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The Greyhound Protection Act |
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Dear Citizens: On November 4 you will have an opportunity to vote on Question 3, a ballot question to phase out greyhound racing in Massachusetts. In making our case in of support this humane law, we are committed to using facts that are recent, documented, and specific to local racetracks. However, in recent weeks several false assertions been made by dog track proponents. You will find some of these below, along with the real facts. Voters deserve to know the truth about dog racing, and there is no place in this debate for exaggeration or hyperbole. To learn more about Question 3, and see photographs of kennel conditions that were taken by the racetracks themselves go to www.ProtectDogs.org. Sincerely,
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FALSE CLAIM: |
“Massachusetts greyhound racing achieves 100% adoption rate” | |
SOURCE: |
Newspaper advertisement, No on 3 website, No on 3 YouTube video | |
THE FACTS: |
According to the State Racing Commission, the actual adoption rate is only 31%. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
“From 2002 to 2007, 465,176 greyhounds raced at Massachusetts tracks.” | |
SOURCE: |
No on 3 YouTube video, media interviews | |
THE FACTS: |
This is completely false. To arrive at this inflated figure, opponents of Question 3 are counting the same dogs over and over again dozens of times. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
Massachusetts dog tracks have “at least 1000 full and part time workers.” | |
SOURCE: |
No on 3 website, No on 3 YouTube video, media interviews | |
THE FACTS: |
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, all racetracks in the state only employ a combined total of 707. This includes dog tracks, horse tracks and even auto speedways. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
“The backers of Question 3 are part of a fundraising machine that moves from state to state, puts initiatives and referenda on the ballot, enlists local support and raises money.” | |
SOURCE: |
No on 3 website | |
THE FACTS: |
Question 3 is sponsored by mainstream animal protection groups like the MSPCA, the second oldest humane society in our nation’s history. It is supported by every major animal shelter, dozens of lawmakers, and more than sixty local veterinarians. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
Supporters of Question 3 “have no legal requirement to explain to the state where money comes from or where it goes.” | |
SOURCE: |
An essay posted on the No on 3 website | |
THE FACTS: |
This is completely false. The Committee to Protect Dogs files detailed reports with the state documenting every single contribution and expenditure. These reports are posted on line by the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
From 2000 to 2007, “Massachusetts’ tracks contributed $1.34 million for greyhound adoption.” | |
SOURCE: |
No on 3 YouTube video | |
THE FACTS: |
This money comes from a tax on gamblers that previously went to the state. These tax dollars were redirected to adoption efforts in 2002 after the passage of a bill that was sponsored by Yes on 3 supporters. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
“The size of the crates used in Massachusetts racing kennels was set with the assistance of Grey2k and the MSPCA” | |
SOURCE: |
No on 3 website | |
THE FACTS: |
This is completely false. The cages used at commercial racetracks in Massachusetts are five times smaller than the runs used for similarly sized dogs at the MSPCA-Angell Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center. | |
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FALSE CLAIM: |
The cages at commercial racetracks are comparable to crates “sold at PETCO for dogs like Great Danes and St. Bernards.” | |
SOURCE: |
No on 3 website | |
THE FACTS: |
The cages used at Massachusetts racetracks are not sold by PETCO or other pet supply stores. Instead, they are produced by companies that specialize in commercial cages, such as G&T Crates, which manufactured at least some of the cages being used at Raynham Park. | |
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© 2008 The Committee to Protect Dogs. All Rights Reserved.