On November 4, 2008, Massachusetts voters approved Ballot Question 3, The Greyhound Protection Act, which bans greyhound dog track racing by 2010.
For the months leading up to the November 4, 2008 election day, The Committee to Protect Dogs urged Massachusetts voters to "vote for the dogs" by voting "yes" on The Greyhound Protection Act, also known as Ballot Question 3.
It seems that voters listened - Question 3 passed by a margin of 56 percent in favor and 44 percent opposed.
Since a majority of Massachusetts voters voted in favor of implementing the Greyhound Protection Act by voting "yes" on Question 3, greyhound racing at dog tracks will be abolished in the state by 2010. If the majority of Baystate voters had voted "no" on Ballot Question 3, commercial greyhound racing would have remained legal.
What was The Greyhound Protection Act (Question 3) All About?
Question 3 - the question on The Greyhound Protection Act - sought to ban greyhound racing at dog racing tracks throughout Massachusetts, based on the argument that the greyhounds that are used for racing are subjected to inhumane treatment.
The Committee to Protect Dogs was a primary supporter behind The Greyhound Protection Act. The "pro dog" organization claimed "this humane law is supported dozens of community leaders, including the MSPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, GREY2K USA, the Springfield Republican, every major animal shelter, dozens of lawmakers and nearly sixty Massachusetts veterinarians."
Arguments to Ban Greyhound Racing at Massachusetts Dog Tracks
The Committee to Protect Dogs made four basic claims that they felt justified a ban on dog tracks and dog racing in Massachusetts:
Racing dogs endure lives of inhumane confinement. "At local racetracks, thousands of greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept for 20 or more hours each day in cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around in. By contrast, the runs used for large dogs at the MSPCA are five times larger than racetrack cages."
Greyhounds are seriously injured as a result of dog racing. "According to state records more than 800 racing greyhounds have been injured since 2002, including dogs who suffered broken legs, paralysis, head trauma and even death from cardiac arrest. A greyhound is injured every three to four days in Massachusetts. Nearly 80% of all reported injuries were broken legs. Most injuries are serious."
Greyhound racing is a dying industry, so banning dog racing will simply speed up the inevitable, saving many dogs in the process. "Dog racing is a dying industry in Massachusetts. Between 2002 and 2007, the total amount gambled at Wonderland Greyhound Park and Raynham Park declined by 65% and 37%, respectively. Even dog track owners acknowledge their businesses are failing."
Racing dogs are subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment on a daily basis. "In one month in 2005 nineteen dogs at Wonderland Greyhound Park died from a mysterious illness. In late 2003 and early 2004, a greyhound at Wonderland Greyhound Park tested positive twice for cocaine, an illegal stimulant. To reduce costs, dogs are fed meat from dying, diseased or downed livestock that has been deemed unfit for human consumption. This meat contains denatured charcoal to discourage human use."
In short, the argument in favor of Question 3 wasn't based on views only held by extreme animal rights advocates; it was based on the belief that dogs should not be subjected to substandard care, injury and other inhumane treatment and exploitation for the sake of entertainment.
How to Learn More About The Greyhound Protection Act (Question 3)
The Committee to Protect Dogs established an informational website with a host of valuable information on anyone who is seeking to learn more about why group feels that commercial dog track racing should be banned. ProtectDogs.org features facts about greyhound racing, information about supporters of The Greyhound Protection Act, and photographs of inhumane dog race track kennels. Dog lovers can also obtain information on other ways to help greyhounds in need.
In addition, The Committee to Protect Dogs also established a website - Question3Facts.org - that was designed to address common misconceptions about greyhound racing and commercial dog tracks.
What Happens Now?
The approval of Question 3 in Massachusetts means that commercial dog tracks will be required to close by January 1, 2010.
The deadline was apparently set more than a year down the road to allow dog tracks to be gradually "phased out" in the Baystate.
In addition, Massachusetts voters also approved Ballot Question 2 at the polls on November 4, 2008. A majority vote of "yes" on Question 2 means that it will no longer be a crime to be in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. The new $100 fines for marijuana possession will got into effect in Massachusetts on December 4, 2008.
The copyright of the article MA Ballot Question 3 on Greyhound Racing in US Elections is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish MA Ballot Question 3 on Greyhound Racing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I am voting to ban greyhound dog racing. I think it is a horrible sport and
it is about time we had a say in getting rid of it. Great job go to all
those who championed the dogs!!
Oct 24, 2008 8:10 AM
Guest :
Bless you. Greyhounds are such wonderful dogs, it is awful to see them
mistreated and routinely killed to satisfy someones gambling urge. Gamble
on something else. I am an Indiana resident and currently have an adopted
greyhound. These dogs get shipped all over the country to find forever
homes. But the rescue groups can never take them all, what happens to the
ones who don't find a place in rescue? You don't want to know!!!
B. Renforw, Indiana
Oct 26, 2008 7:55 PM
Guest :
I hope this passes...my only question is what will happen to the dogs
currently held at both race tracks?
Oct 26, 2008 9:40 PM
Mia Carter :
In response to the guest to asked "my only question is what will
happen to the dogs currently held at both race tracks?"
This is an educated guess, as we've really not come to that bridge yet.
But it's likely one of two things will happen if dog racing is abolished in
Massachusetts. Some of the dogs who are champion racers with a fair
amount of career ahead of them may be sold to other race tracks simply
because of their high value as a racetrack dog. If this were to occur, I
imagine it would be a very small percentage of the dogs. But most of the
greyhounds will probably be adopted out into homes, in the same way that
many are placed when their racing career ends.
There are many
organizations dedicated to greyhound welfare, so many of those
organizations will be instrumental when it comes to placing the dogs in
loving homes.
-Mia Carter Pet Care Feature Writer,
Suite101.com
Oct 27, 2008 9:06 AM
Guest :
so far every site I have gone to does not have any proof of mistreatment.
They are making claims without backing them up. The only thing right now
that is making me a proponent of this bill is the injuries but I still need
more information. I must say this does seem like a complete smear
campaign. Taking a few very isolated instances and exaggerating them to
cover what happens to all dogs. I also must say greyhounds do sleep a lot
during the day and where does this 20 hours a day stat come from hmmm? So
far I feel like the tracks have a better argument. So far I am still
neutral.
Oct 28, 2008 6:42 AM
Guest :
I have a ex racing greyhound and I think he's the most sweetest dog on the
planet . I just cant see why so many people are killing these
gorgeous animals.
Oct 28, 2008 3:35 PM
Guest :
I haven't made up my mind yet. The food arguement for banning racing - the
4-D meat - is just misleading. 4D meat is allowable under the USA
standards for pet food, so your cat or dog at home is probably getting it
too. Racing greyhounds are perfect athetes that have the lowest rate
of hip displaysia in dog breeds. Banning racing may effectively make them
extinct as a type, leaving only the overbred, over angulated dog show
greyhounds. Perhaps the answer should be more oversight,independent
inspections and improved regulations. These should be independent but
industry financed.
Oct 29, 2008 1:21 PM
Guest :
I have rescued 3 Greyhounds over the last 10 years and have personally seen
the physical and emotional damage done to these poor creatures. the
injuries they sustain, if not fatal, leave them disfigured and mamed for
life. I cannot understand how anyone can support this 'sport'. If you
want to gamble your money away, buy lottery tickets or play slots at the
casino's -- do not do it off the backs of these poor defenseless dogs.
It is not a smear campaign, it is merely fact and compassion based.
Please help those who cannot speak for themselves !
Nov 3, 2008 12:08 PM
Guest :
I am unsure how to vote tomorrow on this issue. I dislike the idea of
adding laws unless necessary, and wonder why existing cruelty laws cannot
be enforced if conditions are indeed cruel.
I do not personally
like the idea of animal racing, but do understand that animals are bred for
this purpose and treated in ways in which outsiders probably find
distasteful. The same is true of racehorses, and is most definitely true
of, say, animals bred for slaughter. Are we being emotional here and
helping the greyhounds because we traditionally think of them as pets,
while leaving racehorses and cattle (say) to their fate because we
traditionally think of them as livestock?
I struggle with these
questions. If existing laws are not sufficient, I would prefer to enact
tougher animal cruelty laws, not to shut down an entire industry.
I guess I am looking for some hard facts and logic to change my mind.
Emotional manipulation isn't going to cut it for my vote. Let's be fair
and not treat dogs differently because they are cute. Why isn't the
framework we have in place sufficient? Convince me.
Nov 3, 2008 6:08 PM
Guest :
For the welfare of greyhounds Internationally....you must win this
important vote! Good luck and lets hope the people will vote with
compassion. The world is watching...... Trudy Baker England UK
Nov 4, 2008 8:01 AM
Guest :
I voted yes on 3! and I am proudly wearing my BARK THE VOTE shirt today
too!!
Nov 4, 2008 12:05 PM
Guest :
vote YESSSS on question 3...when the bill goes through lets see what these
fake so called owners do with these dogs...with no money involved they will
want nothing to do with them...there are plenty of good homes out here for
these lovely doggies....Joe
Nov 4, 2008 1:35 PM
Guest :
I am proud to have voted no on 3. How can you put people out of work in
today's economy? The dogs are regulated in the state of MA. Where do you
think the dogs will go if greyhound racing is banned in this state? I know
kennel owners and their devotion to the dogs. They are treated like
trained athletes. Why would they abuse their dogs? They are fed better
than homeless people in our state.
Nov 4, 2008 3:08 PM
Guest :
I am completely against the mistreatment of animals, but wouldn't a better
solution be to implement stricter regulation of the living conditions and
treatment of the dogs whilst involved in such activity than banning it
altogether?
Nov 4, 2008 7:47 PM
Guest :
I think that tougher laws against abuse would be better. I personally ran a
kennel and EVERY SINGLE DOG in there was like my kid. I knew them by name,
color, bark, everything! They are the coolest animals in the world and I do
would do ANYTHING to keep them out of harms way....
As for
staying in a crate 20 hours, thats untrue, we got there at 430 am and
turned them out every 2 hours or so and didn't leave until 11pm, often
midnight. That has to be MUCH better than people who's pets stay inside all
day while they work, spend 5 hours with them, then spend 10 more hour
sleeping where their dog can't go outside. They get baths, whirlpools,
massages, constant vet care and monitor, as well as eating 10x better than
I ever have (daily stew with chicken, beef, kibble, veggies, multivitamins,
etc) They are kept on weight to avoid any harm, and every single one must
pass a vet inspection before it is allowed to run as well as a urine
test.
If you REALLY care about the animals you should be in
support of tougher regulation, NOT banning it. If you choose to ban it
without visiting a kennel or visiting a reputable farm, you are being
misinformed. Yes, there are bad eggs out there, it happens in any sport or
industry. Support the answer, and become part of the solution in a
productive way and vote NO.
Nov 5, 2008 5:23 AM
Guest :
Guest: I live in Florida and have adopted 4 greyhounds. One raced at
Wonderland. Sadly, she suffers from a bad toe. However, she is happy in
her new. I am so happy the Greyhound Protection Act passed-- greyhounds
are beautiful dogs. I hope someday racing in Florida will abolished. God
bless you.
Nov 5, 2008 5:24 AM
Guest :
iam a huuuuuuuuuuge animal lover. HUGE! and i have actually done research
on this. I went to raynham to do the research and did you know that 98% of
thier dogs are healthy and never had an injury worth surgery? And that they
also have a 100% adoption rate. Those dogs are not treated bad. I dont know
about that other place but raynham is wonderful to there animals. Thier
dogs race one race every three days. Those dogs were made to run! Now that
its shut down they will probally euthinize alot of the dogs if they cant
find homes that quick. SO good job people for voting yes! i hope your ready
to adopt the dog you put up by voting yes. People should have really looked
into this more and not listened to what their friend told them or a sign on
the street. If these dogs dont all find homes that are healthy i blame you!
Nov 5, 2008 6:21 AM
Guest :
What is the plan for all of the dogs who will no longer be racing? Who will
be keeping track of these dogs and making sure the ones who don't get
adopted don't just get killed. How many dogs do you think will be able to
be placed in good homes and what happens to the rest?? Pamela, MA
Nov 5, 2008 7:14 AM
Guest :
YESSSSSS!!!!!!! Go buy a lottery ticket, and find a real job!
Nov 5, 2008 4:33 PM
Guest :
It's about time that Greyhound racing was banned. It is inhumane. Those
who want to gamble can do so without exploiting living creatures. I am
thrilled to finally see the end of this cruel and pointless industry.
Nov 24, 2008 4:38 PM
Guest :
It was a terrible idea to get rid of dog racing. Those tracks give so many
jobs to so many people. I have worked at the taunton dog track and met
people there that worked there for over 40 years. It breaks my heart to see
what will happen to them. You people who dont live near a dog track dont
understand. I mean you banned dog racing so why dont you ban horse racing
they kill them on the track if something happens to them. The dog tracks
bring in so much revenue to the local communities. It is a shame to see
them go.
Oct 15, 2008
