Call for Action on Greyhound Racing in West Virginia

Nearly a decade ago, there was hope that greyhound racing would end in West Virginia. A bill to eliminate dog racing passed in the state legislature, but Governor Jim Justice vetoed it. This legislation sought to repeal a law mandating greyhound racing, which included $19 million in subsidies that could be used for essential services like road repairs or healthcare. The goal was to stop the suffering and deaths linked to this industry, which breeds and discards thousands of dogs annually. As president of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia, I have fought for animal welfare since 1994.

The 2017 bill represented a chance to break from this declining industry. However, Justice’s veto kept the tracks open and the subsidies intact. Since then, West Virginia has seen about 4,000 greyhound injuries, including 1,367 cases of broken bones and 84 deaths on the track. One such dog, GF St Barts, died at Mardi Gras after being tripped and suffering a broken skull.

Today, a new bill to end greyhound racing is approaching debate in Congress. This time, Senator Jim Justice serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and there is hope he will support the dogs. Notably, his family’s pet, Babydog, serves as both a beloved member of the family and a political icon, having been associated with promotions like West Virginia’s “Do It for Babydog” COVID vaccine sweepstakes.

While politics often use mascots and symbols, real change occurs through policy. In 2021, Justice urged state residents to get vaccinated for Babydog, and it succeeded. Now, it is his turn to make a substantial impact by supporting the Greyhound Protection Act. This bill offers a chance for Justice to use funds more effectively, respecting the wishes of the majority of West Virginians who oppose greyhound racing.

Recent polling shows 65 percent of voters favor the Greyhound Protection Act, while only 25 percent are against it. Furthermore, a study by Ball State University confirmed that greyhound racing does not contribute to employment gains or GDP, surviving only through millions in subsidies. The conclusion: greyhound racing holds no fiscal benefit for West Virginia.

After years of animal advocacy, it is clear that the $19 million used to support this industry could be put to better use. The Greyhound Protection Act gives Justice a rare opportunity for redemption. Although it is uncertain if he would reverse his 2017 decision, this is one moment to make a definitive choice for change, ensuring the welfare of greyhounds, the sentiment of West Virginians, and for Babydog.

Theresa Bruner is president of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia.