November 27, 2007

MASSACHUSETTS – Animal rights activists in Boston are gearing up for their third attempt in seven years to get greyhound racing banned.

The first attempts were narrowly defeated, but proponents are confident this year will be different.

That's because this time the numbers are in their favor – for example, reports show that since 2002, 728 greyhounds have been injured during races. 80 percent of those have been broken bones.

On the business end, track data shows revenues are down 46 percent from last year – indicating the sport isn't maintaining its' once fruitful heritage.

But Boston's two race tracks are ardently against the move. State representative David Flynn, D-Bridgewater says the change would damage the economy – since over 1500 jobs would be lost between both tracks shutting down.

Track officials say plans are in place to update the facilities to a more casino-like environment.

With so little financial reason to maintain the sport – and so much opposition, it's hard to see how the sport can survive another Massachusetts winter.

Groups like the Humane Society of the United States and the Massachusetts Society for the Protection of Animals are involved in the push – we'll keep you in the loop as the story unfolds.

Citizens will vote on the ban during a statewide ballot to be held in November, 2008.

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. Email us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.