FORMER ANTI-RACING DOG LOVER HAS CHANGE OF HEART
A recent Facebook post by avowed greyhound lover Amy Cochran has fired up greyhound enthusiasts and generated dozens of positive responses on the social media site.
“Greyhound Racing–The Truth. A journey from anti-racing to pro-racing” describes how Cochran, who then opposed greyhound racing, changed her views after visiting Victoryland Greyhound Park in Alabama and getting to know trainers and kennel staff personally.
“The first time I stepped onto the Victoryland compound eight years ago, I was scared to death that someone would find out my anti-racing stance,” Cochran wrote. “What I discovered, what I SAW, changed my mind forever. And not only did it change my mind, my attitude, about greyhound racing, these trainers and kennel hands have become some of my most trusted friends. They are kind, gentle souls who care very deeply for these dogs.”
In her post, Cochran debunks many of the most commonly hyped Grey2K myths about greyhound care, including diet, exercise and general health. She also took Grey2K to task for forcing track closures and then disappearing when thousands of greyhounds are displaced and must be placed in adoptive homes. “When a track closes, where are you anti-racing folks?,” she asks. “The answer is nowhere.”
Supporters of greyhound racing and adoption activists were quick to praise the post. The comments included words like “awesome,” “amazing,” “wonderful,” “brilliant,” and “well done.”
Many of those who commented had shared similar experiences, starting out opposed to greyhound racing and then changing their minds when they actually visited a greyhound farm or kennel and saw what happened there.
Members of the racing community were especially appreciative of Cochran’s post. One industry member wrote, “This is an excellent synopsis and a valid one, because you did your research first. Thank you for sharing!”