IOWANS SHOULD DISREGARD GREY2K “BLIZZARD OF BALONEY,” SAYS AGC

The AGC’s Gary Guccione has fired off a letter to the Des Moines Register calling Grey2K’s recent comments on greyhound injuries at Iowa tracks a "blizzard of baloney."

Dear Editor:

We are not surprised that Grey2K USA, a radical animal rights group from Massachusetts, has launched a misinformation campaign against greyhound racing in Iowa. Your readers should prepare for the blizzard of baloney that lies ahead.

The vast majority of greyhound injuries are minor, and allow the dogs to return to racing after a week or two. Even when career-ending injuries occur, most greyhounds transition successfully to retirement in a loving adoptive home. More than 90% of all retired greyhounds are adopted or returned to the farm as pets or breeders when they retire.

The number of injuries at Iowa tracks is actually very small when viewed in relation to the total number of races run, or starts. The 101 injuries in 2008 occurred from a combined total of over 55,000 starts at the two tracks, including official races as well as schooling.  This means that the actual injury rate was less than one fifth of one percent.  No rational person would consider that record anything but excellent.

Greyhound tracks spend a great deal of time and money ensuring that track surfaces are safe and well-maintained. Track veterinarians ensure that the greyhounds are strong and healthy before they are allowed to race.  All reasonable steps are taken to minimize injuries.

But reasonable isn’t what Grey2K is about. This well-funded East Coast organization is pushing an extreme agenda that Iowans should view with great suspicion.

Sincerely,

Gary Guccione, American Greyhound Council

Abilene KS