Wichita Greyhound Track and more on the "morals" of legal racingShe also informed me that the adoption center is no longer at the track, but they have a website at: Isn't that a great name? She also brought up a very good point that I had not even thought of regarding the "morals" of greyhound racing, and the movement to try and outlaw it. She pointed out that if greyhound racing became illegal, there would undoubtedly spring up underground greyhound racing, completely unregulated, and how awful do you think that would be for the dogs? I have to agree. Before Oklahoma legalized pari-mutal betting, bringing in laws and regulations to the horse race industry, I worked very briefly as a galloper, apprenticed to be a jockey. I will not give the name of the trainer for these reasons: In the month or two I worked with him, I saw horses racing doped to the eyeballs, jockeys riding stoned, and the trainer drunk (and driving a truck & trailer full of horses). The trainer was thrilled to apprentice me because he already had two jockeys he had trained and he was looking forward to being able to fix races with three jockeys all working for him! I got myself out of there ASAP. Pari-mutual came in, and trainers like this and his jockeys either "went straight" or went out of business when testing horses and jockeys for drugs became a requirement. If dog racing became illegal, this would be the fate of the dogs, only probably worse, because it is much easier and cheaper to keep a dog than it is a horse. It would put the "good" greyhound people out of business, since they would not wish to break the law and give free rein to those whose dealings were shady to begin with. Better to have it legal and regulated! I just had the most awful thought. Given that dog fighting is alive and well in Oklahoma (despite the fact it is illegal) do you think the people involved there would balk for one minute to start a second blood sport - greyhounds coursing live game? {{Shudder}} Thanks for the feedback, Kay! Summer
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