Today I’d like to post a selection of comments that have come into the blog. I recently wrote about the declining dog racing industry and the work of GREY2K USA, a greyhound protection organization which has helped to shape the debate on dog racing in the past decade:
Hi Michael, I just read your article “Heroes for Greyhounds” in Animals & Politics. I enjoyed it, Michael, it was concise and to the point. I live in a state that has 13 live racing tracks. You mentioned the number of injuries suffered by the racing greyhounds in Massachusetts at just two tracks. It is distressing to imagine how many racing dogs are being injured and killed at the 13 tracks in Florida. GREY2K USA has advocated record-keeping in Florida and will be legislatively seeking its approval. When we get record-keeping in place, it will heighten public awareness and help speed up the demise of this anachronistic industry.—Kathy P.
Thank you so much for this article—this is a subject especially near and dear to my heart. I have been involved with greyhound rescue and adoption since 1997 with an Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin group, Greyhounds Only Adoption and Rescue. Before adopting my first greyhound in 1997, I did not know of the atrocities associated with this industry and since learning, I have worked to make people aware and promote adoption of these wonderful animals. Thank you for helping with this cause (as with all the animal issues).—Mary R.
We are badly in need of legislation in Arizona for the welfare of our animals. Arizona has very few laws on the books for the protection of the greyhound. Everyone I talk to here in Tucson acts like they are afraid to get legislation on the books. We need to get the dog tracks shut down SOON.—Shirley B.
With our recent kick-off meetings in Missouri to place the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act on the November 2010 statewide ballot, advocates have expressed their enthusiasm and support for cracking down on abusive puppy mills:
How can anyone look at these beautiful puppies and treat them inhumanely? I am praying for the pain to stop.—Cecile J.
I attended the kick-off meeting today in St. Louis. I really enjoyed your speech. You are a very inspirational speaker. I am eager to get started on this initiative! Thanks!—Lisa R.
We need to get the legislature to pass a law about puppy mills and the bad treatment they are receiving. They need health care, a place to play and run, good food and water to drink, a warm place to sleep at night when it's cold, and a cool place to sleep during the summer. I don't like hearing about the abuse of animals, the owners need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent.—Terri M.
We’ve also received feedback in response to my post highlighting recent acts of kindness for animals in Haiti and here at home:
Hi Mike: This is good to hear, but what about saving cats?—Carolyn
Thanks for your question, Carolyn. We’re working to help all animals in Haiti. I have five cats of my own—Georgia, Lexi, Mario, Misty, and Oliver—and it’s a cause close to my heart. One recent effort I’m very proud of is The Humane Society of the United States’ work to save the feral cats on San Nicolas Island. Click here to read about these rescued cats and their brand-new shelter at The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center.
The Haiti earthquake is devastating, but honestly, after hearing the news and thinking of the people, the NEXT thing I thought of was the animals. If I didn't have to make money to pay bills, or if I was rich, I'd get on a plane with one of the rescue groups and go to help the animals, and to build a humane infrastructure. The animals are always the worst to suffer and the last to receive help or consideration.—Dyan K.
Thank you all for submitting these comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals.
