STATE OF CONNECTICUT
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106

M. Jodi Rell
Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2005
Contact: Dennis Schain
860-524-7313
dennis.schain@po.state.ct.us

Governor Rell Seeks to Protect Greyhounds at Plainfield Track

Governor M. Jodi Rell today wrote the owners of Plainfield Greyhound Park to secure a promise that the dogs will be protected and cared for as the track is closed, and to coordinate efforts to find as many loving homes for the dogs as possible.

“I will not stand by and let these dogs become hapless victims,” Governor Rell said. “I am a dog owner myself and concerned for the welfare of these animals. I have already asked the Department of Labor to help the affected employees of the track. The greyhounds deserve some measure of protection as well.”

In a letter to Connecticut Yankee Greyhound Racing, owners of the track, the Governor reminded track officials that the welfare of the dogs is their responsibility and insisted that they feed and care for the animals.

“I need your assurances that every effort will be made to relocate these beautiful animals to either another adequate racing venue or to ensure that new loving homes are found for them,” the Governor wrote. “If the dogs are sent to another venue, we must verify that they will be raced, not destroyed. In no event shall a healthy dog be euthanized in Connecticut until every conceivable attempt is made to relocate them.

“I am sure you will embrace this chance to show the industry the right way to close down a racing facility with class and compassion, especially an operation that has relied on these greyhounds for more than just revenue during the past three decades,” Governor Rell wrote.

Track officials announced April 27 that they would end racing in Plainfield on May 14, citing business losses. The Governor said she has instructed the Division of Special Revenue and the Department of Agriculture to work with track owners and animal rescue organizations to make certain that every statute and regulation regarding animal health and welfare is enforced.

“It would be completely indefensible if these noble dogs – having served a strictly human purpose – were just dumped somewhere when, through no fault of their own, they could no longer serve that purpose,” Governor Rell said. “It may make business sense to close the track, but business can never justify mistreatment of an animal. I expect the owners of the track to meet their responsibilities to the greyhounds, just as they will to their employees.”