VETERINARIAN TAKES THE FALL FOR TRACK MANAGEMENT

Nov 18, 2003 - Outraged Greyhound Advocates Call for Citizen Boycott of Naples-Fort Myers Dog Track

Bonita Springs, Florida - A State investigation has ruled that the track bears no responsibility for the suffering endured by two injured greyhounds when the track allowed racing on November 1st with no veterinarian on duty. Plinko Drive's leg was torn off when she ran into the rail; Solitary Hattie suffered a broken leg; both dogs were taken to a shed where they laid in pain for more than an hour before a veterinarian happened on the scene. No effort was made to take the suffering dogs to an off-site emergency clinic. The track vet who was suppose to be on duty for the matinee race card is the sole focus of the investigation in spite of racing regulations which state: "It is the duty of the general manager to ensure that the requirements of rules pertaining to the track veterinarian are strictly complied with."

It is the position of the Greyhound Protection League (GPL), the national greyhound advocacy organization, that filed the complaint with the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering that track management failed both the gambling public and the greyhounds by (1) ignoring a rule requiring that a vet be present at weigh-in to ensure that the day's race dogs were fit to race; (2) by allowing races to be held even though they knew no vet was on the premises to assist with injuries. GPL contends that the afternoon race card should have been cancelled as soon as it was apparent that the track would not be in compliance with requirements ensuring the integrity of racing and the welfare of the racing dogs in its care.

"The blood and suffering of these greyhounds is on the hands of the Naples-Fort Myers dog track," said GPL President, Susan Netboy. "Attempting to pass on sole responsibility to the veterinarian is a travesty and an outrageous dereliction of duty."

The Greyhound Protection League is calling for a citizen boycott of the Bonita Springs track. "Under the circumstances this is the only avenue left to seek justice for these animals, to protect other greyhounds and to force track management to meet its responsibilities to the gambling public," said Netboy.

< back