The Lie of Omission: How It Hurts the Greyhounds
Below the article by Judy Kody Paulsen (Excerpt from Winter/Spring 2006 issue of GCNM News).
Since our last newsletter, its become abundantly clear that many people are confused about whos who in the greyhound rescue world. Everyone in the adoption arena proclaims they are in it to help the greyhounds. Some go so far as to deceive the public with cutesy names for their programs – names that suggest the group is strictly in it for the good of the dogs. Misperceptions abound. Time to confront the truth: There are many groups and individuals who are selling out to the racing industry and misleading the public, while they extol the virtues of their own good deeds. There are books and magazines and plenty of websites that cash in on the publics naïveté, hoping to profit in any way possible from their supposed commitment to the welfare of the racing greyhound. Sadly, the confusion results in the manipulation of many innocent people who dont realize they are actually assisting the racing industry in marketing its sport. Those who are unknowingly duped into giving money and/or donating time to a cause that ultimately perpetuates the racing industry are understandably perturbed when they learn the truth. The following should clear the air: Top ten signs that a group/person is associated with the racing industry are: 10. Their website encourages the watching of dog races by providing video clips on the site. 9. They write/promote/sell publications that malign the animal rights movement. These publications deftly avoid any subject which may cast a bad light on the racing industry. 8. They speak at conventions for members of the National Greyhound Association (I can assure you theyd never invite a true advocate for greyhound welfare to speak at any racing industry conference). 7. They attempt to steer conversations toward only the good characteristics of racing greyhounds, often going so far as to say racing is what makes them such good pets. 6. Comments from the public regarding the senseless killing of healthy greyhounds are met with resignation and a quick attempt to redirect the conversation back to what good pets they make. 5. They sponsor events at racetracks which are designed to attract the interest of the uninformed. 4. They tend to sugar-coat any subjects regarding racing or the conditions in which the racers are kept. 3. Health and behavioral problems are rarely, if ever, attributed to the training and racing environment (this is true particularly of veterinarians who work closely with the industry, as it is in their best interest to downplay any negatives associated with racing since thats from where part or all of their compensation comes). 2. They rely heavily on stories of greyhounds whose lives were transformed by adoption, thereby avoiding the subject of the thousands that die every year. And the #1 sign you are dealing with a pro-racing group/person: Their favorite comment is, Were neutral on the racing issue and want to avoid politics. (This statement is akin to saying youre neutral on such issues as domestic abuse or sweatshops employing young children against their will. Which brings me to a quote by Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Keep in mind that any group/person associating with the industry in any way is being compensated in some form by the dog racing industry. If you wish to help the greyhounds by getting at the root of the problem, dont be manipulated by tactics based on avoidance of the most important issue at hand: Why should any healthy racing greyhounds have to die? Without those of us who address the adverse conditions that affect the health, behavior, and ultimately, the lives of racing greyhounds, the greyhounds would have no voice. To conceal the facts about the darker side of racing is to allow the killing and abuse to continue. Those who are busy polishing the image of dog racing often criticize those of us whose only concern is for the dogs. So, who should be getting help here, the people who exploit the dogs or the people who protect them? Let your conscience be your guide when you write your checks or make purchases that supposedly benefit the greyhounds – for there are many wolves out there in sheeps clothing. If you really want to know where someone stands on the issue of dog racing, ask them to commit to either a yes or a no when asked if they are against racing. Neutrality is not an option when there are lives at stake.