AGC SETS RECORD STRAIGHT IN FLORIDA NEWSPAPER

The AGC has taken on Grey2K USA in a letter to the editor of the Naples (FL) News.

 The letter, written by AGC Communications Coordinator Gary Guccione, was submitted in response to an April 4 article about a protest at the Naples-Fort Myers track.  Here is the complete text:

Dear Editor:

The April 4 story by John Osborne quoted several inaccurate statements by Grey2K USA representatives. Unfortunately, Grey2K is famous for misrepresenting the facts about greyhound racing.

First, more than 90 percent of all registered greyhounds are adopted or returned to the farm as pets or breeders when they retire.  Since the number of greyhounds bred annually has dropped dramatically in the past couple of years, we are confident that we will achieve our goal of 100 percent placememtn of all eligible racers in the very near future.

Second, common sense should tell us that greyhounds must have plenty of exercise in order to stay in shape for racing.  When they are not exercising outdoors, which they do three or four times daily, they prefer to lie quietly in their crates.  Anyone who has ever adopted a greyhound will confirm that they are dedicated "couch potatoes" when not actively engaged in exercise.

Third, greyhounds must eat a healthy and nutritious diet to perform at their peak.  The meat they eat is classified by the USDA as unsuitable for human consumption but perfectly healthy for pets.  As any pet owner knows, dogs eat many things humans wouldn’t, and usually without the benefit of broiling or frying first.

As usual, Grey2K activists are promoting myth instead of fact.  However, media stunts and publicity are not very productive for the greyhounds.  They would do more good for the dogs if they focused on greyhound welfare instead of political warfare.

Sincerely,

Gary Guccione, Communications Coordinator, AGC