An animal advocacy initiative is focusing on the utilization of greyhound racing at Churchill Downs, a renowned horse racing venue.
The animal welfare group, Grey2K USA, is spearheading the effort, seeking to reveal Churchill Downs as the final significant U.S. corporation still gaining financially from dog racing.
To highlight this practice, Grey2K has established a website, TwinspiresCruelty.org, and a petition on Change.org calling upon the chief executive of Churchill Downs to cease greyhound racing. They are also placing advertisements on Facebook in Kentucky, the location of Churchill Downs, to raise awareness about this matter.
“Should Churchill Downs be genuinely committed to its social responsibility principles, it would discontinue backing an activity that deviates from prevailing American values,” stated Christine A. Dorchak, president and general counsel for Grey2K USA.
Greyhound racing is prohibited in 42 states, with the sole remaining tracks operating in West Virginia.
The sport has been waning in the U.S. for many years, with animal rights proponents denouncing the handling of the dogs. In 2021 alone, there were 627 greyhound injuries documented, encompassing 189 bone fractures.
“Churchill Downs and its subsidiary, TwinSpires, are sustaining the last remnants of an industry accountable for the confinement, demise, and mistreatment of countless dogs,” Dorchak added.
“This avarice is intolerable in today’s progressively compassionate economic climate.”
The public holds a highly unfavorable view of greyhound racing. Legislation to prohibit the practice was recently introduced in the legislature with widespread support from both major political parties. This action mirrors a 2018 survey indicating that 69% of Florida residents desire its permanent termination. Any enterprise engaged in greyhound racing is significantly jeopardizing its standing.
