Greyhound Races Should Be Banned

Twelve thousand racing greyhounds slaughtered in 1995! This appalling statistic was embedded in Renee Tawa’s recent, mostly feel-good article on greyhound rescue and adoption (“A Fast Getaway,” Dec. 5).

Sources outside the racing industry estimate that the figure is probably double that. But putting even 12,000 into perspective, that’s over 30 dogs a day--more than most dog lovers would expect to own in a lifetime. This wanton destruction is absolutely barbaric. How anyone in the greyhound racing industry can sleep with this past and continuing butchery on their consciences is beyond my comprehension.

Also, I take exception to Gary Guccione’s statement that the “vast majority of them are given terrific care.” Being kept in a small cage for 20 hours every day is not terrific. Being denied most human contact and interaction is not terrific. And while the winners can expect good physical care, the losers cannot; racing is a business and no one is going to waste money on a loser.

I laud Joyce McRorie’s rescue and adoption efforts. Each greyhound saved is a treasure; as a rescue group volunteer and owner of three greyhounds, I speak from personal experience. But Ms. McRorie is shoveling against the tide. There is no way that all retired racers can be saved, even with the combined efforts of all rescue groups.

The sensible and humane solution is to end greyhound racing. The Greyhound Protection League is working to do exactly that. You can find out how to help by calling 800 G-HOUNDS.

JOHN TERRELL

San Diego