TALLAHASSEE – The Humane Society of the United States is
calling for state investigations into the discovery of the
bodies of thousands of greyhounds on a farm in Lillian,
Alabama.
“The greyhound racing industry has vehemently denied its
involvement in the disposal of unwanted animals for years,”
said Brian Sodergren, companion animals issues specialist for
The HSUS. “This case offers the best opportunity yet to
investigate potential ties between the industry and the cruel
and illegal killing of greyhound dogs. The Humane Society of
the United States strongly urges Florida and Alabama officials
to investigate connections between these dead dogs and area dog
kennels, dog tracks and track operators.”
Alabama authorities obtained a search warrant and moved in
yesterday. They discovered the remains of as many as 2,000
dogs. Robert Rhodes, who owns the property where the dead
bodies were found, admitted to the Mobile Register and to
authorities that he has shot and killed dogs brought to him by
greyhound trainers from the Pensacola Greyhound Park. The
investigation began when the Pensacola Greyhound Park racing
director reportedly notified authorities about rumors
indicating that dogs were being slaughtered in Lillian.
“While we appreciate the efforts of the Pensacola Greyhound
Park management to shed light on this issue, we suspect that a
thorough investigation will uncover deeper ties between track
officials and Mr. Rhodes,” said Sodergren. “It’s inconceivable
to think that this had been going on for years without track
officials having knowledge of the fate of thousands of dogs. At
the very least, they thoroughly failed in their responsibility
to ensure a humane death for the retired greyhounds.”
Along with the investigation of Mr. Rhodes, authorities are
also looking closely at kennel operator Clarence Ray Patterson,
whose contract with the Pensacola Greyhound Park to operate one
of nine kennels that supplies dogs to the track was terminated
following these revelations.
The greyhound industry breeds tens of thousands of dogs
every year, adding to the pet overpopulation problem merely for
profit. While some of the dogs race for several years, many
more aren’t fast enough to win. While a small percentage of
greyhounds are adopted, many more are killed, sold for
research, or sent to overseas tracks where conditions are far
worse than in the United States. In 2000, an estimated 19,000
greyhounds were killed.
Forty-six tracks operate in 15 states. Florida operates more
tracks than any other state. Seven states have bans on live
greyhound racing, yet in the states where greyhound racing
exists, a strong lobby ensures its continued survival despite
dwindling attendance and revenue. In the past decade, 16 tracks
either closed or stopped hosting live racing. The HSUS is
urging Florida Governor Jeb Bush to veto a bill passed by the
Florida legislature that would further prop up the greyhound
industry.
“It’s clear that greyhound racing cannot stand on its own,”
said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS senior vice president for government
affairs and communications. “This incident reveals the ugly
underbelly of the greyhound racing industry. The time has come
for the state of Florida to recognize this cruel reality and
halt the continued handouts.”
