The Humane Society of the United States praises Gov. John Lynch for signing H.B. 630, the Greyhound Protection Act, into law. This new law prohibits live greyhound racing in the Granite State, and its passage — along with that of a similar bill in Rhode Island and a 2008 ballot measure in Massachusetts — officially closes the door on this cruel activity in New England.
The HSUS opposes greyhound racing because of its inherently inhumane treatment of dogs. Greyhounds spend upwards of 22 hours a day confined to a cage with little more than a carpet remnant or shredded newspaper to comfort them, and many suffer serious, even fatal, injuries while racing. Between 2005 and 2008, nearly 1,200 greyhounds were injured while racing in New Hampshire. Reported injuries include dogs who suffered broken legs, paralysis and death from cardiac arrest. Only 14 percent of the reported injuries were classified as “minor.”
“The HSUS applauds the state of New Hampshire for this public policy to protect dogs from cruel and inhumane treatment,” said Joanne Bourbeau, The HSUS’ New Hampshire senior state director. “The winding down of greyhound racing is truly a victory for dogs in New England.”
The bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Mary Cooney, D–Plymouth, received The HSUS’ 2009 Legislative Achievement Award for her path-breaking work forwarding the measure.
“Today the dreams of so many animal lovers in New Hampshire have finally been realized with the end of dog racing in our state,” said Rep. Cooney. “I would like to especially thank the legislative leaders on this issue, Senator Sheila Roberge and Representative Steve Vaillancourt, and Carey Theil, Christine Dorchak and all the terrific volunteers at GREY2K USA who helped make this day possible.”
The HSUS joins GREY2KUSA and animal advocates around the country in working toward an end to live greyhound racing in the states where it remains legal.
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