SLO Reporter

On June 8, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) led a group of bipartisan House members in the introduction of legislation that would ban greyhound racing in the United States and outlaw gambling on the outcome of greyhound races simulcast from other nations.

“Greyhound racing is a relic of an era long-past in the United States. It is cruel, inhumane, and thoroughly unpopular with the American public – which is why nearly every state in the union has already voted to outlaw it,” said Congressman Carbajal. “As a lifelong friend to animals and a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to stand with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and states from across our nation to introduce legislation that will finally put an end to this brutal practice and promote the universal welfare of our greyhounds.”

The lawmakers joining Carbajal in introducing the Greyhound Protection Act are Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Don Davis (NC), Nancy Mace (SC-01), and Zach Nunn (IA-03).

"The Greyhound Protection Act represents an important stride towards putting an end to the cruel and outdated practice of greyhound racing,” said Rep. Mace. “These creatures deserve better than to be subjected to the risks and abuses inherent in this industry. By supporting this legislation, we are taking a stand for animal welfare and sending a clear message of valuing compassion and respect for all living beings. It is time to shift our focus towards promoting responsible and humane treatment of animals, ensuring they are no longer exploited for entertainment purposes."

“The Greyhound Protection Act puts an end to the unnecessary, cruel, and risky practice of greyhound racing. For far too long, track operators have exploited animals for gaming dollars. To stop these inhumane and criminal practices, we must ban greyhound racing once and for all,” said Congressman Davis.

“Iowa has paved the way to end the cruel practice of racing greyhound. Across the country, we still have work to do. The bipartisan Greyhound Protection Act will end the exploitation of dogs by banning this act altogether,” said Rep. Nunn.

“Greyhound racing is a cruel, dying industry that deserves no place in our country,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “These dogs are often forced into brutal training regimes and races where they risk serious injury and death. When they are not racing or training, these animals are often subject to horrifying, inhumane treatment such as drugging, electrocution, and confinement for up to 23 hours a day. This bipartisan bill will end the commercial greyhound racing industry, and the animal abuses it has become so associated with, once and for all.”

Greyhound racing is already illegal in 42 out of 50 states, with legislation prohibiting gambling on greyhound racing passing in legislatures in Colorado, Kansas, and Massachusetts within the past year.

As American-raised greyhounds are also being exported to racetracks in other countries, the bill would also outlaw the shipment of greyhounds for the purpose of dog racing.

The bill has the endorsement of more than 250 animal rights and protection groups, shelters, and other organizations–including Grey2K USA Worldwide and Animal Wellness Action.

“Greyhound racing is cruel from start to finish,” said Christine A. Dorchak, President and General Counsel, GREY2K USA Worldwide. “The Greyhound Protection Act will give greyhounds the second chance they deserve and put a rightful end to over 100 years of callous exploitation.”

Carbajal is a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus and has a 102% lifetime score with the Humane Society.

Original source can be found here.