You think I’m cruel, what about him?
June 5th, 2007 by admin
People involved in animal abuse often defend themselves by claiming that animals are suffering more somewhere else. We’ve heard cockfighters bemoan the plight of chickens in factory farms, for example. In a recent letter to the Miami Herald, Alaska-resident Bill McKillop complained about non-Alaskans who object to the deadly Iditarod sled dog race. Mr. McKillip writes, “how about worrying about all the mistreated greyhounds from Florida’s dog racing tracks?”
We’re not sure why he thinks that highlighting the suffering of greyhounds in the racing industry will diminish our outrage at the deaths of several dogs during the 2007 Iditarod, but we like to see abusers fight amongst each other.
Speaking of greyhounds… Last week, the Florida Times-Union reported that the Jacksonville Kennel Club, one of the oldest greyhound tracks in the country, will no longer host live racing (the track will remain open for simulcasting, via television screens at the facility). The track blamed road construction for their decision, but more likely their decision was due to lack of customers.
Business at the Jacksonville Kennel Club declined 16% during the 2005-06 racing season. One less greyhound track is great news for these gentle dogs, and is another sign that this cruel industry is in its final days.