Friday Hound Blogging

Hmmm...looks like governors and greyhound exploitation racing is becoming a theme here in the marbled halls of IM Central. Last week we told you about overlord Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia who was elected governor because, hey why not? Have you seen the idiots we sent to Washington? How could this be worse?

Umm..we really don't have a response for that. Well anyway, Earl Ray gets to be governor of West Virgina, so can we expect improving life for the innocent living creatures suffering and dying in the greyhound racing gulag? As an overlord with first hand knowledge of the greyhound racing industry will he step up and put some teeth in the claim that overlords make abut putting the welfare of the dogs ahead of all else? Will he use the power of his office and the Bully Pulpit of his position to speak out for the dogs?

Sure he will. If his momma lets him.

Tomblin’s mother, Freda, owns Tomblin Kennels, a breeder of greyhounds for the state’s two dog racing tracks: Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center and Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center. According to a article published Aug. 18, 2008, in The Wheeling News-Register, Tomblin Kennels received $263,604 in 2007 from the West Virginia Greyhound Breeder Development Fund, which rewards in-state breeders.

Hey come on. Could you take money away from your momma? Didn't think so. So life for the helpless victims of greed, neglect and abuse isn't likely to get much better in the near future, but we're sure Freda Tomblin is a nice lady and a good mother who wouldn't hurt a flea. Especially the fleas living on the greyhounds in her kennel. Ticks too.

But we told you the theme this week was governors and that brings us to the Governor of Pennsylvania who is most definitely not an overlord.

Pennsylvania moves to ban simulcasting of greyhound racing, Gov. Tom Corbett to sign bill.

Whoa. This is like adding insult to injury for the overloads because Pennsylvania outlawed greyhound racing in 2004.

This means that after the bill is passed, greyhound races taking place in other states will not be broadcast in the state, causing loss of viewership and ultimately loss of profits to the industry.

Wait. The industry has profits? Quick, somebody tell Victoryland!

This loss of profits is in fact one of the motives of the bill as it aims to restrict individuals or businesses from receiving any financial gains through the broadcasting of the race.

Now that's a little bit harsh there Pennsylvania. Don't expect a visit from Earl Ray Tomblin's momma anytime soon.

Sponsor of the bill, state representative, Curt Schroder, said, “As the owner of rescued greyhounds, I have seen the devastating effect the racing industry has had on these dogs”. He further argued that greyhounds make great pets and he is pleased to know that Pennsylvania will not promote an industry that causes harm to these gentle animals.

 "...devastating effect the racing industry has had on these dogs"? Obviously Mr. Schroder doesn't know what he is talking about. He needs to talk with Jim Blanchard, District 1 (Florida area) Director, National Greyhound Association President, Southern Florida Greyhound Association Bonita Springs, see because he knows the greyhounds are high level athletes who represent enormous investments in time and money and can only perform if their treatment is maintained at the highest level.

A press release by Senator Stewart Greenleaf regarding the bill says, “The General Assembly should ban simulcasting for the same reasons it has banned live races. The racing industry still destroys an average of 9,000 greyhounds per year when they are no longer profitable”.

Oh yeah. Treatment is maintained at the highest level until they stop winning. Then they're dropped faster than scruples at a republican caucus. We forgot about that part. Bet you never did, huh Rosie?

Rosie is very friendly, happy and well adjusted. She is affectionate and likes to give kisses. She is playful and likes to play with toys. She will entertain herself. She likes to “shop” and will find things to play with. She does not chew things but likes to find things. She moved the bar of soap from the bathroom to the living room. Rosie would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 7 and up. She is good with other dogs 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.