NGA EXPANDS HUMANE CARE MANDATE BEYOND GREYHOUNDS

In an unprecedented policy change, the National Greyhound Association (NGA) has amended its bylaws to impose tough penalties, including lifetime expulsion, for members found guilty of neglecting or mistreating any animals–not just greyhounds–for which the member is responsible.

NGA Executive Director Gary Guccione said many members of the NGA keep other animals as well, including horses and dogs of other breeds. “Our board feels strongly that NGA members should maintain the highest standards of humane care across the board, whether the animals in question are greyhounds or any other species. Greyhound owners have an economic investment in their greyhounds, but we have an equal obligation to all animals in our care.”

For many years, NGA policies have called for lifetime expulsion of any member found guilty of violating the organization’s greyhound welfare standards. Now that policy also covers the care of any other animals in the member’s charge. Lifetime expulsion effectively means a permanent ban from greyhound racing anywhere in the nation, since all U.S. tracks require that the greyhounds competing at their tracks hold current valid NGA registrations.

Guccione said the impetus for tighter regulations came from within the ranks of the NGA. “Greyhound owners love animals, and they believe all animals deserve high-quality care. It’s really just that simple.”