Report on Greyhound Racing in Texas (February 2013) - Grey2K USA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report on greyhound racing in Texas is based on
information that is recent, specific to Texas, and from
credible sources such as state records and news reports.
It includes information on both humane and economic
issues.
As the data is examined, some basic facts emerge:
Greyhounds endure lives of confinement
• Hundreds of greyhounds endure lives of
confinement at Gulf Greyhound Park
• According to state regulations the minimum dog
track cage size is three feet, by four feet, by three
feet
• Large greyhounds cannot stand fully erect in these cages
• The state has no rules governing turn out times
Marlee raced at Corpus Christi.
Greyhounds suffer serious injuries
• From January 2008 through December 2011 a total of 1,507 greyhound racing injuries were
reported at Texas tracks
• A total of 56 greyhound injuries resulted in death or euthanasia
• The most commonly reported injury was a broken leg. Other reported injuries include torn
muscles, puncture wounds, lacerations, dislocations, sprains, paralysis and a fractured skull
Greyhound racing is a dying industry
• Between 2007 and 2012 the total amount gambled on live pari-mutuel racing at Texas dog tracks
declined by 61% and attendance declined by 52%
• Texas dog track executives and industry figures have publicly acknowledged that greyhound
racing is no longer viable
Other Issues
• Greyhounds in Texas are fed 4-D meat as a way to reduce cost
• In 2011 a greyhound trainer failed to obtain veterinary care for an injured greyhound until two
days after the injury had occurred
• In 2011 a Texas greyhound trainer surrendered his state license after he was caught on video using
live rabbits to train greyhounds
• In 2012 six greyhounds died at Gulf Greyhound Park from a form of canine influenza
Greyhound Racing in Texas 1