| Greyhound Protection League
home GPL REQUESTS INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH HAULJun 25, 2005 - Geoffrey Gonsher, Director Dear Mr. Gonsher, As you know, the Greyhound Protection League played a role in exposing circumstances leading to the deaths of the eight Arizona racing greyhounds that died while being transported by kennel operator Jesse Burgess on June 22nd 2005. Although a great deal of information came our way regarding the haul from Tucson Greyhound Park to Juarez, there are still many unanswered questions. In the interest of preventing future errors in judgement, I herein respectfully request that the Arizona Department of Racing (ADOR) open a formal investigation into the unnecessary deaths of these greyhounds so that a full picture of what led to this tragedy will come to light. The Greyhound Protection League is interested in obtaining the following information: 1. In addition to Mr. Burgess, who else participated and/or witnessed the loading of the 35 greyhounds into the ten-hole trailer at the Tucson kennel compound? 2. Who accompanied Mr. Burgess on this trip to Mexico? 3. Has your Department confirmed allegations that Director of Racing, David Romo, and Assistant Racing Secretary, Aaron Larriva, took part in loading the dogs into the trailer? 4. What actions would be taken by the ADOR against Tucson Greyhound Park racing officials who participate in acts of gross negligence? 5. Since Mr. Burgess was hauling greyhounds from several different kennels; one can assume that he was acting on behalf of others. What is the name of individual or entity that ordered and paid Mr. Burgess to haul the dogs to Mexico? 6. Where were the bodies of the dead greyhounds disposed of? 7. What are the racing names and ages of the dead dogs? 9. What are the names of the owners of the dead greyhounds? 10. Can you provide confirmation that 27 greyhounds survived and that 27 greyhounds arrived at the Juarez dog track? Where are these dogs now? It is likely that although they survived the trip, they will not be competitive. What will happen to them? 11. What are the racing names of the surviving greyhounds? 12. Who are the owners of the surviving greyhounds? 13. Did all of the dog owners give verbal and/or written permission for their greyhounds to be sent to the Juarez track? 14. Does the ADOR have the authority to prevent Arizona race dogs from going to destinations, such as Juarez, where their survival is in jeopardy? 15. Do you have any records (including photographs) related to allegations that Mr. Burgess abandoned his Tucson dog kennel on several occasions? What penalties were imposed? 16. As of 2004, Mr. Burgess was a member of the National Greyhound Association. Therefore, one can conclude that he is also breeding greyhounds in the State of Arizona from his Buckeye, Arizona address. Please forward reports on the Department’s most recent inspection of his dog farm. 17. Can you provide me with a web site address and telephone contact informationfor the Juarez dog track? If there is any way I can assist your investigation, please feel free to be in touch with me at telephone number provided below. I would greatly appreciate your forwarding the results of your investigation via postal service to the address listed above. Thank you for your attention to this very important greyhound welfare matter. Sincerely, Susan Netboy, President |