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7 THIS REPORT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY A GRANT FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organization established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world. The organization was founded by Henry Bergh in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with community outreach and animal health services programs that extend its anti-cruelty mission across the country, it is recognized as a national animal welfare organization. The ASPCA is a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and proud to boast more than 1 million supporters across the country.

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9 TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORT Executive Summary Historical Overview.3 2. Greyhounds Endure Lives of Confinement 4 3. Greyhounds Suffer Serious Injuries.6 4. Many Greyhound Puppies Born in Iowa are Not Accounted For Greyhound Racing is a Dying Industry Other Issues..15 APPENDICES Appendix A: Sample Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Injury Reports Appendix B: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August Appendix C: Wagering Statistics from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Appendix D: Documents Obtained from Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletters.. 75 Appendix E: Related News Reports

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11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There are currently two operational dog tracks in Iowa. This report highlights various humane issues, and also provides evidence on the decline of greyhound racing. After the data is examined, some basic facts emerge: Al raced at both Bluffs Run and Dubuque. Photo by Kim Van Dyke. Confinement At Iowa dog tracks, greyhounds are confined in small cages for hours per day Large greyhounds cannot stand fully erect in dog track cages Greyhound breeders claim that the dogs prefer to be confined Injuries 530 greyhound injuries were reported at Iowa tracks between January 2006 and August 2010 Most reported injuries were serious and 57% involved broken legs Other reported injuries included puncture wounds, fractured skulls and paralysis Hundreds of Greyhound Puppies are Not Accounted For State breeding statistics cannot account for hundreds of greyhound puppies A Dying Industry Gambling on dog racing has declined by more than 95% at Iowa racetracks The racetracks themselves publicly acknowledge that dog racing is no longer viable Greyhound racing only exists because it is subsidized by other forms of gambling These subsidy dollars could be better used to fund non-profit organizations or state programs Greyhound racing has a minimal impact on Iowa s economy Other Issues Cases of greyhound neglect have been documented in Iowa Greyhounds in Iowa are fed meat from diseased animals to reduce costs Greyhounds have died in Iowa while being transported Greyhounds compete in extreme weather conditions Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 1

12 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 2

13 SECTION 1. Historical Overview Greyhound racing was legalized in Iowa in Iowa s first dog track, Dubuque Greyhound Park in Dubuque, opened in A year later, two additional greyhound racetracks opened: Bluffs Run Greyhound Park in Council Bluffs and Waterloo Greyhound Park in Waterloo. 2 Waterloo filed for bankruptcy in 1993 and closed permanently on July 13, In 1995, lawmakers legalized slot machine gambling at these facilities, followed by table games in Both Dubuque and Bluffs Run remain open, and current law requires that they continue to hold greyhound races in order to operate other forms of gambling. In March of 2006, Bluffs Run Greyhound Park renamed itself Horseshoe Council Bluffs, and is currently operated by Harrah s Entertainment. 5 In 2009, Dubuque Greyhound Park renamed itself Mystique. 6 For the purpose of this report, the original track names have been used Greyhound Racing Legalized 1985 Dubuque Greyhound Park Opens 1993 Waterloo files for bankruptcy 1996 Waterloo permanently closes Waterloo and Bluffs Run Greyhound Parks Open 1995 Lawmakers Legalize Slot Machines 2005 Lawmakers Legalize Table Games 1 Mystique, online at (last visited on September 23, 2010). 2 Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, 1985 Annual Report; Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, 1986 Annual Report. 3 O. Kay Henderson, Key lawmaker says no to sports betting, also calls for end of greyhound racing, Radio Iowa, February 5, Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC, Iowa Greyhound Study Final Report, January 7, Horseshoe Council Bluffs, online at (last visited on September 23, 2010). 6 Mystique. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 3

14 SECTION 2. Greyhounds Endure Lives of Confinement At Iowa racetracks, greyhounds live in warehouse-style kennels, in rows of stacked cages. 7 There are approximately kennels at both Bluffs Run and Dubuque Greyhound Park, 8 and these kennels each hold dozens of greyhounds. For example, each kennel at Bluffs Run holds as many as 70 dogs. 9 The cages inside these kennels are generally purchased from companies that specialize in racetrack cages, like G&T Crates, Inc. 10 This is documented photographically by multiple advertisements for racetrack cages published in the Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter. 11 Greyhounds at Iowa racetracks are confined for hours per day Greyhounds are confined perpetually in these cages with two exceptions: 1. A few times per month, greyhounds are removed from their cages and taken to the racetrack, where they compete A few times per day, greyhounds are turned out in a large group and allowed to relieve themselves. According to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, these turn-outs generally amount to a total time of 3-4 hours per day at Bluffs Run Greyhound Park, and a total time of 4-5 hours per day at Dubuque Greyhound Park. 13 Photo of dog track cages, from an advertisement in the Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter. In summary, except on race days greyhounds at Bluffs Run are confined for 20 to 21 hours per day, while greyhounds at Dubuque are confined for 19 to 20 hours per day. Large greyhounds cannot stand fully erect in their cages According to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, greyhound cages at Bluffs Run Greyhound Park measure 30 inches wide, by 32 inches high, by 40 inches deep. 14 At Dubuque Greyhound Park, greyhound cages measure 30 inches wide, by 34 inches high, by 43 inches deep Barbara A. Blake, Executive Officer, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, letter to GREY2K USA dated September 7, Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 Iowa Greyhound Association, advertisement for G&T Crates, Inc., September 2008 newsletter, page Iowa Greyhound Association, advertisement for greyhound cages, June 2008 newsletter, page 8; Iowa Greyhound Association, advertisement for G&T Crates, Inc., September 2008 newsletter, page 19; Iowa Greyhound Association, advertisement for G&T Crates, Inc., March 2005 newsletter, page Iowa Greyhound Association, Greyhound Farming, December 2008 newsletter, page 14 (indicating that a well maintained greyhound can run 3 races a week every 2 weeks ). 13 Jack P. Ketterer, Administrator, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, letter to GREY2K USA dated May 22, Ibid. 15 Ibid. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 4

15 According to the American Greyhound Council, greyhounds stand between 23 inches and 30 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 50 and 85 pounds. 16 Large greyhounds cannot stand fully erect in dog track cages. By contrast, the standard runs used to house large sized dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa are approximately nine times larger than these dog track cages. 17 Photo of a dog track cage, from an advertisement in the Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter Greyhound breeders claim that the dogs prefer to be confined Incredibly, Iowa greyhound breeders claim that their dogs are happy with their lives of confinement. The statement below appeared in a June 2007 Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter, responding to the question, Do they really need a big space? Not at all. In fact, a large amount of space at first is intimidating to these dogs and for that reason we recommend using a kennel for the first few weeks of adjustment. Most of the time during their racing careers is spent in the kennel, being turned out several times a day into a small area to relieve themselves. It is a dogs natural instinct to den and they are quite happy with this arrangement. 18 As a result of their confinement, adopted greyhounds frequently require a period of adjustment Because greyhounds have spent most of their lives in confinement, they frequently require socialization before being adopted as pets. Iowa greyhound adoption advocates have publicly acknowledged this. For example, in 2005 a volunteer with Heartland Greyhound Adoption stated: Most of the dogs have never been in a home before. They might not know how to walk up and down stairs. They have not seen a window, had a pet bed or toys American Greyhound Council, Frequently Asked Questions About Greyhound Pets, online at (last visited on September 13, 2010). 17 Tom L. Colvin, Executive Director, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc., letter to GREY2K USA dated September 2, 2010; Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (comparing the volume of runs used to hold large sized dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa to the volume of racetrack cages in Iowa). 18 Iowa Greyhound Association, Most common questions and answers about greyhounds, June 2007 newsletter, page Renda Lutz, Volunteer owns, fosters greyhounds, Des Moines Register, September 13, Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 5

16 SECTION 3. Greyhounds Suffer Serious Injuries More than 500 greyhound injuries have been reported in Iowa since 2006 Bluffs Run Dubuque Between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2010, 530 greyhound injuries were reported at Iowa racetracks. 20 Of these, 179 were reported at Dubuque Greyhound Park and 351 were reported at Bluffs Run. 21 At Dubuque, an average of 6.39 injuries per month were reported. At Bluffs Run, 6.38 injuries per month were reported. 22 Most reported greyhound injuries were serious The majority of injuries that were reported at Dubuque and Bluffs Run were serious. Specifically, 57% of all injuries were broken legs, and other reported injuries include puncture wounds, fractured skulls and paralysis. 23 In total, 92 greyhound injuries were fatal or required euthanasia. 24 Broken Legs Other Fractures Torn Muscle/Ligament Strain/Pulled Muscle/Ligament Puncture/Laceration/Severed Sprain Types of Injuries Independent of these 92 fatal injuries, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission documented an additional 11 greyhound deaths during this period, including dogs that died from acute cardiac arrest and a hemorrhage. 25 Dislocation/Luxation Nerve Damage/Paralysis/Radial Nerve Paralysis Spinal Injury/Shock/Back Injury/Twisted Neck/Twisted Back Not Provided Other (includes abrasion, bruising, contusion, cramp, dog fight, exertional rhabdomyolysis, lame, rupture, skin degloved, soft tissue injury, swelling) 20 Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Injury and Death Compliance Reports, 2006 to 2010; Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Injury Reports for Almost Honest, October 5, 2007, Superior Time, October 5, 2007, Ale Speedy, July 19, 2008, Taunton, August 27, 2008, Keeper Star Cast, August 30, 2008, Malibu Wanda, April 21, 2009, WP's Champion, May 14, 2009, and Tom's Tweety Bird, May 22, 2009 (For the greyhound Siesta Super Ace, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Injury & Death Compliance Reports indicate the injury occurred on June 28, 2008 but the actual injury date is June 28, 2009 according to an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Injury Report). 21 Ibid. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid. 24 Ibid. 25 Ibid. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 6

17 Injury rates have remained relatively stable Injury rates have remained relatively stable during this period (Partial Year) 2010 Total Bluffs Run Dubuque Injury reports tell the story of greyhounds who suffered and died at Iowa racetracks State injury reports also document individual dogs who suffered and died at Dubuque and Bluffs Run. For example: On May 15, 2010 a greyhound named Xtrem K s Mumbai suffered a severe, open, compound fracture of his right leg and was unable to get up after colliding with another dog in the first turn at Dubuque. He was later euthanized. 26 On March 30, 2010 a greyhound named FF Silver collapsed and died shortly after crossing the finish line at Bluffs Run. 27 On November 20, 2009 a greyhound named Slatex Deal was euthanized after he stumbled out of the starting box, twisted his back, and suffered a spinal cord injury and posterior paralysis at Bluffs Run Ibid. 27 Ibid. 28 Ibid. State Injury Report for Xtrem K s Mumbai, who was euthanized on May 15, 2010 after suffering a severe, open, compound fracture. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 7

18 On October 20, 2009 a greyhound named Ref Rollie stumbled after colliding with other dogs coming out of the gate at Bluffs Run and suffered a broken right leg. 29 On July 25, 2009 a greyhound named WP s Lucas collided with another dog during a race, fell hard, and had to be carried off the track after suffering a broken back and severe cramping at Dubuque. Twenty minutes after the race, he showed no signs of improvement and was euthanized. 30 On May 14, 2009 a greyhound named WP s Champion died instantly on the track when he hit the rail and suffered a crushed skull during a race at Dubuque. 31 Ref Rollie suffering a broken leg, photo from a video feed by Bluffs Run Greyhound Park, 2009 On April 3, 2009 a greyhound named Yo My Missus B suffered a compound fracture of the left leg and had to be euthanized after she fell hard in the first turn. 32 On March 29, 2008 a greyhound named Deal Me a Win was destroyed after suffering compound fractures in both of her front legs when she collided with other dogs in the escape turn at Bluffs Run and cartwheeled head-first. 33 Fatal injury of Yo My Missus B, photo from a video feed by Bluffs Run Greyhound Park, 2009 On October 6, 2007 a greyhound named Keepermayepisode suffered paralysis in her left front leg when she entered the far turn, got squeezed between two other dogs, tripped and fell hard at Bluffs Run Ibid. 30 Ibid. 31 Ibid. 32 Ibid. 33 Ibid. 34 Ibid. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 8

19 On June 16, 2007 a greyhound named Delray Odd Spot was euthanized after the skin was degloved from a large area of the left side of his body at Dubuque. 35 On March 7, 2007 a greyhound named Canon collided with another dog in the escape turn and fell, breaking his right leg during a race at Dubuque. He was subsequently euthanized. 36 On August 5, 2006 a greyhound at Bluffs Run named Slatex Elton suffered spinal nerve damage resulting in posterior instability and was later euthanized. 37 On February 8, 2006 a greyhound named Havana Nights collided with another dog, fell, hit the rail and fractured her skull at Bluffs Run. Vet notes indicate she was dead on arrival. 38 The greyhound racing industry and the adoption community recognize that injuries are a problem Even though greyhound breeders have recently sought to minimize the serious nature of greyhound injuries in Iowa, they have previously acknowledged that injuries are a serious problem. For example, in a 2006 case before the Iowa Supreme Court, attorneys for greyhound breeder Beverly Yates argued that her reputation had been harmed after she complained about injuries at Bluffs Run. 39 According to news reports, Yates saw a high number of injuries and deaths involving her dogs in 1999 and The Court ruled against Yates, finding that there was insufficient medical evidence to show the condition of the track contributed to the dogs injuries. 40 Similarly, greyhound adoption advocates have stated that they frequently receive injured greyhounds. For example, in a 2004 news report the president of Quad-Cities Greyhound Adoption indicated the primary reasons why dogs enter their program: They come because they re either not making money or they ve broken their legs. I would say 95 percent of the dogs have broken their right, rear leg. It s their push foot Ibid. 36 Ibid. 37 Ibid. 38 Ibid. 39 WHO TV News, Supreme Court rejects dog owners claims of slander, neglect, September 19, Ibid. 41 Barb Ickes, Fast, friendly flirts, Quad-City Times, July 21, Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 9

20 Notable gamblers acknowledge that greyhound injuries are common In a 2008 news report, a notable greyhound handicapper made extensive comments regarding greyhound injuries in the context of explaining his wagering strategies. These comments further highlight the fact that greyhound injuries are a serious problem: A greyhound that runs well in Grade C might not get to that first turn quick enough in Grade B and can get smashed and crashed to be a good handicapper you try to take as many variables out as possible. In dog racing we have the first turn, the crash and burn Andy Piper, Turning a gamble into a gain, Dubuque Telegraph Herald, August 24, Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 10

21 SECTION 4. Many Greyhound Puppies Born in Iowa are Not Accounted For An analysis of greyhound breeding statistics maintained by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship indicates that a significant number of greyhound puppies born in Iowa cannot be accounted for. Specifically, according to statistics on the number of litters and individual dogs registered in Iowa, the average litter size between 2006 and 2008 was 5.38 puppies per litter. 43 This is remarkably low. National statistics provided by the National Greyhound Association (NGA) for the five-year period between 2005 and 2009 indicate a litter size of Further, according to statements made in 2009 by Iowa greyhound breeder Alan Hill, the actual average greyhound litter size is 7 puppies. 45 Year # of Litters Reported # of Puppies Reported Average Litter Size , , , Total: 1,368 7, Previously, the greyhound industry has defended this discrepancy by stating that there is a natural attrition rate of approximately 5%. 46 However, even after taking this natural attrition rate into consideration, Iowa state statistics still do not account for hundreds of greyhound puppies. Using the NGA average litter size of 6.05, a total of 506 Iowa greyhound puppies would not be accounted for during the period 2006 through However, if Hill s estimate of 7 puppies per litter is used, the number of puppies not accounted for during this period is even higher, totaling 1,741 Iowa greyhound puppies. Both of these figures include a natural attrition rate of 5%. 43 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Horse and Dog Breeding Bureau, 2009 IGA Year End Report, republished in Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter, page 9, March 2009; Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Horse and Dog Breeding Bureau, Year End Review Greyhound Program, republished in Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter, page 9, March (average obtained by dividing the number of individual greyhounds registered by the number of litters reported) (As of the date of this report, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Horse and Dog Breeding Bureau refused to produce statistics describing the number of dogs individually registered as Iowa Bred Greyhounds. After four public information requests, the Bureau did finally provide statistics on the number of litters reported, but these statistics vary slightly with the statistics it had previously provided to the Iowa Greyhound Association). 44 National Greyhound Association, NGA Office Statistics, Greyhound Review, page 6, May (Average obtained by dividing the number of individual greyhounds registered by the number of litters registered). 45 Chris Davis, A day at the Alan Hill Greyhound Farm, Marshall County News, republished in Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter, page 20, March Gary Guccione, Ancient sport meets modern foe, National Greyhound Association, online at (last visited on September 23, 2010). Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 11

22 SECTION 5. Greyhound Racing is a Dying Industry Gambling on dog racing at Iowa racetracks has declined by more than 95% At Dubuque Greyhound Park, gambling on live greyhound racing peaked in 1988, when nearly $67 million was wagered. By 2009, however, this had dropped to less than $1.7 million, a decline of 97.5%. 47 Similarly, at Bluffs Run Greyhound Park gambling on live greyhound racing peaked in 1987, when $123 million was wagered. By 2009, less than $5 million was wagered on live dog racing, a decline of 96%. 48 Dubuque Greyhound Park Amount Gambled on Dog Racing, $80,000, $60,000, $40,000, $20,000, $0.00 Bluffs Run Greyhound Park Amount Gambled on Dog Racing, $150,000, $100,000, $50,000, $0.00 Iowa racetracks have publicly stated that greyhound racing is no longer viable Representatives of Iowa s racetracks have repeatedly acknowledged that dog racing is no longer profitable. For example, representatives of Harrah s made multiple public statements in 2010 indicating that dog racing is dying: The last two months, how many people do you think have been out there watching dogs? No one dog racing is a dying, dying industry. It s just a fact. 49 It s a fact that dogs are dying all across the United States and this is just, it s a false economy They re out there running around the track, no one s there, no one s wagering. The wagering doesn t carry the industry. It s not supporting itself. 50 Dog racing generates little consumer support. It does little for Iowa s economy. 51 The gaming industry has evolved. It is simply a subsidization of something that is dead Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Iowa Racetrack Live Racing Statistics, ; Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Handle by Calendar Year Report, Dubuque Greyhound Park Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Iowa Racetrack Live Racing Statistics, ; Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Handle by Calendar Year Report, Bluffs Run Casino Mike Brownlee, Greyhound racing on the chopping block? Daily Nonpareil, March 20, Lynn Campbell, Bill would end greyhound racing but bring millions in revenue to the state, IowaPolitics.com, February 12, Mike Glover, Harrah s asks to end subsidies to greyhound racing, Associated Press, March 17, Ibid. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 12

23 Similar public statements indicating that Iowa greyhound racing is no longer viable were made by Dubuque Greyhound Park general manager Jesus Aviles in 2009 and 2010: Times do change. We have to look for the benefit of the whole. 53 From a business standpoint, we do lose a lot of money. 54 People have changed their entertainment preferences. You re seeing that trend nationwide. 55 The long-term concern I have is that racing has been in decline for many years now. 56 Greyhound racing only exists in Iowa today because the races are heavily subsidized by slot machine profits Between 1995 and 2008, greyhound breeders received $140 million in subsides. These subsidy dollars are derived from slot machine and table game profits at Iowa racetracks. 57 Don Avenson, a lobbyist for Iowa greyhound breeders, acknowledged in March of 2010 that his clients could not exist without these subsidies. 58 A significant portion of the subsidy dollars given to greyhound breeders go out-of-state Since 1995, more than $58.5 million in subsidies have been given to out-of-state greyhound kennels. This represents 42% of all greyhound subsidy dollars. 59 Subsidy dollars given to greyhound breeders could be better used In Dubuque, funds that are used to subsidize greyhound racing would otherwise be given to local charities. This was acknowledged in January 2010 by Dubuque Greyhound Park general manager Jesus Aviles, who stated that if dog racing ended, greyhound subsidy dollars would instead go to local charities and nonprofits. 60 This was also acknowledged by former Dubuque Greyhound Park executive Bruce Wentworth in 2005 when greyhound subsidy levels were increased: The greyhound s piece of pie just got bigger which means someone else s piece got smaller and the piece that got smaller is the money s going to the city of Dubuque and local charities Ibid. 54 Eileen Mozinski Schmidt, Proposed dog racing ban: Issue of dollars and sense? Dubuque Telegraph Herald, February 14, Andy Piper, Harrah s: End Iowa greyhound racing, Dubuque Telegraph Herald, January 31, Andy Piper, 25 years chasing the rabbit, Dubuque Telegraph Herald, June 6, Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC. 58 Jennifer Jacobs, Senators look toward dog racing debate in 11, Des Moines Register, March 25, Ibid. 60 Piper. 61 Katie Wiedemann, Dubuque Greyhound Park increases payments to dog owners, KCRG TV News, February 16, Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 13

24 Regarding Bluffs Run, representatives of Harrah s stated in 2010 that greyhound subsidy dollars could be better used for other state programs: Rather than give it to a dying industry that not the whole public gets benefit from, if you have 40 percent of it going out of state and the balance going to a very select few, a couple dozen dog owners in the state we ll give that same money to the state to be used for a public purpose and have 100 percent of that money stay here in Iowa. 62 Greyhound racing has a minimal impact on Iowa s economy Despite various claims made by greyhound breeders, greyhound racing has a minimal impact on Iowa s economy. For example, in 2007 greyhound industry goods and services accounted for just over one-tenth of one-percent (0.11%) of all agriculture products sold in the state. 63 Agriculture Products Sold in Iowa, % Greyhound Industry Goods and Services At least one incident of apparent fraud has occurred in connection with greyhound subsidies in Iowa In 2005, a prominent greyhound owner admitted to conspiring with an Iowa greyhound breeder to falsely certify Iowa-bred greyhounds in order to receive greyhound subsidies. 64 The owner was a former president of the National Greyhound Association, and his alleged co-conspirator was the former president of the Iowa Greyhound Association. 65 There is broad consensus that if dog racing ends, greyhound workers will receive transitional assistance If lawmakers pass a law allowing greyhound racing to end, there is broad consensus that workers should receive transitional assistance. This sentiment was voiced by State Representative Mary Mascher in February of 2010: Obviously we want to help retrain those individuals, make sure they have employment, take care of their families, keep them here in the state. And we ll look for opportunities to do that we talked about job retraining funds, we talked about subsidizing salaries for a time being until they re able to get other employment. There s a lot of other options out there Campbell. 63 Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC. 64 William Petroski, Noted dog breeder admits secret deals at Iowa track, Des Moines Register, July 31, Ibid. 66 Campbell. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 14

25 SECTION 6. Other Issues Cases of greyhound neglect have been documented in Iowa In November of 2004 the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship revoked the license of a greyhound breeder in Independence after state inspectors documented severe neglect at his farm. According to media reports, inspectors found 33 greyhounds full of parasites and without food or water on the farm in September and October. The complaint stated that the dogs were in very poor condition, did not have water or food, and there was a strong stench and odor emanating from the facility. 67 In June of 2005 a greyhound trainer at Bluffs Run Greyhound Park was fined $1,000 and suspended for 45 days after a dog died due to his negligence. According to state records, the trainer placed two greyhounds in the same cage before leaving the kennel. The two dogs subsequently fought, and one dog was repeatedly bitten. When the trainer returned, a dog named MG Pawnee Pride was in obvious distress, breathing heavily while lying on his side. The trainer doused the dog with water, but then resumed his work without providing the dog with emergency veterinary care. The dog died a short time later. 68 Greyhounds are fed the cheapest meat available to reduce costs Greyhound trainers in Iowa use 4-D meat from dying, diseased, disabled and dead animals. 69 According to the industry handbook Care of the Racing and Retired Greyhound, this meat is used because it is the most economically feasible for the Greyhound industry at this time. 70 To discourage human use, 4-D meat contains denatured charcoal. 71 Greyhounds have died in Iowa while being transported Because greyhounds often compete at multiple racetracks during their career, dogs are frequently hauled long distances. Some of these hauls have resulted in greyhounds dying in Iowa during transit. In January of 2007 a man died and four greyhound puppies were killed after a greyhound hauler ran off the side of the interstate and struck a road sign near Davenport. A trailer holding approximately Photo of a greyhound hauler, from an advertisement in the Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter 67 Jessica Miller, Racing dog breeder accepts decision on license, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, November 9, William Petroski, Trainer fined for death of racing dog after fight, Des Moines Register, June 17, Blake. 70 Linda L. Blythe, James R. Gannon, A. Morrie Craig, Desmond P. Fegan, Care of the Racing and Retired Greyhound, page 151 (American Greyhound Council, 2007). 71 Ibid. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 15

26 30 greyhounds rolled over at least once, and the dogs broke free. At least four were subsequently killed by passing traffic. All of the dogs were muzzled while being transported. 72 In July of 2007 multiple greyhounds died after a truck carrying nine dogs from Oklahoma to Dubuque crashed and rolled over near Little Amana. Eight greyhounds were injured, and three died at the scene. Another dog was euthanized after being transported to a local veterinary emergency clinic. 73 In Iowa, greyhounds compete in extreme weather conditions Greyhounds race year-round at Iowa racetracks, including the hottest days of summer and the coldest days of winter. This was acknowledged by Harrah s legislative agent Jim Carney in February of 2010: We race 301 days a year. If you look outside and think about the weather right now, we ll have dogs running tonight with no one there. We have dogs running all week, rain, snow, ice, you name it. 74 There is some evidence that racing in extreme weather conditions can cause greyhounds to suffer injuries. For example, according to state records a greyhound named Pat C Make It suffered a broken leg at Dubuque on May 29, 2008 due to a sloppy track caused by heavy rains Meghan V. Malloy, Driver, 4 pups killed in rollover, Des Moines Register, January 12, Lee Hermiston, Crash kills several greyhounds, one still missing, Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 23, Brownlee. 75 Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 16

27 APPENDIX A: Sample Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Injury Reports Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 17

28 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 18

29 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 19

30 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 20

31 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 21

32 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 22

33 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 23

34 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 24

35 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 25

36 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 26

37 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 27

38 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 28

39 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 29

40 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 30

41 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 31

42 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 32

43 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 33

44 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 34

45 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 35

46 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 36

47 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 37

48 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 38

49 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 39

50 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 40

51 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 41

52 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 42

53 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 43

54 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 44

55 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 45

56 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 46

57 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 47

58 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 48

59 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 49

60 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 50

61 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 51

62 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 52

63 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 53

64 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 54

65 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 55

66 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 56

67 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 57

68 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 58

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74 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 64

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77 Appendix B: State Injury and Death Compliance Reports, January 2006 to August 2010 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 67

78 Appendix C: Wagering Statistics from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission INDEX 1. Dubuque Greyhound Park, Handle by Calendar Year Report, Bluffs Run Casino, Handle by Calendar Year Report, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission P.69 Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission P Iowa Racetrack Live Racing Statistics, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission P.73 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 68

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85 Appendix D: Documents Obtained from Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletters INDEX 1. Advertisement for G&T Crates, Inc. Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, March 2005, page 7 2. Advertisement for Greyhound Hauler Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, September 2006, page Most Common Questions and Answers About Greyhounds Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, June 2007, page Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Horse and Dog Breeding Bureau, Year End Review Greyhound Program Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, March 2008, page 9 5. Advertisement for Greyhound Cages Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, June 2008, page 8 6. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Horse and Dog Breeding Bureau, 2009 IGA Year End Report Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, March 2009, page 9 7. Advertisement for Track Meat and Farm Meat Iowa Greyhound Association Newsletter, July 2010, page 17 P.76 P.77 P.78 P.79 P.80 P.81 P.82 Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 75

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93 Appendix E: Related News Reports INDEX 1. July 21, 2004 Quad-City Times Fast, friendly flirts P November 9, 2004 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier Racing dog breeder accepts decision on license P February 16, 2005 KCRG TV News Dubuque Greyhound Park increases payments P.87 to dog owners 4. June 17, 2005 Des Moines Register Trainer fined for death of racing dog after fight P July 31, 2005 Des Moines Register Noted dog breeder admits secret deals at Iowa P.89 track 6. September 13, 2005 Des Moines Register Volunteer owns, fosters greyhounds P September 19, 2006 WHO TV News Supreme Court rejects dog owners' claims of P.94 slander, neglect 8. January 12, 2007 Des Moines Register Driver, 4 pups killed in rollover P July 23, 2007 Iowa City Press-Citizen Crash kills several greyhounds, one still P.96 missing 10. January 22, 2008 Quad-City Times Greyhounds rescued from kennel fire P September 24, 2009 Des Moines Register Group cites dog injuries at Iowa greyhound P.98 tracks 12. January 31, 2010 Dubuque Telegraph Harrah's: End Iowa greyhound racing P.99 Herald 13. February 5, 2010 Radio Iowa Key lawmaker says no to sports betting, also calls for end of greyhound racing P February 12, 2010 IowaPolitics.com Bill would end greyhound racing but bring millions in revenue to the state P February 14, 2010 Dubuque Telegraph Proposed dog racing ban: Issue of dollars and P.104 Herald sense? 16. March 2, 2010 KCCI TV News Group wants lawmakers to end dog racing P March 9, 2010 Associated Press Harrah's asks to end subsidies to greyhound P.107 racing 18. March 25, 2010 Des Moines Register Senators look toward dog racing debate in '11 P July 14, 2010 Des Moines Register Group: greyhound organization unlawfully P.110 active in Iowa politics Greyhound Racing in Iowa October 2010 Page 83

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