, the industry will contribute to gross domestic product and become a tourist attraction. "Of course, tourists who would travel half way around the world to watch animals be exploited usually don't have enough money to take the bus down to the local Walmart," Brody told the legislators, "So there would be some additional challenges we'd have to overcome."

"Greyhound racing is big in the UK and the US," said Brody. "It's the second most watched sport after soccer." When asked how he knew racing was "big" in the US and UK Brody replied, "Because I need it to be for you to buy into this idiot scheme. Wait. Did I say that out loud?"

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said there was evidence that dog racing was struggling in more developed countries and there was no reason to believe that the sport would be successful in the country. "The fact that whole states in America are outlawing racing and tracks all over the world are closing faster than overlords run from a job fair apparently wasn't a clue for Mr. Brody," said a NSPCA spokesperson.

"Why would people spend money feeding them or providing proper veterinary care for them when they don't race anymore? They only breed them today to make money out of them, once they retire they get discarded," said Warwick Humphris, a co-ordinator for animal action group Earthlife Africa.

What's your point?" Brody replied.

"Creating jobs cannot always be used to justify the ill-treatment of these dogs."

Whoa. Looks like it's back to collecting cans for Mr. Brody, huh Bea?

Bea is easygoing and mellow. She enjoys affection but does not actively seek it out. She funny when she rolls around on her bed while playing with her toys. Bea would do well in a working family home, with well mannered children. She is good with other dogs of all sizes and would probably be fine as an only dog. For more information about this dog, and other rescued racing greyhounds looking for homes, go here. If you don't know about the plight of racing greyhounds go here.