Greyhound Racing in Arizona

I will never be immune to the ugliness uncovered about the racing industry.  It’s a known fact.  Sure, there are some who support it who care.  But there are not enough.

And even the ones who do care cannot excuse the inherit danger the dogs face when racing, most particularly on the first turn.  That is when many “interference” instances, “collisions” occur.

 What I cannot fathom is the inability of the city of Tucson (where the disreputable vet's actions occur), or the self-regulated racing industry (well, oxymoron there), or the citizens of Tucson, to not call authorities, or…  Surely there are those who share the same concern for the greyhounds as their neighbors in South Tucson.

Recent report of the quack track vet, Dr. Joe Robinson – and I use the title ‘Dr.’ with a bit of sarcasm - doping dogs just beyond the city limits of South Tucson. 

 “In 2008, voters in the mile-square burg passed the Tucson Dog Protection Act. Among other things, the new law banned the injection of female dogs with steroids at Tucson Greyhound Park.”

The quack doc circumvents that law by meeting in a parking lot of Tucson Iron and Metal, outside the city limits, and injecting dog after dog.

His comment?  “None of your business”.  Quite stellar.  The quack certainly lacks a bedside manner. 

My personal icing on the cake was the comments from the court jester, Tom Taylor. But again, TGP is the Taj Mahal and the greyhounds sleep on cushions and are fed the best quality food.  So, I guess his word makes sense.  To no one of remedial intelligence.

“But Tucson Greyhound Park manager Tom Taylor offers a different take. "Basically, the law was written wrong," he says. "In fact, the (state) veterinarian board claims that the city can't tell the veterinarian that he can't (inject steroids). The veterinarian could be doing it on our property, and not be breaking the law. It was decided that the state law trumped the city law."”

 Sometimes, words actually fail me.  Perhaps Doc Quack should re-read the oath he took. 

Veterinarian's Oath

(Approved by the HOD, 1954; Revision approved by the HOD, 1969; Revision approved by the Executive Board 1999, 2010)

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

I missed the clause that said steroids were in the best interest of the animal.  Or that, by injecting steroids to increase performance for greedy owners fell into, well, one damn bit of the oath. 

Injecting steroids causes irreparable consequences.  But, I suppose that does not matter to people with no soul.

Bastards.