INFAMOUS DOG KILLER DEAD

Jul 01, 2003 - A Lifetime Of Greyhound Killing Comes To An End With The Death Of Robert Rhodes

Tuesday, July 1, 2003 - Lillian, Alabama - Robert Rhodes who admitted to killing as many as 3,000 greyhounds over the last 10 years died Monday at his home in Lillian. Rhodes, 69, who had been in poor health for a number of months was facing a jury trial in September for his roll in the killing of racing dogs for $10 a head at the behest of Florida dog men. Rhodes had said in press interviews that he started killing greyhounds 40 years ago as a youth in South Dakota. Rhodes continued his contract killing business when he moved to Alabama some ten years ago.

"Rhodes will now have to face a different kind of jury," said Greyhound Protection League, President Susan Netboy who has been monitoring the case since it broke in May 2002. "That's at least one dog killer that won't be hurting greyhounds any more."

While Rhodes was the admitted triggerman in the case that was carried by the media nationwide, the Greyhound Protection League has been strongly advocating for the prosecution of other greyhound owners, breeders, haulers and trainers who may also be involved. "We suspect that there are many others, both named and unnamed who were played a roll in the killing," said Netboy. So far, indictments have been handed down to four other defendants whose trials are scheduled for later this year. "We are hoping that Rhodes' death opens the door to vigorous prosecution of other conspirators," concluded Netboy.

The Greyhound Protection League is a national greyhound advocacy organization based in California.

Related press releases at: greyhounds.org.

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