AGC HITS MISINFORMATION IN MICHIGAN NEWSPAPER

AGC Spokesperson Gary Guccione has written to the Greenville (MI) Daily News, challenging misinformation presented in a recent story about a local family that adopted a retired greyhound.

"We always appreciate stories about retired racing greyhounds and the wonderful people who adopt them," Guccione wrote, "but it’s disappointing when those stories give a mistaken impression of greyhound racing and the dogs that retire from the sport."

The letter continued, "The greyhound owner quoted in the story marveled at how well her adopted greyhounds adapted to family life.

"It should be obvious that this would not be the case if those greyhounds had not received proper treatment, care and exercise during their racing careers. Racing greyhounds love being around people, which certainly wouldn’t be the case if they had experienced mistreatment.

"As anyone who has adopted a greyhound will tell you, greyhounds live to do two things: run and sleep. They are born racers, and they expend tremendous energy when they run. When they’re not running, they prefer to sleep, which is why greyhounds are often referred to as “40 mile per hour couch potatoes.” At the track, they sleep in their crates, which are generously sized so the dogs can sit, stand, lie down and turn around comfortably.

"We honor all those who adopt retired greyhounds, and ask only that they pass on accurate information about greyhound racing when they promote their adoption activities."