Ex-racing dogs need compassion

Thank you for your June 4 article, “For working dogs, retirement can be a challenge.” The need for adoption of former racing greyhounds into loving homes is an important issue greyhound advocates are aware of on a daily basis.

As short-term investments, overbred so there is always another greyhound to use as a replacement, the racers are valued only as long as they generate a profit. The welfare of injured or slow greyhounds falls to devoted volunteer adoption groups.

No longer a secret, cruelty is inherent in greyhound racing. It is cruel and inhumane for greyhounds to live in nearly endless, abysmal confinement in small cages day in and day out. The cruelty doesn’t end when they are let out to race, as greyhounds then face the risk of injuries such as broken limbs, broken necks, paralysis and death by cardiac arrest.

That is no way to treat a dog. Dogs play an important role in our lives and deserve to be protected from industries that cause them harm.

I have personally adopted gentle, beloved ex-racing greyhounds since 1997, and I am a board member of GREY2K USA, a national nonprofit organization working to end greyhound racing. For more information, including adoption referrals, please visit www.grey2kusa.org.

Caryn Wood

Board of directors, GREY2K USA

Gilbert, Ariz.