Oct 14, 2008 7:47 pm US/Eastern
Greyhound Debate Continues As Election Day Nears
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
This November, voters will again decide whether dog racing should be legal in Massachusetts.
In a news conference at the MSPCA, the Committee to Protect Dogs encouraged people to vote
"yes" on Question 3 - a ballot item that would eliminate dog racing in Massachusetts. "Over 800 greyhounds have been injured while racing," said Christine Dorchak of
Grey2KUSA. "Reported injuries include cardiac arrest, paralysis, seizures and head trauma."
The committee's spokes dog, "Snake" is now adopted after retiring with a broken ankle.
Adopt A Greyhound "We know that we can find ways to entertain ourselves without harming dogs," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States.
People who want you to vote
"no" on Question 3 say the facts speak for themselves.
Their biggest argument is for the jobs. Over 1,000 jobs would be lost between Wonderland and Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park. "Any job in the Commonwealth right now is worth saving," said Greg Peterson of the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park.
Peterson says some employees have worked at the park since they were 16-years old. "I have a couple of trainers here who are 70-years old. You're gonna go try and re-train someone who's 70-years old. To do what?"
As for the claims that cages are too small, Peterson says they were expanded in 2,000.
And for the injuries, the Raynham park said they reported 800 injuries in a little over 500,000 dogs who raced. Peterson says that's less than 1 percent.
Rayhnam says in 75 years they've never had a documented case of cruelty. "They're a loving breed. They're born to run," said Peterson.
You can decided what side of the track you're on Election Day, November 4.
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