Already, we are concerned that the campaign has taken a troubling turn.
In late March, dog track owner George Carney claimed that if Question 3 passes, it would put 6,000 to 8,000 people out of work. When he was asked to verify his statistics Carney changed his tune, stated that the tracks actually employ only 900, and acknowledged that his initial estimate included greyhound breeders from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
This issue rose to a new level of absurdity a few weeks ago when Carney made three different job claims – to different newspapers – on the same day.
He told the Boston Globe that Wonderland and Raynham combined employ 650. Meanwhile, Carney told the Taunton Gazette that Wonderland and Raynham combined employ between 800 and 1,000. Finally, he told the Quincy Patriot Ledger and Brockton Enterprise that his track alone employs 650.
All of these estimates are pure fiction. According to the State Department of Labor, all racetracks in the state employ a total of only 700. This includes two dog tracks, two horse tracks, and several auto racetracks. Also, the most recent U.S. Economic Census indicated that racetracks in Bristol County – where Raynham Park is located – employ a combined total of less than 250.
We are grateful to those in the blogosphere who have already covered this issue and held Carney accountable. Some in the mainstream media have begun to cover it, but others still allow Carney to make erroneous job claims without any verification whatsoever.
This is not the only example of false statements made by racetrack proponents. In mid-March Raynham Park general manager Gary Temple asserted that dogs at his track are confined for as little as 8-10 hours per day.
Once again, this is just not based in fact. In truth, greyhounds are confined perpetually with two exceptions:
1. A few times per month they are removed from their cages and taken to the track to compete, and
2. A few times per day they are “turned out” as a large group and allowed to relieve themselves.
So how often are the dogs turned out, and how long are the turnouts? According to a letter published last year by Massachusetts kennel owners, greyhounds are turned out four times a day. Regarding the length of these turnouts, a video posted on Wonderland Greyhound Park’s website refers to a morning turnout lasting “45 minutes.”
In summary, greyhounds are given roughly four daily turnouts outside their cage. Each turnout may last an hour. Dogs spend the remaining 20 hours confined.
Finally, for the public to get a fair debate the media must play a critical role. This debate will largely be comprised of a series of factual questions. We urge the media to scrutinize our positions. Of course, we expect the same scrutiny of our opponents. When the debate turns to questions of fact, we ask that the media independently arrive at definitive conclusions.
There is a tremendous amount at stake in this campaign. Hanging in the balance are thousands of dogs, who now endure lives of confinement and suffer serious injuries. Also at stake is the image our state presents to the rest of the nation. Everyone will benefit from a fair and open debate on Question 3.
ryepower12 says
when you have to ask the media to “independently arrive at definitive conclusions.” In the past, that was called doing their jobs. Here’s hoping this is a premise they can take seriously, because the voters of Massachusetts – and especially the dogs – deserve nothing less.
billxi says
It looks like a lynch mob preparing to lynch.
david says
In what respect have the proponents of the ballot question not been scrupulously fair with respect to the facts? I challenge you to answer that one convincingly; I’ll bet you can’t do it.
billxi says
Do not have a source. If you cannot give the source for your so-called “facts”, the please call it your opinion. Human adults can spend 10-11 hours a day working, add in the reccommended 8 hours of sleep, and we are basically confined for at least 18 hours a day. Is that so much better? Let’s face it, both sides will say whatever is necessary to win.
mr-lynne says
… it’s the ubiquitous ‘both sides’ argument in it’s natural habitat… the blog.
carey-theil says
Have you even read the report?
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p>On pages 13 and 14 you will find a complete list of sources.
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p>Every factual statement is sourced. All data is based on state records, reports by mainstream media organizations and/or industry statements.
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p>Finally, do you live in a cage while at work? If so, you might want to look for another job …
billxi says
On the title page it says “Vote yes on question 3” Just another special interest group trying to slam their agenda down our throats. Why do I need to read more? Do you work in a cubicle? Did I touch a nerve?
carey-theil says
The dogs at these tracks live in stacked cages for 20 or more hours per day.
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p>That is why I found your comparison of your life to theirs confusing. Because unless you work and live in a cage for 20 hours a day, your life is not very similar.
billxi says
I am wheelchair-dependent. I just spent 2 1/2 months in a nursing home. The reason for this was I coundn’t find accessible housing. It beat being homeless, but not by much. You want to talk confinement… I’ll give you an earful. I sent out applications to 49 different cities and towns in our fair? state. When are you people going to start worrying about PEOPLE! I like animals too, but let’s take care of people first. You bleeding heart liberals have no clue.
carey-theil says
I’m sorry to hear about your situation, and am sympathetic. My wife has a permanent disability, which she has worked very hard to overcome.
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p>But I don’t understand why compassion has to be a limited resource.
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p>Why can’t we care about those who are disabled and homeless, and also care about preventing cruelty to animals?
mr-lynne says
… who can back up an assertion. Dismissing without hearing reasons is the literal sense of the word ‘unreasonable’.
justice4all says
If you’re going to have a legitimate debate, you need to address the question of the 700 jobs, most of which are blue collar jobs. These people will need job training and assistance in transitioning, which isn’t going to be easy given the crummy economy right now.
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p>It’s not that you don’t have a legitimate issue, because you do. What I am not hearing is the concern for the working class men and women who have likely been working these jobs for years. Only 700 jobs means 700 families may have to do without necessities.
carey-theil says
There are 700 jobs at all racetracks in the state. This includes horse tracks and auto racetracks. The number employed by dog tracks is significantly lower. Also, most of these jobs are part-time.
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p>Finally, we are committed to a responsible transition. That is why the Question 3 includes a 14-month phase out period. We are committed to working with lawmakers during this period to help those involved.
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p>But ultimately our economy should not be based on cruelty to dogs.
justice4all says
in the lives of these workers. I represented a number of these people at the local level, via city council (logged ten years there). I know that they depend on these salaries and that finding new jobs won’t be easy. ..and you can’t take vague promises to Stop & Shop. So whether it is 700 or 350, So please explain what happens during this fourteen month transition. How do you plan to help the people (remember them?) that will be affected?
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p>And Carey, our economy shouldn’t be based on cruelty to humans, either, and that happens every bloody day. And if you are thinking “big deal” – what’s 300 votes, remember that every working class person will look at this situation and see themselves. This is why “what happens to the people” needs to be addressed.
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p>If you are wondering why there could possibly be a disconnect between the working class and the Democratic Party, this may be why.
carey-theil says
Like I said, we are committed to a responsible transition.
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p>What that looks like will depend in large part on whether those on the other side of this issue are willing to set aside their differences and work with us toward a common goal.
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p>I can tell you that this session, legislation was filed at our request that would have taken funds that are currently being given to the tracks for advertising and redirected them to worker retraining programs.
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p>As someone who used to represent these people as a city counselor, are you willing to personally work with us post-election and address this?
justice4all says
Carey – legislative “commitments” mean nothing to me. I’ve seen the legislature reneg on many commitments, particularly in an economic squeeze. They haven’t taken affirmative steps to curb the MBTA financial wrecking ball, the Big Dig, pension mismanagment, the Lottery redistribution system, DMR oversight…just to name a few. Call me cynical – I’m more of a realist.
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p>So, what sort of job training and other supports can these people expect while they are unemployed. Most of them are not computer literate, and they are older people, so 14 months is nothing. You’re effectively taking away their livlihood. Like I said, it’s hard to take a commitment to a responsible transition that to Stop and Stop…or pay your mortgage with it.
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p>You have to plan for the unintended consequences…so please define the “job training” being offered, and any other financial assistance they can expect.
farnkoff says
Are there enough willing adoptive families to take care of them?
carey-theil says
The Greyhound Protection Act will prevent thousands of future dogs from enduring lives of confinement and suffering serious injuries.
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p>Right now, dogs at these tracks race here for a short period of time before being sent to other tracks. This will continue.
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p>Hopefully, some dogs will in fact leave the industry when Question 3 passes and be available for adoption.
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p>The Greyhound Protection Act is supported by every major shelter in the state, including the MSPCA and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. We will ensure that every dog that is available for adoption finds a loving home.
farnkoff says
Here are some other practices/products/businesses I’d like to see banned:
1. Fur coats (Newbury Street, anyone?)
2. The boiling alive of lobsters (shudder)
3. Raytheon
4. Veal
5. The Judge Rotenberg Electrocution Center
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p>In the meantime I will in fact vote “Yes” on the Greyhound proposal, despite the fact that I eat pigs, which are supposedly just as smart as dogs. I’m a hypocrite, what can I say?
gary says
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p>It’s ok to kill and eat them; just don’t race them.
centralmassdad says