Report on Greyhound Racing in Arizona (February ... - Grey2K USA

SECTION 5.Other IssuesAccording to statements made by a greyhound trainer for Tucson Greyhound Park Kennel #4 in 2010, this meatis delivered to individual kennels by the track, costs 46 cents per pound, and the cost is deducted from thekennels’ purse payments. 125This meat is being used despite the fact that it was prohibited by a local vote in 2008. 126Unsanitary conditions have been documented at Tucson Greyhound ParkIn 2008 inspectors with the Arizona Department of Racing documented unsanitary conditions inside Kennel #1at Tucson Greyhound Park. 127 The kennel, which had recently been used to house 58 greyhounds, containedurine, blood, and fecal stains on floors and walls, filth-splattered walls, and a severe infestation of fleas. 128The flea infestation was so severe that inspectors documented “thousands of dead fleas on the floor.” 129 Inan official report, they also stated that “when we arrived to the rear of the kennel, our shoes and pants werecompletely covered in fleas up to our knees, and they were still climbing.” 130When asked to comment about the Arizona Department of Racing inspection reports on Kennel #1, track CEOand General Manager Tom Taylor claimed that the kennels were so clean he could “eat off their floor.” 131 Herefused, however, to allow a reporter to see the kennel conditions and make an independent assessment. 132 InDecember 2010, Taylor again refused a media request to see the kennel compound, stating:“I am not going to let the press in because you are going to show it tothousands of people and we don’t know how they are going to take it.” 133When he was then asked if people should be allowed to draw their own conclusions, Taylor responded bysaying, “No. They won’t. They will agree with these people.” 134Greyhound trainers in Arizona have tested positive for illegal drugsTucson Greyhound Park was forced to close for two days in 2007 after five greyhound trainers tested positivefor illegal drugs. 135 At least one trainer tested positive for marijuana, and another tested positive for cocaine. 136When he was asked by local media about the positive tests, Arizona Department of Racing Director GeoffreyGonsher stated that the incident was “another black eye to Tucson Greyhound Park.” 137 Illegal drug use by dogtrainers would clearly compromise the health and welfare of greyhounds.125 GREY2K USA Investigation, July through August 2010, , online at http://www.youtube.com/user/GREY2KUSA (last visited onFebruary 17, 2011).126 Brodesky.127 Tim Vanderpool, Kennel No. 1, Tucson Weekly, April 23, 2009.128 Ibid.129 Ibid.130 Ibid.131 Ibid.132 Ibid.133 Rowe.134 Ibid.135 Josh Brodesky, Five trainers’ drug test results briefly close dog track here, Arizona Daily Star, June 9, 2007.136 Wallace.137 Brodesky.Greyhound Racing in Arizona | February 2011 18