Is there still greyhound racing in your state?
Feb 1st, 2007, 10:17 AM
#21
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nice to hear from everyone! seems like less greyhound racing going on these days than i would've thought.
i've only been to one greyhound race- in tijuana. it was kinda fun/kinda sad. i thought i would hate horse racing b/c of the animal cruelty issue, but i've enjoyed the horse races i've been to.
it's not true that no greyhounds are killed these days. rescue groups can only accommodate a certain # of dogs in their shelters at a time and only so many people will step forward to foster the dogs. others are either euthanized or sold to product testing labs. i've seen horrendous pictures of what is done to greyhounds in the testing labs.
such a shame. they make wonderful pets- from my experience, better than other breeds such as basset hounds, pugs, golden retrievers or terrier mixes- those are all the kinds of dogs i've lived with, and greys have been the easiest, in my opinion. but all dogs need good homes, regardless of breed, so please don't take that remark the wong way!
i've only been to one greyhound race- in tijuana. it was kinda fun/kinda sad. i thought i would hate horse racing b/c of the animal cruelty issue, but i've enjoyed the horse races i've been to.
it's not true that no greyhounds are killed these days. rescue groups can only accommodate a certain # of dogs in their shelters at a time and only so many people will step forward to foster the dogs. others are either euthanized or sold to product testing labs. i've seen horrendous pictures of what is done to greyhounds in the testing labs.
such a shame. they make wonderful pets- from my experience, better than other breeds such as basset hounds, pugs, golden retrievers or terrier mixes- those are all the kinds of dogs i've lived with, and greys have been the easiest, in my opinion. but all dogs need good homes, regardless of breed, so please don't take that remark the wong way!
Feb 1st, 2007, 01:38 PM
#26
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statia,
One of the/my very best was a AA racer from LaMarque, TX. A great, caring and professional facility.
I would challenge lj1015 to document the murders of the "professional racers" in the US.
As NeoPatrick said...
Sure, the backyard critters should never have been with those owners, but...
jorr, "skinny and big", but healthy, lol. Good dental care, genes and diet go a long way.
M
One of the/my very best was a AA racer from LaMarque, TX. A great, caring and professional facility.
I would challenge lj1015 to document the murders of the "professional racers" in the US.
As NeoPatrick said...
Sure, the backyard critters should never have been with those owners, but...
jorr, "skinny and big", but healthy, lol. Good dental care, genes and diet go a long way.
M
Feb 1st, 2007, 02:18 PM
#27
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mikemo, since the LaMarque track seems to have done so well over the years, I'm glad to hear that they are a professinoal facility. I drive past it on occassion, but haven't cared to participate after having some vet friends who have had ex-racer's as pets, and those poor dogs just seemed so worn out all the time and had many health problems. That's not to say all ex-racer's are in that shape, but I think of the ones I've seen who do everytime the topic comes up.
Feb 1st, 2007, 04:20 PM
#28
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http://tinyurl.com/czm8p
My daughters dog was a racer and breeder. She was racing when her leg broke. The owner told the vet to put her down since she would not be able to run anymore, even though the vet said she would make a good pet or still be able to breed.
Owner didn't want her if she could not run, so the vet spayed her and set her leg and saved her, at his expense.
My daughter has had her since she was 5 and she is the sweetest most gentle dog , even lets the Persian cat boss her around.
They are not pets or animals to their owners, they are just a means of making money, there is very little humane about racing dog owners.
My daughters dog was a racer and breeder. She was racing when her leg broke. The owner told the vet to put her down since she would not be able to run anymore, even though the vet said she would make a good pet or still be able to breed.
Owner didn't want her if she could not run, so the vet spayed her and set her leg and saved her, at his expense.
My daughter has had her since she was 5 and she is the sweetest most gentle dog , even lets the Persian cat boss her around.
They are not pets or animals to their owners, they are just a means of making money, there is very little humane about racing dog owners.
Feb 2nd, 2007, 08:13 AM
#29
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There's a greyhound race track outside of Denver. I believe it is quite popular. I've never heard any complaints about how the dogs are treated there. I know some families who have adopted retired racers, and they love them.
I am more aware of horse racing, and it always concerns me how young those racing thoroughbreds are put on the track. Their knees aren't even fully formed yet. No wonder we see legs that snap during a race. And, you have to wonder what happens to the losing racehorses. It's not very humane, either. I also know of people who have adopted retired racehorses, but I don't think they make very good riding horses after their race training.
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I am more aware of horse racing, and it always concerns me how young those racing thoroughbreds are put on the track. Their knees aren't even fully formed yet. No wonder we see legs that snap during a race. And, you have to wonder what happens to the losing racehorses. It's not very humane, either. I also know of people who have adopted retired racehorses, but I don't think they make very good riding horses after their race training.
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Feb 2nd, 2007, 08:39 AM
#30
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mikemo,
Seems people who are in favor of a sport (like the swim with the dolphins programs) that is cruel to animals are always asking for "proof" that it is cruel.
Don't believe hundreds of greyhounds are murdered each year that can't or won't race? Check out this story:
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/81152.php
or this website
http://www.greyhoundracingsucks.com/...aHeadlines.htm
But my "favorite" is the one where they found the remains of TWO THOUSAND dead greyhounds:
http://www.scienceblog.com/community...0/pub0920.html
In the year 2000 alone, an estimated 19,000 greyhounds were killed. Let me know if you need more statistics. They're real easy to find.
Seems people who are in favor of a sport (like the swim with the dolphins programs) that is cruel to animals are always asking for "proof" that it is cruel.
Don't believe hundreds of greyhounds are murdered each year that can't or won't race? Check out this story:
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/81152.php
or this website
http://www.greyhoundracingsucks.com/...aHeadlines.htm
But my "favorite" is the one where they found the remains of TWO THOUSAND dead greyhounds:
http://www.scienceblog.com/community...0/pub0920.html
In the year 2000 alone, an estimated 19,000 greyhounds were killed. Let me know if you need more statistics. They're real easy to find.
Feb 2nd, 2007, 08:42 AM
#31
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MaureenB,
Actually, horses from off the track do make very good adoptees. The problem with many is that they do have soundness issues from starting their careers early before their bones and muscle have matured. (As you mentioned.)
I show horses and have several friends with off-the-track horses that are wonderful. They are always so athletic, and many seem to be grateful for having a home as opposed to being part of an industry.
Actually, horses from off the track do make very good adoptees. The problem with many is that they do have soundness issues from starting their careers early before their bones and muscle have matured. (As you mentioned.)
I show horses and have several friends with off-the-track horses that are wonderful. They are always so athletic, and many seem to be grateful for having a home as opposed to being part of an industry.
Feb 2nd, 2007, 09:35 AM
#32
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Diana, what I meant regards the retired racers I've observed when in the country, trail-riding. I think the race training is so ingrained in the horses, it's hard for them to accept riding alongside another horse, at an easy pace. They are naturally competitive, and are taught different bit and leg cues than a recreational horse. They're probably better suited for showing, as you say. Either way, it's nice when people adopt them.
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