Tucson – August 31, 2007

Rally to Remember Missy the Greyhound – (4/7/2005-8/31/2007)

Three years ago on August 31, 2007 Pa’s Mismakamess (Missy) broke her hock at Tucson Greyhound Park.  She raced 7 times.

To his credit, then a Marana kennel operator/trainer David Blair tried to save her from euthanasia. Unfortunately, his alleged intoxication got in the way. Even though a local rescue group was in transit to pick up Missy as well as an adoption group in San Diego, and yet a third adoption group in name only was on the premises as the CEO of Tucson Greyhound Park also wore a conflict-of-interest hat as the president of track-sponsored Greyhound Pets of America-Tucson chapter — Missy was still euthanized.

The AZ State regulation R19-2-329 states: “Every effort shall be made to adopt greyhounds not used for racing or breeding.”

What happened that night of August 31, 2007 when not one, but three adoption groups including the one on the premises, failed to save Missy’s life?

What’s changed in three years?

• Perception of TGP is worse, far worse.
• The Arizona Department of Racing places far more importance on bettors’ wagering and intoxication vs. greyhound welfare.
• If the ADOR cared about greyhound welfare…how about prohibiting the ongoing dosing of anabolic steroids to prevent dogs from going into heat?
• How about mandatory Bordetella vaccines required to prevent kennel cough outbreaks?

Oh, wait those initiatives cost time and money.

The Arizona Department of Racing’s 13-page report on the David Blair/Missy incident states: “If circumstances were different, if Blair was not intoxicated and disruptive, if the veterinarians were not obstructed and delayed in providing medical attention, if a proper and legal offer and acceptance had occurred for the sale of the dog, if an adoption organization was present to formally commit to the adoption of the dog, if someone or an organization had been present to assume the cost and responsibility for medical care, and if financial resources were readily available for medical care, the outcome may have been different.  But, none of these “ifs” occurred in this matter.”

Not so fast. There was an adoption organization on the premises but unfortunately in name only and one was on the way and even called TGP to let them know. What about the sale of the dog? Who sells and profits from an injured dog? And if David Blair was indeed intoxicated, why didn’t the South Tucson Police give him a blood alcohol test or why let him drive home drunk?

The David Blair/Missy incident stunk in 2007 and still reeks in 2010.

What’s changed in three years?

• In 2008, GREY2K USA compiled Arizona track injury reports obtained from a public records request.  At TGP there were 104 injuries involving 97 dogs, which includes 11 dogs euthanized at the track.
• TGP used to have 11 races a night/ 8 dogs per race/ 5 nights a week.
• Now, TGP has 14 or 15 races a night/ 8 dogs per race / 6 nights a week.
• Dogs are not grading off as fast as before so they are running longer with more opportunities for negative outcomes.
• Broken hocks are not unusual occurrences, nor are broken legs…then and now.
• Greyhound welfare has never been a priority and never will be.

Let’s remember Missy.

Please remember Missy and all the greyhounds who have sadly lost their lives from the cruel sport of greyhound racing. You are invited to a rally in front of an off-track-betting venue located at 4915 E. Speedway, 1 block east of Swan. (Park on Arcadia, the nearest side street. ) We have signs (from the 2007 protest at the David Blair/Missy hearing) or you can bring your own, plus will be making more.

Afterwards, let’s go out for pizza (Mama’s Pizza or Oregano).  Connect with other local animal advocates. Leave your hounds at home since the pavement is too hot. Let’s hold signs from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Arrive when you can.

RSVP to endtucsongreyhoundracing@yahoo.com  or  just show up !

Follow on Facebook – Search “Tucson Greys Broken Hock” and become a FAN. Learn about the efforts being made to help the dogs.

Get informed about Arizona dog racing.

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