LETTER TO THE DIVISION OF SPECIAL REVENUE REGARDING THE PLAINFIELD TRACK CLOSING

Apr 29, 2005 - Mr. William Ryan
Assistant Unit Chief
URGENT FAX COMMUNICATION:
860.594.0573
Division of Special Revenue
P.O. Box 310424
Newington, CT 06111

Dear Mr. Ryan:

With the imminent closing of Plainfield Greyhound Park, a thousand Connecticut greyhounds are in immediate danger. Past experience with track closings has demonstrated an urgent need to undertake the following measures to insure the safety of the animals:

An immediate full and accurate accounting of every greyhound (both active and inactive) in the kennel compound.
A "lockdown" of the compound to prevent improper disposal of any greyhound.
Assurance that adequate finances from either the State or the track owner will be set aside for food, veterinary expenses and care-taking for as long as necessary.
Formation of a task force that includes animal welfare advocates to monitor enforcement of humane conditions and to supervise outgoing animals.
Public accountability for the disposition of all greyhounds currently in the compound.

I cannot stress enough the need for ongoing and continued monitoring of the situation in order to prevent the inhumane disposition of dogs that have now become a liability to their caretakers. It is imperative that the persons responsible for benefiting from the dogs for so long be held accountable for their welfare. Since returning the dogs to their owners could result in their disposal, every effort should be made to encourage dog owners to allow the dogs to be adopted out regardless of how long this may take.

It is within your power to insist that the kennel compound remain operative until suitable homes are found for all the dogs. I am confident that this is as important to your agency as it is to the Greyhound Protection League. We look forward to assisting you in any way possible in order to resolve this situation in a responsible and humane manner.

Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can discuss this very urgent matter.

Sincerely Yours,

Melani Nardone,
Greyhound Protection League CT
212.580.0283

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