NGA REVOKES PRIVILEGES OF ARKANSAS BREEDER

At a June 4 hearing in Abilene, the Board of Directors of the National Greyhound Association (NGA) revoked the membership and registry privileges of Shane Vonderstrasse of Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas, effective immediately. The action was taken following a May 15 NGA inspection that disclosed greyhounds on the facility not receiving proper care and adequate shelter. NGA inspectors were accompanied by local law enforcement during the inspection.

Subsequent to the inspection, Vonderstrasse voluntarily turned all 141 greyhounds under his care over to the NGA. The dogs were then transported via four different vehicles–three of which were dispatched to the site by NGA immediately after the inspection– either to Abilene or to the West Memphis area.

Under the direction of the NGA, and with financial support from the American Greyhound Council (AGC), the greyhounds were provided with appropriate care and necessary attention. Most of the evacuated dogs have been returned to their rightful owners.

The NGA has placed a lien on remaining greyhounds still in its possession. Some will be offered at auction to NGA members in good standing later in the month. Those not purchased will be placed with credible adoption agencies.

Vonderstrasse, who had not renewed his NGA membership for 2014, has been given until July 7 to transfer any remaining greyhounds out of his name. Moreover, the Board ruled that anyone conducting any type of greyhound business with Vonderstrasse after that date could also be subject to punitive action from the Board.

In addition to placing greyhounds under his stewardship at risk, Vonderstrasse was cited for failing to comply with NGA registry requirements—specifically, for not tattooing or registering pups in a timely manner—and for not responding to NGA edicts in regard to registrations and complaints.

“This was an unusual case that required NGA’s immediate action and full attention,” said NGA Executive Director Gary Guccione. “NGA representatives and members responded to the situation swiftly and effectively. We can’t thank enough those individuals who have been involved for their willingness to assist in getting these greyhounds to safety and for helping nurture them back to full health. The adoption community is standing ready, as well, to assist in the last leg of this situation, for which we’re extremely grateful.”