Bay State voters passed Question 3 today, which will phase out the inhumane practice of greyhound racing by 2010. The measure is now winning 57 – 43 percent. Since 2002, there have been 841 reported injuries at the two Massachusetts tracks, and 80 percent of those injuries were broken legs.
Grey2K USA, the MSPCA, and The Humane Society of the United States were the primary sponsors of Question 3, and The HSUS was the largest financial backer of the ballot measure.
"This is a fantastic win for dogs in Massachusetts and it marks the demise of an industry that exploits dogs for entertainment and profit," said HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. "We are so grateful to the people of Massachusetts for establishing this humane policy."
At these tracks, greyhounds endure lives of terrible confinement, kept in small cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around for 20 or more hours per day. In recent years, the total amount gambled at the only two greyhound race tracks in Massachusetts declined by 65 percent and 37 percent.
Christine Dorchak, president and general counsel of Grey2K USA and author of the ballot question, said "tonight compassion overcame cruelty. Massachusetts voters stood up for dogs and sent a clear message we in Massachusetts will no longer tolerate an industry that causes thousands of dogs to suffer terrible confinement at racetracks."
This humane law was backed by dozens of community leaders, including The HSUS, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, GREY2K USA, the Massachusetts Council of Churches, every major animal shelter in Massachusetts, dozens of lawmakers and nearly 70 Massachusetts veterinarians.
"Massachusetts voters said dogs matter. We dedicate this victory to those dogs who have died on Massachusetts tracks and also to those who will not have to in the future," said Carter Luke, president of the Massachusetts SPCA.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web humanesociety.org.
