This ballot question — Question 3 — passed 56% to 44% and won in 12 out of 14 counties. It phased out live greyhound racing in Massachusetts by 2010.
The Votes Are In: The Dogs Won! Over 1.5 million Massachusetts voters said that dogs matter and deserve to be protected.
We dedicate this victory to all those dogs who have been hurt or died on Massachusetts tracks, and also to those dogs who will not be in harm’s way in the future.
Thanks to everyone who voted, to everyone who collected signatures or put up a sign or talked to friends and neighbors.
In approving the Greyhound Protection Act, voters have sent a clear message that we will not tolerate an industry that causes thousands of dogs to endure lives of terrible confinement and many to suffer serious injury.
For seventy-five years, greyhounds have suffered at local dog tracks. This vote means that this cruelty will finally come to an end.
We are extremely proud of the 3,000 volunteers, who made great sacrifices to pass this humane law, and we are proud to stand with the many community leaders and animal protection groups who supported Question 3.
The Committee to Protect Dogs worked hard during the 14-month phase-out period to ensure that any racing dogs ending their careers in Massachusetts found loving homes.
What is Question 3 — The Greyhound Protection Act?
Question 3 phased out live dog racing in Massachusetts by 2010. Over 150,000 signatures were collected in an all-volunteer effort in order to place the Greyhound Protection Act on the ballot.
Why Is This Measure Important?
Dogs play an important role in our lives, and deserve to be protected from individuals and industries that would do them harm. Dog racing is cruel and inhumane. While at the racetrack, dogs are confined in small cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around for long hours each day.
Who Supports This Humane Measure?
The Greyhound Protection Act is supported by the oldest, largest, and most respected animal welfare organizations in the state. It is sponsored by the MSPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, and greyhound protection group GREY2K USA.
How Many Dogs were Injured While Racing in Massachusetts?
There were two race tracks that had live greyhound racing in Massachusetts — Wonderland and the Raynham Greyhound Park. In 2001, a law was passed which mandated the reporting of injuries at the tracks. According to state records, more than 800 dogs have been injured while racing in Massachusetts. Nearly eighty percent of these injuries involved broken legs. Other reported injuries include paralysis, death from cardiac arrest, and a broken neck.
Additional Information
If you would like to learn more about greyhound racing, visit GREY2KUSA’s website.
