TRI STATE DOG TRACK TAKES ACTION AGAINST LICENSEE WHOSE GREYHOUNDS DIED IN FIRE

Oct 20, 2005 - Greyhound Protection League Concerned About the Fate of the Dogs

Brooke County – According to the West Virginia Racing Commission, Tri State Gaming Center has suspended the racing privileges of the ZEZ Kennel pending a hearing set for Thursday, October 27th by the Board of Stewards. Ultimately, the State Racing Commission could permanently revoke the West Virginia racing license of ZEZ kennel operator, Edward Zeroski whose greyhounds died in a tragic fire Sunday evening. Consequently, all greyhounds under Zeroski’s ownership will be pulled from the roster and will no longer be able to race at West Virginia dog tracks – basically leaving the dogs homeless.

“While this action may serve to remove one bad apple from Tri State’s barrel, it also puts even more greyhounds in jeopardy,” said Greyhound Protection League President, Susan Netboy. “Our concern is what is going to happen to the greyhounds?”

GPL wants assurances that every ZEZ dog has a safe place to go and will be well cared for. “We don’t want to see this tragedy compounded,” said Netboy.

Netboy says that the reason that the 73 greyhounds that died were on the Zeroski property to begin with was because he was forced to remove them from Florida dog tracks that didn’t see fit to put the dogs into their adoption programs. She also points out that prior to the fire, Zeroski was making a concerted effort to find adoption groups that would take in the dogs. “He didn’t get adequate help because there is a nationwide greyhound over-breeding problem in this country. Rescue groups just can’t handle it all,” said Netboy.

“We need to remember that there are still dozens of greyhounds in another kennel building at the Girtys Point facility that need to be feed and cared for. As Zeroski’s financial situation deteriorates, it’s the greyhounds who are going to suffer,” said Netboy. “At this point, our focus is not punitive action but rather, the welfare of the living dogs.”

GPL will turn its attention to contacting adoption groups that can help rescue the ZEZ greyhounds and developing a legislative package that will provide for safe, regulated kenneling facilities at West Virginia greyhound farms.

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