Wednesday, June 4, 2003 - Paragould, Arkansas

Emaciated Racing Greyhounds Confiscated From Defunct Arkansas Breeding Farm

When volunteers from a local animal rescue organization received an anonymous tip of greyhound abuse in Greene County, they immediately responded to the call. But they were unprepared for the grim scene that unfolded before their eyes. Rescuers initially found three greyhounds running loose and in desperate need of food and water. When they returned with supplies and took a closer look, the dilapidated, semi-abandoned property yielded up three more live greyhounds in horrible condition and confined to the house, a Labrador mothering five pups, a dead greyhound confined to a racing cage and the bodies of at least 15 more dead greyhounds contained in huge freezers with no electrical hook-up.

"It was the most grizzly scene we've ever come upon," said a volunteer who realized that it was time to call in the local sheriff so that the animals could be confiscated and rehabilitated. The dog's current caretaker who does not live on the property ultimately gave up all rights to the animals. He said that the greyhounds had been used for racing by his father who passed away three years ago.

The Greyhound Protection League (GPL), a national greyhound advocacy organization, was called to seek rescue assistance for the surviving six greyhounds who were taken to a local vet for care and later transferred to a greyhound adoption organization in Missouri. "This situation is yet another example of the tragic consequence of greyhound racing where oversight and animal cruelty laws are lax. These dogs suffered terribly and there's no telling how many other greyhounds died a horrible death in this hellish situation," said GPL mid-west representative, Lenka Perron.

The rescued greyhounds are undergoing treatment for dehydration, malnutrition and a severe infestation of heartworm; some are extremely weak and may not survive. If they do recover they have the prospect of a long life and the love and care every dog deserves. A happy ending is guaranteed for the mix-bred Labradors who will eventually be adopted to loving homes by the local all-breed rescue group.

The Greyhound Protection League estimates that nearly 20,000 greyhounds die every year. For more information visit: greyhounds.org.
Sources: Information compiled by the Greyhound Protection League from Green County Sheriff's Department Incident Report and personal accounts of Schultz and Lavery, June 4, 2003