Arkansas Becomes 44th State to Ban Greyhound Racing, Marking a Major Win for Animal Welfare Advocates

Arkansas Bans Greyhound Racing

In a landmark decision that has drawn acclaim from animal welfare advocates across the nation, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill outlawing greyhound racing, making Arkansas the 44th state to take this significant step.

The bill, known as House Bill 1721, is seen as a crucial victory for greyhound advocacy organizations, particularly GREY2K USA, the largest greyhound protection group in the world. Christine A. Dorchak, President and General Counsel of GREY2K USA, expressed gratitude towards Governor Huckabee Sanders, highlighting the law as a triumph for all dog lovers. She stated, "Greyhound advocates everywhere applaud Governor Huckabee Sanders for signing this important bill. Arkansas will join 43 other states that have already rejected this outdated and inhumane form of gambling."

A Shift in Perspective

The new law not only bans greyhound racing but also phases out remote gambling on dog races, also known as simulcasting, by 2028. The decline of greyhound racing has been evident over the past few decades, with many states recognizing the need to retire this controversial and often cruel practice. The last two operating dog tracks in the United States, located in West Virginia, have reported an increasing number of injuries among the dogs, raising significant welfare concerns. In 2023 alone, records indicated that 568 greyhounds were injured, including 181 with broken bones, and tragically, nine dogs lost their lives on the tracks.

This change in legislation follows a broader trend; in 2018, Florida voters decisively approved a measure to outlaw greyhound racing, shutting down twelve operational racetracks. Nationwide, bills aimed at prohibiting gambling on greyhound racing have garnered support, with recent proposals introduced in the 118th Congress and finding backing from over 250 animal welfare organizations, including local shelters and anti-gambling groups.

The Fight Continues

Simultaneously, greyhound simulcasting has already been banned in several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire since 2022. Current bills are under consideration in North Dakota, Oregon, and Texas, indicating a growing momentum against this practice.

Mainstream animal protection organizations have voiced their unified opposition to greyhound racing due to the considerable welfare issues associated with it. Thousands of greyhounds nationwide are subjected to confinement in inadequate conditions, often confined in cages where they cannot stand up or turn around comfortably for extended periods.

As GREY2K USA works tirelessly to foster stronger protections for greyhounds, it remains committed to advocating for laws that address and eliminate the cruelty associated with dog racing both domestically and internationally. Founded in 2001, the organization has expanded its efforts and boasts over 300,000 supporters who are passionate about ending the mistreatment of greyhounds. Furthermore, GREY2K USA promotes the rescue and adoption of retired racing greyhounds, ensuring a future where these dogs can live freely and happily in loving homes.

For more information on GREY2K USA and their ongoing efforts, visit their website at GREY2KUSA.org and follow them on social media for updates on their advocacy initiatives.

Conclusion

The recent ban on greyhound racing in Arkansas is more than just a legislative victory; it symbolizes a collective shift toward valuing animal welfare and ending practices that cause suffering. The tide is changing, and with continued advocacy, there is hope for a future where greyhound racing is a relic of the past, replaced by compassion and respect for these magnificent animals.