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 $15 million in subsidies, funds that could otherwise be used for vital state programs like fixing our roads or substance abuse treatment. Senate Bill 285 will end these subsidies, and also eliminate a state mandate that forces gambling facilities to hold dog races in order to offer other types of betting. This humane measure also features a $3 million worker retraining fund, a $1 million greyhound adoption fund and plus a $500 personal tax credit to any state resident who adopts 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
View the survey >>
Subsidies
Greyhound racing in West Virginia is subsidized with millions in state gambling revenues.
Learn more >>
Confinement
Greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept in small cages for long hours each day.
Learn more >>
Deaths & Injuries
According to state records, a racing greyhound dies every ten days in West Virginia.
Learn more >>
Drugs & Abuse
Since 2007 the state has issued more than 100 drug violations and investigated 19 cases of animal abuse or neglect.
Learn more >>
Greyhound racing in the news
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Statehouse Beat: The real state of the Mountain State
The Register-Herald - Teachers, this time, agree with Carmichael: Stop feeding the dog racing industry
Charleston Gazette-Mail - WV Racing Commission leader says agency on track to go broke
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Statehouse Beat: Cost of keeping greyhound racing in WV is going up
WTRF 7News - Community leaders call for elimination of dog racing subsidies in WV
WTOV9 Fox - GREY2K Executive Director: Greyhound racing is going to end
MetroNews - Poll for greyhound racing opposition group shows limited support in West Virginia
WV Metro News - Greyhound racing’s ticking clock
View all articles
Stay up to date