GREY2K GUILTY OF “SHAMELESS HYPE,” SAYS VET

A leading veterinary expert on greyhound health says that racing greyhounds experience accidental injuries at about the same rate as other working dogs and active family pets, and dismissed contradictory claims by the animal rights group Grey2K USA as “shameless hype.”

Dr. Brad Fenwick, Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville and an internationally recognized expert on greyhound health, said that the vast majority of injuries to racing greyhounds are minor, and the dogs usually return to racing in a matter of weeks. 

“Even when an injury ends a greyhound’s racing career, that dog usually is able to transition very successfully to life as an adopted pet,” Fenwick said.  “Life-threatening injuries to greyhounds are extremely rare.  To suggest otherwise is nothing more than shameless hype.”   

American Greyhound Council (AGC) Communications Coordinator Gary Guccione said Grey2K uses isolated incidents of serious injury to inflame well-intentioned animal lovers and raise money for its political war against greyhound racing.

“Make no mistake, it’s all about fundraising,” Guccione said.  “If they can find a video or two that gets a strong emotional response, the dollars will come pouring in.  If they can’t stir people up, they can’t raise money.”

Guccione said the true measure of Grey2K’s concern for greyhounds is found in its opposition to adoption efforts.

“GreyK President Christine Dorchak has directed her supporters to refrain from any communication or involvement in greyhound adoption,” he said.  “Her mission is political warfare, not greyhound welfare.”

The AGC is a joint program of greyhound breeders and track operators, founded in 1987 to fund and oversee greyhound welfare and adoption programs.  More information on the AGC is available at www.agcouncil.com.