West Virginia is one of only a handful of states remaining in the nation that supports live greyhound racing.
Every year greyhound breeders in West Virginia receive roughly $17 million in subsidies, funds that could otherwise be used for vital state programs like fixing our roads or substance abuse treatment. Senate Bill 285 would have ended these subsidies, and also eliminated a state mandate that forces gambling facilities to hold dog races in order to offer other types of betting. This humane measure also featured a $3 million worker retraining fund, a $1 million greyhound adoption fund plus a $500 personal tax credit to any state resident who would have adopted a West Virginia greyhound!
At present, there are two operational greyhound tracks in West Virginia: Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack and Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes.
West Virginia Voters Overwhelmingly Oppose Dog Racing Subsidies
81% of West Virginia voters oppose greyhound racing subsidies. 14% support subsidizing dog racing. 5% are undecided.
✓ 81% of voters are more opposed to dog racing after learning that a racing greyhound dies every ten days in West Virginia
✓ 81% of voters are less likely to vote for a legislative candidate that supports dog racing subsidies
✓ Only 36% of voters are influenced by industry claims about lost jobs
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Subsidies
Greyhound racing in West Virginia is subsidized with millions in state gambling revenues.
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Confinement
Greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept in small cages for long hours each day.
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Deaths & Injuries
According to state records, a racing greyhound dies every ten days in West Virginia.
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Drugs & Abuse
Since 2007 the state has issued more than 100 drug violations and investigated 19 cases of animal abuse or neglect.
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Greyhound racing in the news
MetroNews - West Virginia is focus of renewed effort to do away with dog racing
The Journal - Federal bill looks to national phase out of greyhound racing
MetroNews - Poll for greyhound racing opposition group shows limited support in West Virginia
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Grey2K: Anti-greyhound racing fliers factor in Senate primary upset
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Racing Commission suspends greyhounds, OKs limited thoroughbred racing
WTRF - Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack to close temporarily
WV News - Bill to eliminate state greyhound racing funding advances in WV Senate
The Exponent Telegram - Time to let greyhound racing stand on its own in WV
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