FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE: INDUSTRY LEADERS TESTIFY AGAINST GREY2K BILL

AGTOA President Karen Keelan, owner of Seabrook Greyhound Park, and NGA Board Member Fred Fulchino appeared before a New Hampshire legislative committee on February 10 to oppose a Grey2K-driven bill that would ban greyhound racing in the state.

Keelan, whose greyhound track is one of two still conducting live racing in New Hampshire, told the committee that Grey2K’s campaign is "part of a radical nationwide effort to eliminate live greyhound racing."  She said Grey2K has "run an emotional campaign based on half-truths and distorted information."

The track owner warned legislators that bowing to animal rights pressure on greyhound racing would set a dangerous precedent, opening the door to future animal rights campaigns against agriculture, hunting and fishing, pet breeding and even biomedical research.

"These campaigns often result in poor public policy with serious unintended consequences to government as well as the affected enterprises," Keelan noted.

As an example, she cited the idea, put forth by Grey2K and its supporters, that live racing should be banned simply because it is not currently profitable.

"The free market should dictate what happens to our business," Keelan emphasized, "not the distortions that Grey2K would have you believe." 

Her concerns were echoed by Fred Fulchino, New England District Representative for the National Greyhound Association (NGA), and a leading greyhound breeder and kennel operator.  "There is no justification, either economic or on animal welfare grounds, for eliminating our business," he told lawmakers.

After describing the NGA’s farm inspection and animal care policies, Fulchino explained that those who violate industry standards are subject to lifetime expulsion from greyhound racing, and others prohibited from doing business with them.

Fulchino also outlined greyhound racing’s adoption programs, noting that more than 90 percent of all registered greyhounds are either adopted or returned to the farm as pets or breeders when they retire.

"As New Hampshire legislators, you can be proud that one of your state’s tracks, Seabrook Greyhound Park, has been a national leader in the adoption effort," he noted.

Fulchino also called the attention of legislators to a recent e-mail from Grey2K’s founder to New Hampshire animal advocates. Christine Dorchak’s e-mail urged readers to "refrain from interacting with" Greyhound Pets of America (GPA), the nation’s largest independent adoption organization.  Grey2K’s attempt to discourage cooperation on greyhound adoption revealed that its agenda is more about political warfare than greyhound welfare, he said.

The committee is expected to forward its recommendation next week.  In New Hampshire, all bills are referred out of committee with recommendations for or against passage by the full legislature.