On the ballot: This proposed law would prohibit any dog racing or racing meeting in Massachusetts where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of dogs occurs. These changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2010.
What your vote would do:
A YES VOTE would prohibit dog races on which betting or wagering occurs, effective Jan. 1, 2010.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws governing dog racing.
Who's for it: MSPCA, Humane Society, animal protection groups
Arguments:
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.
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. Who's against it
Massachusetts Animal Interest Coalition, comprised of 1,000 workers in the racing industry and kennel owners
Arguments:
Since racing started in 1935 there has not been one recorded case of animal abuse involving a racing greyhound at a regulated track in Massachusetts (Department of Agriculture, State of Massachusetts)
99.85 percent of greyhounds racing in Massachusetts come off of the track healthy and with no injuries (Racing Commission, State of Massachusetts)
Greyhound tracks in Massachusetts claim 100 percent adoption placement for all retired greyhounds.
