More Than 1,500 Greyhound Injuries Documented at Texas Racetracks

AUSTIN, Texas—GREY2K USA, with funding from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), today released a report detailing the inhumane conditions and weak financial viability of greyhound racing in Texas. The report is an up-to-date compilation of data from official sources, such as state records, news reports, and public statements made by members of the Texas dog racing industry.

"Greyhounds at Texas dog tracks endure lives of terrible confinement, and many suffer serious injuries," said GREY2K USA President and General Counsel Christine A. Dorchak.  "For the first time, the public will have detailed information on greyhound racing in the state."

According to state records, 1,507 greyhound injuries were reported at Texas racetracks from January 2008 through December 2011. Fifty-six of these injuries were fatal or required euthanasia, with the most commonly reported injury being broken legs. Other serious injuries reported included dislocations, puncture wounds, paralysis, broken necks, a broken back and a fractured skull.

"Like all animals, greyhounds deserve to be treated humanely," said Deborah Foote, state director of ASPCA Government Relations for the Southwest region.  "This report clearly indicates that it is time to stop racing these dogs, as there is no demand for the industry, and the cruel and dangerous conditions in which they are confined and forced to compete are detrimental to their health and welfare."

The report further details inhumane conditions at Texas racetracks, including the following:

• Greyhounds are forced to live in confined, stacked cages, with large greyhounds being unable to stand fully erect in their cages;
• In 2012, six greyhounds died at Gulf Greyhound Park from a form of canine influenza, often a recurring epidemic in cramped living situations;
• In 2011, a Texas greyhound trainer failed to obtain veterinary care for an injured greyhound until two days after the injury occurred; and
• Greyhounds are fed 4-D meat from diseased animals to reduce costs.

GREY2K USA also notes that gambling on dog racing has declined by more than 61 percent at Texas racetracks. In addition, attendance at these events has dipped 52 percent, while track representatives have repeatedly acknowledged that dog racing is no longer viable.

For more information about the ASPCA’s work to end greyhound racing, please visit www.aspca.org, and for more information on the inherent cruelty of greyhound racing, please visit www.GREY2KUSA.org.