The Greyhound Welfare Foundation (GWF) urges a YES vote for the Tucson Dog Protection Act

The measure not only ensures good care for pet dogs in the community, but also addresses some of the unacceptable practices that affect the care of greyhounds at South Tucson dog track.

GWF has been rescuing and advocating for Tucson race dogs for many years and we have a strong commitment to their welfare.

GWF was introduced to the world of greyhound racing in 1989 when our volunteers were involved in the release and rescue of Tucson race dogs that were illegally sold to research facilities. In the early 190’s the Foundation rescued the survivors of starvation from several off-site greyhound kennels.

Over the following decade, we regularly brought greyhounds who had raced at Tucson Greyhound Park into our California-based facility. The condition of the dogs varied from kennel to kennel, but few ere in the condition necessary for a dog to successfully compete as a “professional athlete”. Infestations of fleas, ticks, and internal parasites were a persistent problem. Many had to be treated for tick-borne diseases or recover from racing injuries.

The Tucson Dog Protection Act is an effective way to improve the care of local racing greyhounds.
Civilizations are judged by the protections provided to the most vulnerable – namely those who are dependent on the kindness of caregivers. While there is a growing recognition that the treatment of animals is an essential part of who we are as a nation, these concepts have yet to be fully incorporated into our legal system.

A YES vote gives the people of South Tucson an opportunity to weave the ethics of the 21st Century into the fabric of their community and set a standard to be emulated throughout the county.