Friday Hound Blogging

Say what you will about a democracy and the benefits of majority rule, voice of the people, needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few and all that, the plain, hard, cold truth is that just because most people want something doesn't make it right. Just ask the overlords in Massachusetts.

Last year, voters overwhelmingly approved a ban on greyhound dog racing in Massachusetts, which is supposed to take effect the coming year. Opponents submitted a three inch high stack of veterinary reports on the 900 greyhound dogs they said have suffered injuries since 2002. But proponents of extending the deadline argued that was less than one percent of the thousands of dogs that raced in that time. "Shoot, if they don't win we off them before they even have a chance to get injured," said one track official who asked not to be named.

One veterinarian said accusations of cruelty to the animals was not true."I've dealt with greyhounds since 1982. I've never seen a case of cruelty or mistreatment. They're very well treated," said Dr. David Dunn. "Well, until we kill them for not running fast enough that is."

"Our priority should be to save every job in the commonwealth of Massachusetts that we can," said greyhound breeder Al Smith. "And by 'every job' I mean mine," he continued. "Do I look like I have what it takes to be successful at Walmart?"

While acknowledging the people's vote, some members of the committee expressed concern about timing and the economy. One legislator said this was about jobs, and the lack of jobs, and he wondered if Question 3 would pass if it were put before the voters in today's economic climate.

Darn straight. We're talking careers here. We're talking jobs with a bright future in the best of working conditions, right Ken Miller?

As the sun set in the distance, bathing the grungy track in a warm glow, Kenneth Miller coolly sized up the first batch of greyhounds from a creaky lawn chair. Around him, fellow regulars paced and puffed, tossing cigarette butts amid the litter of losing tickets on the cracked asphalt. Some were middle-aged fathers who had promised to stay away, others widowers with nowhere else to go. A weathered Vietnam vet in a wheelchair pumped $30 into a lottery vending machine. An elderly woman in a sari used a magnifying glass to watch a simulcast race on a TV monitor.

See? It's like Disneyland has come to Massachusetts. What better place to grow jobs in today's economic climate, right Shawn McLain?

Self-described professional gambler Shawn McLain remembered the atmosphere at the track more than three decades ago, when he first visited. "This whole clubhouse was full," said McLain, who bets exclusively on greyhound races -- both live in Mobile and simulcast on TV from Florida. "It was just the place to be."

"Was"? What do you mean "was" Shawn? Just look out over the track now. What do you see?

Just a third of the clubhouse appeared to be open to the public -- the rest was darkened and closed off. Downstairs at the grandstand, a small crowd gathered around televisions, and crumpled losing tickets blanketed the floor. Nearly every seat was vacant.

Oh. Well, yeah, so times are a little tough right now, we're sure there's a brighter future just around the corner, right Phil Ruffin?

"Our company is sincerely committed in retaining its licenses for the Wichita Greyhound Park and Camptown Greyhound Park," Ruffin said.

Boo Yah! Now That's what we're talking about! Let's get some greyhound racing up in this bad boy! What do you need Phil? Bigger kennels to hold all the dogs you'll use? More workers for the betting windows? Bigger parking lot?

Reopening would depend on two things, Ruffin said in a letter to the commission: State lawmakers would have to amend the expanded gambling law to allow tracks to keep more of the revenue from slot machines. And voters in Sedgwick County would have to approve slots for the Wichita park.

Yeah, baby! It's on now! Somebody tell the breeders. We're going to need more dogs. We're going to...wait, what?

Other racetracks closed because owners believed the state's expanded gambling law gives the state too much of the slots revenue for them stay in business. "Slots are where the rubes are," Ruffin said. "The last thing we need at the greyhound tracks is greyhound racing."

Hey, come on Phil. Greyhound racing is a money machine. People are dying to see more greyhound racing. It's international in it's appeal, right Philippine House Representative Eleandro Jesus Madrona?

The House of Representatives has agreed to hold in abeyance its approval of a second franchise for greyhound dog racing after animal protection groups prevailed upon the Senate to defer action on the first franchise.

Crap. Is there anybody out there who wants to see greyhounds exploited anymore Andy?

Andy is happy and likes to play with toys. He is friendly and affectionate around people he knows. He is a little shy around new people. He loves to collect toys, blankets, and the other dog beds, taking them all to the main dog bed. He is young, playful and comical. He loves to rub his whole body around the foster family’s bed and on people like a cat. Andy would do well in working family home with well-mannered children, 6 and up. He is good with other dogs of all sizes and would probably be good with another dog in the home to play with or with an active family that will play with him regularly. 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.