West Virginia is one of only a handful of states remaining in the nation that supports live greyhound racing.
Greyhounds endure lives of confinement, spending long hours each day in stacked metal cages. Dogs suffer serious injuries, sometimes fatal, and commercial dog racing's history is replete with examples of documented drugging and mistreatment of greyhounds. With animal welfare concerns and declining interest contributing to track closures across the country, West Virginia is set to become the last state to prop up greyhound racing.
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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