Friday Hound Blogging

Ah, summer has come to the greyhound exploitation industry...erm...the exciting and action packed sport of greyhound racing, and that means a lot of the tracks shut down because who wants to go to a greyhound race when the weather is nice. No wait, because the overlords are so concerned with the welfare of the units...um....dogs they don't want to race them as often in the heat. OK, not that either. Well, because...because...look we don't have a clue why the tracks close during what you would think should be their busiest time what with vacations and tourists and such, except that nobody goes to greyhound race tracks anyway and we guess even less than that come in the summer when there are more interesting things to do like wander aimlessly in the park looking for returnables. Hey, the rubes have lives too, you know?

On the bright side, with fewer tracks open, there should be more of a turnout at each one, right? Bigger piece of a little pie and all that. So let's stop in at one of the tracks that is still open and check out the crowds.

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida staged a protest at the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club in Longwood, challenging bettors and greyhound owners to reassess the controversial sport of dog-racing. Nearly 20 protesters stood outside as race-goers filtered into the stands of the racetrack June 25, brandishing signs with slogans such as "dog racing kills thousands" and passing out informational flyers that reflected poorly upon the racing industry.

 Yes, well not exactly what the overlords had in mind, but maybe they'll at least visit the concession stand. Pointing out that greyhound racing is the heartless abuse of innocent animals leading to needless suffering, pain and death can be thirsty work, you know? Hey protesters, buy a hot dog, get a free medium drink.

According to Vic Harrison, the general manager of the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club, ARFF has held annual protests on the racing grounds for the past few years. "I totally respect their right to meet in public and their views as long as they don't disrupt our business, which they didn't. The signs were pointed more at the greyhound industry than our site specifically," Harrison said.

 A very enlightened opinion you have there Mr. Harrison, although we feel compelled to point out that if you work at a greyhound racing facility, you are part of the greyhound racing industry and your site is specifically a place where the abuse and suffering these people are pointing out takes pace. Glad we could clear that up for you.

Carla Wilson, coordinator for ARFF and Bryan Wilson, who is also a coordinator with ARRF, commented specifically on the poor conditions of the Sanford Orlando kennels, Harrison maintains that their facilities are suitable. "Our kennel area is clean and safe. It's a warm environment when it needs to be, and cool when it needs to be," Harrison said.

Mr. Harrison? You still appear to be a bit confused as to your role in this barbaric travesty...er...industry. You said the protesters were protesting the industry and not your site specifically, but the kennels? They're on your site, see? Industry, kennels. Potato, potahto. Are you getting this at all? Now, we appreciate your eloquent defense of the kennels at your site and coming from someone who's "not in the industry," an impartial external observer as it were, we're sure that should shut up the animals rights wackos, right anonymous Florida state inspector?

According to records, a state investigator that visited the Sanford Orlando kennel compound in April 2006 reported that 18 adult greyhounds were cramped into nine crates designed to hold one dog. The kennel helper stated that they were there for three days, and there was no water in the cages.

 Oops, heh heh. Good thing your site isn't part of the industry or people might get the idea you're either a black hearted liar, or you don't know what you're talking about. Well, could be both we guess, but why quibble over minor things.

According to Harrison, a greyhound's racing career usually ends before the dog reaches five years old. When the dogs are no longer in racing condition, the majority of owners decide to give them up.

Now that's very commendable Mr. Harrison. For someone who's "not in the industry" you know a lot about it, right  Marilyn Varnberg, founder of Greyhound Adoptions of Florida?

Varnberg said that most of the dogs she sees come to her with career-ending injuries. "We do a tremendous amount of broken legs. Most race-dog owners won't pay to repair them," Varnberg said. "It's a constant battle to fundraise and care for these dogs. It has become the norm that it isn't the responsibility of the owner or trainer."

Hmm...it appears Mr. Harrison is pretty confused, huh Cara? Doesn't know if he's in the industry or not. Doesn't know the difference between give up and abandon.

Cara is a little shy and reserved. She is starting to seek out affection. She will approach and touch you with her nose. She will also approach when the other dogs are getting attention. She is very quiet and calm. She is starting to show flashes of playfulness. Cara would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 6 and up. She is good with other dogs and would probably benefit from having another dog in the home to help build her confidence. 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.