“The Greyhound Protection Act” is a federal bill that would forever eradicate the scourge of dogracing in this country. (Dogracing is already banned on moral grounds in 41 states; by the end of next year there will be but two tracks left in the entire nation, both in West Virginia.) We, of course, applaud this measure and commend the group most responsible: GREY2K. Here are some of the quotes from advocates and politicians in support. I’m sure you can guess where I’m going with this.

“Dog racing is cruel from start to finish. This is an antiquated industry with a compulsion for cruelty.” – Christine Dorchak, president, GREY2K USA

“Greyhound racing is cruel and must end. These docile animals are kept in stacked cages for 20 hours or more a day and are subjected to brutal training practices and races, facing the risk of injury and death at every turn. … I am always committed to always speaking up for the voiceless.” – Rep. Tony Cárdenas, CA

“Greyhound racing has an inhumane track record.” – Rep. Michael Waltz, FL

“As a longtime animal protection advocate, I support the effort to responsibly end this inhumane sport.” – Rep. Steve Cohen, TN

“Florida was once the mecca of greyhound racing before the state voted overwhelmingly to end this cruel and inhumane practice. The Greyhound Protection Act is the last lap in transitioning us away from this traumatic sport and finally treating these dogs with compassion.” – Rep. Elvira Salazar, FL

“Greyhound racing is an outdated practice that promotes animal cruelty.” – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, PA

Then this from Animal Wellness Action:

“Dogs used for racing are kept confined…for up to 23 hours a day. When let out to race, they suffer serious injuries including broken legs and backs, crushed skulls, and paralysis. State records also show greyhounds testing for serious drugs, including cocaine and anabolic steroids.”

Everything said above, of course, applies in spades to horseracing. In fact, I would argue that horseracing is, and always has been, worse because of the multiple thousands of “retired” horses being bled-out and butchered every year. And this in addition to the over 2,000 being killed on track and the hundreds more perishing in their stalls. The case is open and shut. Now all we need is some legislators with a bit of courage. (Piling on against dogracing is, at this juncture, wholly unimpressive.)

One final point: The aforementioned Animal Wellness Action, a nonprofit whose mission is “to prevent cruelty to animals,” is not against horseracing; one of their “partners” on horse issues is The Jockey Club, an organization synonymous with American horseracing. In other words, if you support us, do not support them.

The following comes from a former owner who has since become vehemently anti-racing. She wishes to remain anonymous at this time.

“If I could erase your memories of whips, the lonely hours of four dark walls, and the hell of exploitation, I would look to a wide blue sky, clouds, and hills upon which you’d walk and get lost in thought until your pain fades.

“I would set you free among the trees and tall pasture grasses to replenish nature’s nutrients in your body and soul.

“I would let you run along the water’s edge as it raced forward in time supplying a stream of freshness to fill your long-held thirst.

“I would set you free to explore and contemplate and make friends with your own kind, revisiting your soul’s purpose as a horse and thoroughbred – to romp, to play, to run, and to move in unison together as nature had planned – and I would be here as you need, awaiting your return from paradise.”

Saturday, HW was out in force – over 60 activists – at Saratoga Race Course for our annual Travers Day protest. And once again, we contracted two mobile billboards (having previously done so for the Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes) to traverse the city throughout the course of the day. Expose and educate – our mantra.