Sports Wagering is a Bad Bet for Dogs

Sports Wagering is a Bad Bet for Dogs

Started
April 1, 2019
Petition to
State Senate - Kansas-030 Susan Wagle and 1 other
Signatures: 4,272Next Goal: 5,000
Support now

Why this petition matters

Started by Humane Society Legislative Fund of Kansas

Sports Wagering in Kansas is a Bad Bet for Dogs

The Kansas legislature is proposing legislation that will permit sports wagering at racetrack venues. However, under Kansas law, racetrack venues cannot offer sports wagering unless live greyhound racing occurs daily. Therefore, offering sports wagering at racetrack gaming facilities in Kansas is dependent on live greyhound racing reopening at all three Kansas racetracks.

Help us tell our legislature we are strongly opposed to any legislation that would revive greyhound racing in Kansas, which has been long rejected by the public. Greyhound racing is an inhumane and cruel activity that injures thousands of dogs nationwide and has proven not to be economically viable in Kansas, or anywhere else in the U.S.

Greyhound racing began in Kansas in 1989 with the opening of Wichita Greyhound Park and The Woodlands. A third track, Camptown, opened in 1995 but closed just six months later. When the last greyhound racetrack closed in 2008, racetrack gambling revenue had declined by 95%. 

But the dogs paid the price until the very end. In the last six months of operation at The Woodlands, 80 dogs were injured - suffering broken legs, sprains, torn muscles, spinal injuries, and injuries related to electrocutions from wire fencing. Nineteen dogs died while racing or were later euthanized.

Greyhound Racing is a Dying Industry

Nationally, greyhound racing has been banned in 41 states. In 2018, Florida voters overwhelmingly chose to ban greyhound racing, eliminating 11 of America’s 17 remaining dog tracks. Greyhound racing remains legal and operational in only five states.

Racing greyhounds endure lives of extreme confinement. Many dwell in warehouse-style kennels barely large enough for them to stand up, and are confined for 20-23 hours per day. Greyhounds are fed “4-D” meat from dead, dying and diseased or disabled animals not fit for human consumption.

Tell the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives that racetrack venues should not be permitted to offer sports wagering legislation unless greyhound racing is prohibited at those venues. We do not want this cruel practice to return to our state!

Learn more at hslfks.org or find us on Facebook @HSLFKansas

Support now
Signatures: 4,272Next Goal: 5,000
Support now
Share this petition in person or use the QR code for your own material.Download QR Code

Decision Makers

  • Susan WagleState Senate - Kansas-030
  • Ron Ryckman, Jr.State House of Representatives - Kansas-078