Full Version: PR or AR
What are you? and Why?
We had a really good discussion on this a long time ago. But when ideas get out of hand, good things come to an end. Therefore, my stated reasons are simple. I dont know enough to make a good judgement on the issue in general. There are good things and bad things in racing. The racing industry seems to be trying to govern itself and to do right by the hounds. There are always going to be some who wont care one ounce for the hounds. I choose to do my part in helping my adoption group whenever I can. I choose to advocate, communicate and educate about the hounds to the generally well meaning public. And I choose to open my mouth and scream bloody murder if it will help with an injustice to the hounds. There will always be a hound to help. I choose to remain neutral.
I voted Neutral because I don't have strong feelings about it either way. It seems if you're PR, you are VERY PR and if AR, you're VERY AR. Can't say that I'm either. All of my experiences with racing people have been positive, from the FTH group to the trainer I ran across in Colorado Springs. We'd gone over there to adopt a couple of greys and he came in... asking the coordinator if his little girl had been adopted. He shuffled out, head down, when it turned out we hadn't adopted her... As in any human/animal business relationship, there's good ones and there's bad ones. When I transport, I sometimes have to deal with some strong AR types. I'd prefer to see them direct their energy towards attacking puppy mills of other breeds. 
I voted nuetral because yeah, I like to go see them run once in a while, but I don't have to go see them. I would like to see them more than I have, but it's not the same as the need for say air or food! 
I am PR and proud of it.
PR 100%!! I love to watch the greyhound races, and not only greyhound races I love watching the horse races, the sport of Kings. I love horse racing any kind, including the Steeplechase. These animals, horses and greyhounds have grace, style and speed. They are true athletes, that don't complain about lack of money, demanding increase in pay, don't get arrested for drugs, DUIs, involved in shootings, they don't start fights in the stands with the crowd, they don't curse. They were born to run and they love it. May be the human sport athletes need to learn a few lessons from our animal athletes. 
I think these labels have done nothing but harm to greyhounds. If I ran the show, that would be the first thing to go.
Jenna
Jenna
I am AR. I do not like greyhound racing, treatment of the greyhounds, and when the greyhounds are no longer profitable for the owner, they are killed or sent off to labs to be tortured or they pay a hauler to dispose of them.
I have gone from thinking AR then being Neutral but after seeing the videos of Paisley and watching my boy run (in fenced area) I can't deny they love to run. I still am not nor will I ever be a gambler. Why can't we get the idea that the industry itself is not the problem. A few bad apples spoil the whole bushel and they need to be dealt with accordingly not get rid of the whole industry. If AR people spent as much time helping to make the industry better as they do trying to take away these people's livelihood maybe it would be the industry we would all like it to be.
JMHO,
Tara
I'll sit down and duct tape my mouth shut now!
JMHO,
Tara
I'll sit down and duct tape my mouth shut now!
| QUOTE (greytdog @ May 15 2007, 06:55 AM) |
| If AR people spent as much time helping to make the industry better as they do trying to take away these people's livelihood maybe it would be the industry we would all like it to be. JMHO, Tara I'll sit down and duct tape my mouth shut now! |
Send some duct tape over my way too!
That's a great thought but I'm not sure the AR's "help" would exactly be welcome in that area. If it was, they would probably be setting up shop right there with them.
Jenna
Why are AR people so AR? Is it the idea of using animals to make money in general, which would mean they are working just as hard to ban horse racing, dog shows (winner of the Westminster Kennel Club show won $50,000)? Is it the treatment of the dogs (than work within the system to make people more acountable)? I just don't understand why the are soooo AR. If I was in the racing industry and relied on it for my income I would not welcome the help of people hell bent on eliminating it either.
Again just my thoughts.
Tara
Again just my thoughts.
Tara
I'm neutral, I have seen some of the bad BUT I have seen an awful lot of good. If we could get rid of the bad apples I'd be PR all the way.
| QUOTE (greytdog @ May 16 2007, 07:38 AM) |
| Why are AR people so AR? |
Most AR simply don't like the fact that some dogs are killed when they are done racing. Of course we can debate the actual number killed adnauseam but the fact is dogs are killed and some people just don't like that.
I am most definitely PR. I work at a race track and I race train and race greyhounds myself. I also keep all my old dogs and currently have 13 retired greyhounds as well as 5 raceable greyhounds.
QUOTE (FFR @ May 17 2007, 09:16 PM)
| QUOTE (greytdog @ May 16 2007, 07:38 AM) |
| Why are AR people so AR? |
Most AR simply don't like the fact that some dogs are killed when they are done racing. Of course we can debate the actual number killed adnauseam but the fact is dogs are killed and some people just don't like that.
This is one reason I am AR. All the poor dogs that are killed each year because they didn't make it in racing. It's very sad.
"Work the problem" not slander an entire industry that has ALOT of very good, hard-working, caring people who rely on it for their income.
Tara
Tara
QUOTE (allforgreys @ May 18 2007, 01:55 PM)
| QUOTE (FFR @ May 17 2007, 09:16 PM) | ||
Most AR simply don't like the fact that some dogs are killed when they are done racing. Of course we can debate the actual number killed adnauseam but the fact is dogs are killed and some people just don't like that. |
This is one reason I am AR. All the poor dogs that are killed each year because they didn't make it in racing. It's very sad.
So do you hold that same set of beliefs for the rest of your life?? Do you eat meat? Wear any leather? Do you lobby against the millions and millions of unwanted pets put down every year?
And you don't actually think that "the poor dogs that are killed each year" is BECAUSE "they didn't make it racing", do you??
Just an observation but I don't think it is possible for one person to lobby against all the millions and millions of animals being put down. They would have to address each issue seperately and would never be able to handle them all. So does that mean nobody should ever speak out about something they don't feel is right?
Jenna
Jenna
QUOTE (prefontaine @ May 19 2007, 09:09 AM)
| QUOTE (allforgreys @ May 18 2007, 01:55 PM) | ||
| QUOTE (FFR @ May 17 2007, 09:16 PM)
Most AR simply don't like the fact that some dogs are killed when they are done racing. Of course we can debate the actual number killed adnauseam but the fact is dogs are killed and some people just don't like that. |
This is one reason I am AR. All the poor dogs that are killed each year because they didn't make it in racing. It's very sad.
So do you hold that same set of beliefs for the rest of your life?? Do you eat meat? Wear any leather? Do you lobby against the millions and millions of unwanted pets put down every year?
And you don't actually think that "the poor dogs that are killed each year" is BECAUSE "they didn't make it racing", do you??
No, I am a vegeterian. No meat, I don't buy anything that is made out of animal. I dontate money to peta every year to save the animals and I also donate to other animal charities.
I think I do my part how bout you? Plus, it is really none of your business. You don't know me.
| QUOTE (greytdog @ May 19 2007, 07:07 AM) |
| "Work the problem" not slander an entire industry that has ALOT of very good, hard-working, caring people who rely on it for their income. Tara |
Okay, just to play devil's advocate, wouldn't PETA be considered an industry with a lot of good, hard working, caring people who rely on their salary for income too? What is the difference between slandering them and slandering the racing industry? They have both made some great accomplishments and they both have some bad history as well.
BTW, I am not a PETA supporter.
Jenna
We can argue semantics all day if you would like, I have nothing better to do LOL but I think we go around the same circle. I am not slandering PETA the court cases are a matter of public record. I know so are some of the racing disasters. But just like I think those in PETA should be punished I feel that way about those who misuse/abuse greys in any manner. There MUST be responsibility for EVERYONE's actions but that doesn't mean we have the right to ban something just because we don't agree with it. "WORK THE PROBLEM".
I am glad you stand for your convictions allforgreys but just as we know nothing about you (as you said it is none of our business), you know nothing about me either and I somehow get the idea that you are not willing to listen to the other side and that will always be a shame because I think we can all learn a lot from each other.
I am glad you stand for your convictions allforgreys but just as we know nothing about you (as you said it is none of our business), you know nothing about me either and I somehow get the idea that you are not willing to listen to the other side and that will always be a shame because I think we can all learn a lot from each other.
| QUOTE (allforgreys @ May 19 2007, 09:46 PM) |
| No, I am a vegeterian. No meat, I don't buy anything that is made out of animal. I dontate money to peta every year to save the animals and I also donate to other animal charities. I think I do my part how bout you? Plus, it is really none of your business. You don't know me. |
I am glad you live your life true to your convictions. VERY few people do that. But you say it is none of our (or MY) business. So...what part of your thoughts and beliefs ARE part of our business? Just the ones you wish to put upon us? Do you advocate arguing a topic completely out of context?
Jenna and Tara, good last 2 posts. Jenna, I typically don't argue the "human benefit" side of greyhound racing. You can make the point that there was also a lot of folks relying on the slave trade for their paycheck, or that folks that worked in the Nazi death camps needed a wage also. I tend to align my beliefs with the future and betterment of the breed of working greyhounds that exists in our country, and the preservation of such. Anything that detracts from that, from animal "rights" activists to those that abuse a greyhound (whether in racing OR in a home), is fair game.
Now I do tend to feel strongly about the misinformation and flat out LIES spread by groups such as PETA and the HSUS. These groups make their fortune-yes, fortune-taking away from others, and denying the rights of the American public, that is often gullible enough to bellieve whatever they read. They make VERY little contribution to the lives of the animals they use as poster children to further their agenda.
It might be better to address the lies than convince people about what little the whole group does for animals. I have heard people say PETA is awful because they don't want us to have any animals. That's not a real big concern (to me at least) because it is just plain impossible for that to happen. But when we hear about some dog being left on a chain in his backyard and nothing can be done to help him, those same people who hate PETA suggest calling them as a last resort. I makes you wonder if PETA were to vanish off the face of this earth, who would take over that one important function of uncovering and dealing with the real abuse? It doesn't take a lot of effort to look at all the things they have done and seperate the good from the bad. Even though they pick on greyhound racing and act like lunatics, I wouldn't say they haven't made a difference for a lot of other helpless animals.
Maybe this should be a seperate topic. Do you think it would fire people up?
Jenn
Maybe this should be a seperate topic. Do you think it would fire people up?
Jenn
Oops, that was me.
| QUOTE (Guest @ May 21 2007, 06:45 PM) |
| It might be better to address the lies than convince people about what little the whole group does for animals. I have heard people say PETA is awful because they don't want us to have any animals. That's not a real big concern (to me at least) because it is just plain impossible for that to happen. But when we hear about some dog being left on a chain in his backyard and nothing can be done to help him, those same people who hate PETA suggest calling them as a last resort. I makes you wonder if PETA were to vanish off the face of this earth, who would take over that one important function of uncovering and dealing with the real abuse? It doesn't take a lot of effort to look at all the things they have done and seperate the good from the bad. Even though they pick on greyhound racing and act like lunatics, I wouldn't say they haven't made a difference for a lot of other helpless animals. Maybe this should be a seperate topic. Do you think it would fire people up? Jenn |
Yes, a seperate topic would be good to debate this is you all want.
| QUOTE (Guest @ May 21 2007, 05:45 PM) |
| It might be better to address the lies than convince people about what little the whole group does for animals. I have heard people say PETA is awful because they don't want us to have any animals. That's not a real big concern (to me at least) because it is just plain impossible for that to happen. But when we hear about some dog being left on a chain in his backyard and nothing can be done to help him, those same people who hate PETA suggest calling them as a last resort. I makes you wonder if PETA were to vanish off the face of this earth, who would take over that one important function of uncovering and dealing with the real abuse? It doesn't take a lot of effort to look at all the things they have done and seperate the good from the bad. Even though they pick on greyhound racing and act like lunatics, I wouldn't say they haven't made a difference for a lot of other helpless animals. Maybe this should be a seperate topic. Do you think it would fire people up? Jenn |
I'm ready, babe. New topic-Animal Activists, those who love them, and those with brains...
No seriously, start a new one and I am there.
QUOTE (prefontaine @ May 21 2007, 09:16 PM)
| QUOTE (Guest @ May 21 2007, 05:45 PM) |
| Maybe this should be a seperate topic. Do you think it would fire people up? Jenn |
I'm ready, babe. New topic-Animal Activists, those who love them, and those with brains...
No seriously, start a new one and I am there.I don't have the energy. I need to go smack a few penguins first.
Jenna
I was just going to read everyone's oppinions but after PETA was mentioned I can't be quiet.
Let me give you an example of just how far some PETA people will go to help an animal: Went on a service call for a lady who lost power in 2/3s of her townhouse. When we walked in oh boy did it smell like there was pee everywhere. The second thing I noticed was the noise above my head. There were critters running back and forth in the ceiling!
What the heck is that???? Oh, well we have mice in the house. I keep catching them in the live traps and I turn them loose outside but they just keep coming back in. At this very point I looked at my hubby and said, This is a lost cause! The mice were running around in the space between the floors eating up the wiring. So I told her this. We can fix your wiring problem but it is just going to keep happening. She wanted to know why. So I told her this: If you keep letting the mice back in they are going to keep chewing up your wiring. I know you catch them and turn them loose outside but lady you are probably killing just as many. Do you think they survive after chewing on electrical wire tripping your circuits? The girl actually started to cry!
Good grief! Needless to say we left without fixing a thing!
Peta who just got busted and left off way too easy for KILLING dogs and cats and dumping them in the trash. The very same people who where administering drugs in a state they were not licensed to. Yep, I know them and don't like them only because they are a bunch of hypocrit's!
Ok, now I will shut up and just read
Bobbi
Let me give you an example of just how far some PETA people will go to help an animal: Went on a service call for a lady who lost power in 2/3s of her townhouse. When we walked in oh boy did it smell like there was pee everywhere. The second thing I noticed was the noise above my head. There were critters running back and forth in the ceiling!
What the heck is that???? Oh, well we have mice in the house. I keep catching them in the live traps and I turn them loose outside but they just keep coming back in. At this very point I looked at my hubby and said, This is a lost cause! The mice were running around in the space between the floors eating up the wiring. So I told her this. We can fix your wiring problem but it is just going to keep happening. She wanted to know why. So I told her this: If you keep letting the mice back in they are going to keep chewing up your wiring. I know you catch them and turn them loose outside but lady you are probably killing just as many. Do you think they survive after chewing on electrical wire tripping your circuits? The girl actually started to cry!Good grief! Needless to say we left without fixing a thing!
Peta who just got busted and left off way too easy for KILLING dogs and cats and dumping them in the trash. The very same people who where administering drugs in a state they were not licensed to. Yep, I know them and don't like them only because they are a bunch of hypocrit's!
Ok, now I will shut up and just read
Bobbi
| QUOTE |
| KILLING dogs and cats and dumping them in the trash. |
This is one of the main reasons people have trouble supporting greyhound racing as well. Either you accept it as part of the business (i.e. bad and good in everything) and hope that things get better or you judge the whole group by the actions of a few.
Jenna
Oh no not PETA. I will never support them, they are so "out there". They don't want anyone having a pet. I don't eat red meat, but I do love chicken, turkey and seafood, your body needs protein. I don't wear fur but, I do have leather high heels and work boots for work of course and a leather purse. If they lighten up a bit and acted a little more "normal", people may be interested in helping them, most people think they all "nuts".
A little off topic but I always get a chuckle when I'm at the grocery store and see the cage free eggs nearly all bought up while the other brands get passed over. It kind of renews my faith in humanity to think that most of us will spend a little more for our fellow chickens to kick up some dirt now and then. I just hope we aren't all being had.
Jenna
Jenna
i don't think i really need to announce how i voted!
something i find interesting about some AR people is that one reason for being AR is because they stay in crates, but the same people who don't like this have dogs of their own that they crate during the day while they go off to work for 8 or 10 hours!
something i find interesting about some AR people is that one reason for being AR is because they stay in crates, but the same people who don't like this have dogs of their own that they crate during the day while they go off to work for 8 or 10 hours!
| QUOTE (Patricia @ Jun 14 2007, 07:38 PM) |
| I don't eat red meat, but I do love chicken, turkey and seafood, your body needs protein. I don't wear fur but, I do have leather high heels and work boots for work of course and a leather purse. |
kinda sounds like me.. i'm a pesco-vegetarian (i eat seafood) but no other kinds of meat, i don't use animal tested products, but boy do i love my birkenstocks that are made with leather! (no leather purse though, i think i'd look funny with one of those things over my shoulders) i buy cage free eggs, but in reality that just means there are chickens packed into a warehouse with hardly any room to walk, i eat jell-o and i don't even need to say how gelatin is made
Pick and choose your battles sums it up i guess!
QUOTE (Jenna @ Jun 14 2007, 06:27 PM)
| QUOTE |
| KILLING dogs and cats and dumping them in the trash. |
This is one of the main reasons people have trouble supporting greyhound racing as well. Either you accept it as part of the business (i.e. bad and good in everything) and hope that things get better or you judge the whole group by the actions of a few.
Jenna
Ahh, Jenna, but therein lies the difference. PETA makes claims to be in the business if protecting animals. That is their sole job. Protect animals, protect animals, protect animals!!! Then we found out that they are actually taking animals in and killing and dumping 90% of them. Hmmm, I thought they were supposed to be protecting those very animals!? So not only are they fringe kooks, they don't even abide by their OWN ridiculous standards. See, greyhound racing does NOT make claims that their number one goal is animal protection. The funny thing is that most of the AR's are also huge supporters of PETA and the HSUS. Well I guess the NGA should just change it's mission statement to "Protecting Greyhounds Nationwide", and then those PETA supporters would love them!!
| QUOTE (Redstripe @ Jun 15 2007, 05:42 AM) |
| kinda sounds like me.. i'm a pesco-vegetarian (i eat seafood)... |
No Hannah, I think you have that term wrong. You are a PESKY-vegetarian, not pesco-vegetarian!!
QUOTE (prefontaine @ Jun 15 2007, 05:55 AM)
| QUOTE (Jenna @ Jun 14 2007, 06:27 PM) | ||
This is one of the main reasons people have trouble supporting greyhound racing as well. Either you accept it as part of the business (i.e. bad and good in everything) and hope that things get better or you judge the whole group by the actions of a few. Jenna |
Ahh, Jenna, but therein lies the difference. PETA makes claims to be in the business if protecting animals. That is their sole job. Protect animals, protect animals, protect animals!!! Then we found out that they are actually taking animals in and killing and dumping 90% of them. Hmmm, I thought they were supposed to be protecting those very animals!? So not only are they fringe kooks, they don't even abide by their OWN ridiculous standards. See, greyhound racing does NOT make claims that their number one goal is animal protection. The funny thing is that most of the AR's are also huge supporters of PETA and the HSUS. Well I guess the NGA should just change it's mission statement to "Protecting Greyhounds Nationwide", and then those PETA supporters would love them!!
You don't have to be in the business of protecting animals to be expected to treat them humanely. Regardless, my point was about judging an entire group by the actions of a few.
Jenna
Correct me if I am wrong, I heard that the gelatin in jell-o is made from horses. I really don't know, never been a big fan of jell-o.
QUOTE (prefontaine @ Jun 15 2007, 05:57 AM)
| QUOTE (Redstripe @ Jun 15 2007, 05:42 AM) |
| kinda sounds like me.. i'm a pesco-vegetarian (i eat seafood)... |
No Hannah, I think you have that term wrong. You are a PESKY-vegetarian, not pesco-vegetarian!!
well, since i can't type what i just said
| QUOTE (Patricia @ Jun 15 2007, 01:21 PM) |
| Correct me if I am wrong, I heard that the gelatin in jell-o is made from horses. I really don't know, never been a big fan of jell-o. |
Gelatin (US spelling) or gelatine (British spelling) (used to make Jell-o and other desserts) is made from the boiled bones, skins and tendons of animals
Does Bill Cosby know this? lol
Jenna
Jenna
| QUOTE (ibghcrazy @ Jun 14 2007, 11:09 AM) |
| What the heck is that???? Oh, well we have mice in the house. I keep catching them in the live traps and I turn them loose outside but they just keep coming back in. At this very point I looked at my hubby and said, This is a lost cause! The mice were running around in the space between the floors eating up the wiring. So I told her this. We can fix your wiring problem but it is just going to keep happening. She wanted to know why. So I told her this: If you keep letting the mice back in they are going to keep chewing up your wiring. I know you catch them and turn them loose outside but lady you are probably killing just as many. Do you think they survive after chewing on electrical wire tripping your circuits? The girl actually started to cry! Good grief! Needless to say we left without fixing a thing! |
if this situation ever rises again you can tell them to soak cotton balls or even rags in peppermint oil and place them randomly throughout and it will make the rats leave! rats don't like peppermint, its a natural way to get rid of rats w/o using poisons or killing the lil' guys
(btw: nice to have you you here!)
Thanks Hanna! It's nice to be here
As far as that lady goes and her rodent problems. Them critters can chew down her entire house. No matter what advice I gave her it wasn't good enough.
As far as that lady goes and her rodent problems. Them critters can chew down her entire house. No matter what advice I gave her it wasn't good enough.
| QUOTE (Jenna @ Jun 15 2007, 11:53 AM) |
| This is one of the main reasons people have trouble supporting greyhound racing as well. Either you accept it as part of the business (i.e. bad and good in everything) and hope that things get better or you judge the whole group by the actions of a few. Jenna |
I agree with Jenna, although I don't care for PETA, I'm sure there are good, hardworking members who are shocked when they find out what is really going on. My problem is when they denounce racing but think is't okay for them to do the same thing they accuse racing of doing. And most people look the other way because they think no one in PETA would do such a thing, but have no problem accepting PETA's word about us as gospel truth.
Denise
I'm none of the above.
I don't oppose racing in that, these dogs were born to run. The problem with racing that I have is what happens to the dogs after racing and that people are making money off the dogs. I'm not a big gambler and I don't bet on animals. If all these dogs were someone's pet and got to sleep in the owner's house in their bed and then go race for fun, I am all for that! I'm not a big fan of horse racing either.
I don't oppose racing in that, these dogs were born to run. The problem with racing that I have is what happens to the dogs after racing and that people are making money off the dogs. I'm not a big gambler and I don't bet on animals. If all these dogs were someone's pet and got to sleep in the owner's house in their bed and then go race for fun, I am all for that! I'm not a big fan of horse racing either.
Well, I'm coming in on this a little late, but since so far my opinion is probably the furthest out, I thought, what the heck! Stick a target on me! 
I'm a vegan: no animal products around, on, or in me at any time (well, I swallow my own spit from time to time, if you wanna count that! ). I don't get in fights with my non-vegan friends, family or aquaintances because I feel it's something you're moved to do or not. I will discuss it, though, when asked.
I would be sad not to share my life with animals. They have always been the best part of my life, no doubt about it, and they've contributed to my being a better person. I am WELL aware that lots of folks feel that animals are "Just" fill-in-the-blank; not fellow-creatures, with no or inferior rights, but rather things more or less convenient (edible, petable, useable as guards or accessories, etc.).
All that said, in a perfect universe (that would be the one *I* design! ), animals would have the choice to reproduce how and where they want, to live with us or not, but not to have to serve us, feed us, entertain us against their own wills, etc.. Turf wars would be inevitable, but they would be addressed compassionately, with a willingness to compromise on the part of humans.
All THAT said, I'm also a realist. Well, kinda! So, I'll hold onto my dream, and just work for welfare, for compassion, for respect, and responsibility wherever I can, while living as consistantly as I can.
*Breathing a sigh that my dream hasn't come true just yet, I'll now go hug my animal companions!!*
I'm a vegan: no animal products around, on, or in me at any time (well, I swallow my own spit from time to time, if you wanna count that!
). I don't get in fights with my non-vegan friends, family or aquaintances because I feel it's something you're moved to do or not. I will discuss it, though, when asked.I would be sad not to share my life with animals. They have always been the best part of my life, no doubt about it, and they've contributed to my being a better person. I am WELL aware that lots of folks feel that animals are "Just" fill-in-the-blank; not fellow-creatures, with no or inferior rights, but rather things more or less convenient (edible, petable, useable as guards or accessories, etc.).
All that said, in a perfect universe (that would be the one *I* design!
), animals would have the choice to reproduce how and where they want, to live with us or not, but not to have to serve us, feed us, entertain us against their own wills, etc.. Turf wars would be inevitable, but they would be addressed compassionately, with a willingness to compromise on the part of humans.All THAT said, I'm also a realist. Well, kinda!
So, I'll hold onto my dream, and just work for welfare, for compassion, for respect, and responsibility wherever I can, while living as consistantly as I can.*Breathing a sigh that my dream hasn't come true just yet, I'll now go hug my animal companions!!*
I voted PR, and thought I'd post a little about why.
I'm looking at greyhound racing from the perspective of someone who's involved in animal rescue (I'm on the BOD of a no-kill cat shelter). And from where I'm sitting, responsible breeding and pet ownership are ultimately the answer to pet overpopulation.
Yes, responsible breeding. The racing industry promotes the breeding of healthy dogs with much consideration as to the health of the offspring, and a large percentage of people within the industry - from breeders to trainers to lead-outs - work with adoption groups to make sure that the dogs have permanent loving homes upon retirement. Other pure-bred dog rescues WISH they had it so good.
No, there is not 100% adoption rate. But there is significant progress towards that goal.
And I think it's a great example of what can be accomplished -- healthy dogs getting to do the job they were bred for, maintaining a solid genetic base for the long-term health of the breed, and spayed or neutered retirees being placed in homes.
-Shalea
I'm looking at greyhound racing from the perspective of someone who's involved in animal rescue (I'm on the BOD of a no-kill cat shelter). And from where I'm sitting, responsible breeding and pet ownership are ultimately the answer to pet overpopulation.
Yes, responsible breeding. The racing industry promotes the breeding of healthy dogs with much consideration as to the health of the offspring, and a large percentage of people within the industry - from breeders to trainers to lead-outs - work with adoption groups to make sure that the dogs have permanent loving homes upon retirement. Other pure-bred dog rescues WISH they had it so good.
No, there is not 100% adoption rate. But there is significant progress towards that goal.
And I think it's a great example of what can be accomplished -- healthy dogs getting to do the job they were bred for, maintaining a solid genetic base for the long-term health of the breed, and spayed or neutered retirees being placed in homes.
-Shalea
well said shalea.
I work with many owners, trainers, and breeders on a daily basis. Some of them have done more for adoption, than you can imagine. I have had trainers drive from Florida to New Jersey to drop off adoption dogs on their day off. They have walked into the kennel and pointed out every dog that was under their care. Those dogs stood up in their kennels and went nuts. Licking and jumping on their former trainer. I have seen a trainer bring his daughter on a haul because we had her favorite greyhound from their racing kennel in our program. I watched her and that greyhound love on each other and she cried. I know owners that not only donate to adoption, but will even vet their adoptable greyhounds before sending them. I know breeders that want to be in contact with the adopters of their greyhounds, as well as owners and trainers. These are the stories that don't make the news or the AR boards.
I am not saying that everything is perfect. However, it is the people that hate without any hands on knowledge that burn me up. If you are getting your industry awareness from an AR group, then your knowledge is extremely limited. How many AR people have ever been to a track or farm? Had a conversation with someone within the industry? Have seen first hand the loving and caring relationship people in the industry have with their greyhounds?
Yes, the bad apples should be thrown out of the industry. However, don't condem everyone for the few.
I am not saying that everything is perfect. However, it is the people that hate without any hands on knowledge that burn me up. If you are getting your industry awareness from an AR group, then your knowledge is extremely limited. How many AR people have ever been to a track or farm? Had a conversation with someone within the industry? Have seen first hand the loving and caring relationship people in the industry have with their greyhounds?
Yes, the bad apples should be thrown out of the industry. However, don't condem everyone for the few.
| QUOTE (Xan @ Jun 18 2007, 02:27 PM) |
| All that said, in a perfect universe (that would be the one *I* design! ), animals would have the choice to reproduce how and where they want, to live with us or not, but not to have to serve us, feed us, entertain us against their own wills, etc.. Turf wars would be inevitable, but they would be addressed compassionately, with a willingness to compromise on the part of humans. |
So when the packs of wild dogs roaming the neighborhood have finished off all the now feral cats and have started on the small children we should compromise how...?
I'm cross posting this because I read the article on greyhound racing and responded before I got to the poll. So, if you already read this, just move along, nothing to see here...
When I first started doing my months and months of research about greyhounds prior to ever owning, I came across TONS of this kind of stuff. Imagine my surprise when I finally found a couple greyhound discussion boards (months after finally getting two rascally greyhound pups), that not everyone was rabidly anti-racing. In fact, there were a bunch of racing kennel folks on these boards. And I noticed that a vast majority of people writing these anti-racing articles/diatribes didn't have hounds themselves, or at least they never mentioned having rescued any personally.
I don't live anywhere near a track, or in a state where they have racing, so I have absolutely no first hand experience with the sport, but I do have a couple suspicions about it as a whole. One is that, yeah, there are probably a few complete a$$holes out there that don't care about the safety and wellbeing of the animals, that to them the dogs are just a commodity, and that two, there are a lot of folks in the industry who love and care about these incredible animals and want to see the sport be the best it can be.
If anyone reading this has read my post about sled dog racing in Alaska, then you know I'm a proponent of competitive sports with dogs. I just believe that because we have the big brains and the opposable thumbs it's our responsibility to do it right.
When I first started doing my months and months of research about greyhounds prior to ever owning, I came across TONS of this kind of stuff. Imagine my surprise when I finally found a couple greyhound discussion boards (months after finally getting two rascally greyhound pups), that not everyone was rabidly anti-racing. In fact, there were a bunch of racing kennel folks on these boards. And I noticed that a vast majority of people writing these anti-racing articles/diatribes didn't have hounds themselves, or at least they never mentioned having rescued any personally.
I don't live anywhere near a track, or in a state where they have racing, so I have absolutely no first hand experience with the sport, but I do have a couple suspicions about it as a whole. One is that, yeah, there are probably a few complete a$$holes out there that don't care about the safety and wellbeing of the animals, that to them the dogs are just a commodity, and that two, there are a lot of folks in the industry who love and care about these incredible animals and want to see the sport be the best it can be.
If anyone reading this has read my post about sled dog racing in Alaska, then you know I'm a proponent of competitive sports with dogs. I just believe that because we have the big brains and the opposable thumbs it's our responsibility to do it right.