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Rhode Island address required to submit

Rhode Island banned greyhound racing in 2010, which should have been a huge win for dogs, but residents can still bet on races taking place elsewhere.

Fortunately, lawmakers are moving to address this loophole with HB 8217, which will ban wagering on races, regardless of where they're taking place. Urge state representatives to pass this important bill for dogs!

Even though Rhode Island banned greyhound racing and has no operational tracks, people can still bet on races that are broadcast there, and it's big money. According to the Department of Business Regulation, $6,157,891 was wagered on greyhound races at a single casino last year.

Unfortunately, these bets are helping prop up an industry with a horrifying track record of cruelty. Greyhounds exploited for this so-called sport spend most of their lives confined in small cages, combined with being subjected to neglect, having veterinary care denied, and being doped.

They also suffer from inevitable serious injuries and deaths during races. According to GREY2K, more than 12,000 greyhounds have been injured, and 500 dogs have died at the last two operational tracks in West Virginia since 2008.

While some greyhounds end up in loving homes, many others are unaccounted for or aren't so lucky. Rhode Island should act now to truly protect dogs from this industry by closing this loophole.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: Rhode Island House Representatives

Subject: Close Gambling Loophole Hurting Greyhounds

As someone concerned with animal welfare, I’m writing to urge you to support HB 8217, which will ban wagering on greyhound races in Rhode Island, regardless of where they’re taking place.
 
In 2010, Rhode Island commendably banned greyhound racing, which should have been a big win for dogs, but residents can still bet on races that are broadcast there. According to the Department of Business Regulation, $6,157,891 was wagered on greyhound races at a single casino last year.
 
Unfortunately, these bets are helping prop up an industry with a horrifying track record of cruelty. Greyhounds exploited for this so-called sport spend most of their lives confined in small cages, combined with being subjected to neglect, having veterinary care denied, and being doped.  
 
They also suffer from inevitable serious injuries and deaths during races. According to GREY2K, more than 12,000 greyhounds have been injured, and 500 dogs have died at the last two operational tracks in West Virginia since 2008.
 
While some greyhounds end up in loving homes, many others are unaccounted for or aren’t so lucky. Rhode Island should act now to take meaningful action to protect dogs from this industry by closing this loophole that allows gambling on live races, as 14 other states have done over the past two decades.
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Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.