article about no to greyhound racing

article update on greyhound racing...

*paws


Mayor Cortes adamant "nothing cruel about dog racing". New names added to the franchise: QUISUMBING of NORKIS (formerly franchise holders of Yamaha Motorcycles) .

Please pass on.

http://globalnation .inquirer. net/cebudailynew s/news/view/ 20090731- 218084/Nothing- cruel-about- dog-racing- in-Mdaue#

"Nothing cruel about dog racing in Mândaue"

By Dale G. Israel
Cebu Daily News First Posted 11:57:00 07/31/2009 Filed Under: Animals

• Reprint this article

  PROTESTS from animal welfare advocates in Manila have not deterred Mayor Jonas Cortes from supporting moves to put up a dog racing facility in Mandaue City.
  
  Cortes said yesterday there was nothing cruel about dog racing in the first place.
  
  Cortes said that the facility would bring in more tourists to Mandaue”which is in line with the thrusts of his administration.
  
  "If they are worried that dogs will be killed when they retire from race, then I don't think they have to be killed because these dogs can be given or donated to those who want them,"� Cortes said.
  
  "Wala ko'y nakita nga makadaot sa dog racing para sa siyudad (I don't see anything that would show that dog racing is bad for the city),"said Cortes.
  
  He also pointed out that no one had filed a complaint against dog racign in his office.
  
  Cortes, however, admitted that one of the investors to the dog racing facility currently being discussed in Congress was the Quisumbing family ”owners of the Norkis Group of Companies.
  
  Cortes and Quisumbing belonged to the same political party during the 2007 elections.
  
  "Even the (opposition- led) City Council is also supporting such dog racing," said the mayor.
  
  He pointed out that Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz of Cebu's 6th district, an ally of the opposition in Mandaue, is one of the authors of the House Bill creating dog racing activities in the Philippines.
  
  Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu 4th district) (primary author) and Rep. Ferjenel Biron (Iloilo 4th district) are the authors of House Bill 5921 which grants The Fox New Millenium Amusement Club, Inc., a franchise to construct, operate and maintain a greyhound racetrack in any place within the City Of Mandaue."�
  
  The mayor however emphasized that he is awaiting results of the discussions in Congress and the Senate because it is only them that would grant franchise to such businesses.
  
  "That is precisely why they (investors) asked for the franchise so that it would determined if the facility could be allowed,"� Cortes added.
  
  The mayor, however, said he personally does not see any animal abuse in such activities such as dog racing.
  
  "I even think that the horse-racing is more cruel because they (animals) are whipped," said Cortes in Cebuano.
  
  "But it will invite more tourists and stir economic growth for the city."�
  
  Cortes said that with the dog-racing activity, tourists will come to Mandaue particularly those coming from Australia and Hong Kong.
  
  The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in its position paper fought against the operations of dog racing facilities in the country.
  
  "The new industry of greyhound racing will trigger the breeding of hundreds of greyhounds, more than it can place at race tracks. Racing afficionados will be motivated to produce "winning"� dogs and will end up overbreeding them," said PAWS program director Anna Hashim-Cabrera in a written position paper.
  
  "This is an inevitable scenario as can be shown in euthanasia statistics in countries which already have greyhound racing."
  
  The PAWS also said that in the United States, about 20,000 surplus greyhounds are killed each year because they no longer qualify for racing.
  
  There is also not enough homes for the retired dogs.
  
  The advocates said that a greyhound's racing career is usually over at 3.5 to 4 years of age, and yet, its life expectancy is about 13 years old.
  
  "The reason why the greyhound racing industry is inherently cruel is because it treats dogs as commodities, "� said Hashim-Cabrera.
  
  "It is a form of gaming in which the amount of money a dog generates determines his or her expendability. "�
  
  Aside from PAWS, other groups have already sent written petitions at the Senate where the Bills are pending for approval.

Dave DavisJul 31

I take great exception to the mayor's comments, and speak from personal experience. As one who for the past 8 months has been deeply involved in recovering and relocating nearly 200 greyhounds that became expendable when Guam's greyhound racetrack closed last November(it had been losing money for several years), I can attest to the tragic results of 'giving them away to anyone who wants them'. Most of those treated in that fashion ended up abandoned, injured, starved and otherwise at risk of death. GAIN, Guam's animal advocacy organization, connected with rescue groups in the Mainland USA to save and relocate as many as possible. Many died before they could be saved, under the cruelest of conditions. As for the racing itself: it's quickly going out of style in most enlightened nations and regions, recognized as a cruel and barbaric 'sport'. Statistics are readily available on the Internet that chronicle the crippling and fatal injuries the dogs receive at the tracks. Vote against it!

You become responsible forever, for what you have tamed.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

May Angela Felix

Mobile No. +63916-5606318

Email add: mayangelafelix@ yahoo.com

Website: http://mayangelafel ix.multiply. com/

the enlightened seven *late post

Pets

The enlightened seven DOG DAZE By Kathy Moran (The Philippine Star) Updated July 18, 2009 12:00

The move to stop the passage of House Bill 5291, “An Act Granting The Fox New Millennium Amusement Club Inc. (FNMACI) A Franchise to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Greyhound Racetrack in Any Place Within the City of Mandaue, Province of Cebu,” has started gaining momentum.

As of press time, seven senators have contacted the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to say that they are voting “no.”

The enlightened seven are:

1. Senator Chiz Escudero

2. Senator Gringo Honasan

3. Senator Pia Cayetano

4. Senator Miguel Zubiri

5. Senator Jamby Madrigal

6. Senator Manny Villar

7. Senator Rodolfo Biazon

* * *

If only more of the members of the Senate would take the more humane road, which at this time seems to be less traveled, then all 24 of the members of the Senate would oppose the bill.

That would be great. And all the pet lovers and their canine companions will love them for it.

I don’t mean to belabor the point, but, just as I wrote last week, there is no possible way that the Greyhounds will be treated well. Since the greyhound racing industry is a profit-driven one, what counts is the money, not the health of the dogs. The Greyhounds will be used as commodities — holding on to them for as long as they are winning races, and then disposing of them at the end of their 3rd or 4th year.

When Greyhounds are no longer useful the dogs will be dumped or their owners will have them put to sleep. There is no two ways about Greyhound racing – only one, that it not be allowed to enter the country.

* * *

This week Petlife prints excerpts from the position paper of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) against Greyhound racing:

Greyhound racing is an industry fraught with cruelty.

Every year, countless Greyhounds are killed by breeders and owners because they are too slow to win races. Dogs have been shot, bludgeoned, or simply abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Those who survive the initial cull are living on borrowed time; their very lives are secure only as long as their stamina remains.

Dogs who do qualify to become racers typically live in cages and are kept muzzled by their trainers at all times. Many exhibit crate and muzzle sores and suffer from infestations of internal and external parasites. Because it is cost-prohibitive to have a veterinarian on-site 24 hours a day at any kennel, dogs are left vulnerable. Although they are extremely sensitive to temperature because of their lack of body fat and thin coats, greyhounds are often forced to race in sweltering heat in excess of 37°C. Illness and injuries—including broken legs, heatstroke, and heart attacks—claim the lives of many greyhounds. A string of catastrophic injuries on British greyhound tracks (including dogs suffering compound fractures) led the public to call for a ban.

Trainers frequently dope greyhounds to mask injuries or to increase the dogs’ speed. Irish millionaire Paul Hennessy—considered one of Ireland’s most successful trainers—pleaded guilty in 2007 to seven counts of possession of unauthorized animal-performance–enhancing drugs and injectable supplements. Two trainers in England were found guilty of giving potentially fatal drugs to injured greyhounds in order to keep them running. Dogs (and trainers) have tested positive for cocaine.

Every year, millions of healthy, socialized dogs are euthanized worldwide for lack of good homes. Greyhounds have no greater chance of being adopted than any other breed does. In fact, most greyhounds who have been used in racing are exceedingly difficult to place because they are unsocialized and tend to be skittish.

In 2006, the bodies of 10,000 greyhounds were found buried in a UK field; the dogs were former racers who had been shot and killed. The man responsible admitted to officials that he killed up to 40 dogs every day on behalf of 40 trainers before he was caught. It is estimated that more than 15,000 greyhounds are “officially” euthanized in the UK annually after they are judged to be unsuitable for racing on British tracks or when their racing “careers” come to an end because of age or injury.

In Wisconsin, the operator of a greyhound-training facility sold 1,050 retired dogs to a research facility that used them in invasive cardiac experiments. All but 100 died. The operator had promised to find homes for the dogs.

Animal shelters throughout the Philippines are already overflowing with dogs awaiting homes. No animal shelter has the capacity to take on hundreds of greyhounds as they inevitably are discarded from breeding and training facilities. Breeding more dogs places an intolerable burden on already crowded animal shelters. Reducing the number of dogs who are bred—of all breeds—is the most effective way to stop the mass euthanization of animals.

FNMACI’s assurances about building a shelter for retired greyhounds are suspect. Any facility built for this purpose would almost certainly house the dogs in cramped cages for the rest of their lives. These kinds of dog warehouses are not only cruel but also put the animals’ lives at risk. Dogs kept in close confines are highly susceptible to numerous respiratory ailments and other communicable diseases. In recent years, a new, highly contagious and sometimes deadly canine flu has been spreading in kennels and at dog tracks. The virus, which scientists say mutated from an influenza strain that affects horses, has killed greyhounds throughout the U.S. Epidemiologists studying the outbreak have concluded that the virus spreads most easily when dogs are housed closely together.

Economic Issues: Globally, an increasingly informed public is losing interest in and withdrawing support for greyhound racing.

Dog racing is illegal in 35 US states, and on June 29, 2009, officials in New Hampshire ended racing at the two remaining dog tracks in the state. Barbados, Guam, Haiti, and Indonesia have all shuttered their once active dog tracks. According to GREY2K, a greyhound-advocacy group, commercial dog racing represents less than one percent of all wagers made each year in the US. In order to remain in business, many tracks are shifting their focus to slot machines.

Much of the recent global expansion of casino and other forms of gambling can be attributed to the support of local business owners and city leaders who have been lured by assurances of increased tourism and economic growth. However, attendance at greyhound tracks has plummeted worldwide, and revenue continues to decline significantly. Marketing House Bill No. 5291 as an economic boon is inaccurate and misleading.

An increasingly well-informed public will shun this operation, and the impact on tourism could be significant. More and more travelers are choosing to spend their vacation dollars on environmentally friendly destinations; conversely, they are avoiding or even boycotting areas that support or encourage animal exploitation. Our office regularly receives letters from people who refuse to travel to Spain, for example, because of the country’s support of bullfighting. With an unlimited number of locales to choose from, compassionate tourists can simply go elsewhere. The public backlash against the Province of Cebu—and Mandaue in particular—could be considerable.

article about no to greyhound racing

http://208.184. 76.175/Article. aspx?articleId= 491506&publicationSubCateg oryId=109

Freeman Opinion

Dog owners, lovers against dog racing SHOOTING STRAIGHT By Valeriano Avila Updated July 30, 2009 12:00 AM * * * I was in Manila last Tuesday for The Philippine Star's 23rd Anniversary and for a presscon by the People's Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Asia in the office of Sen. Jamby Madrigal at 1:30pm. Unfortunately, my flight was delayed because of bad traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). But that was reported in The Star yesterday, with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) the lead group condemning House Bill no. 5291 and 5648. This was the House Bill authored by Cebu's members of Congress, Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and Rep. Benhur Salimbangon that allows Greyhound Racing in Mandaue City. We began writing about this issue when we read it from the column of Neal Cruz, but we haven't heard a peep from Rep. Soon-Ruiz or Rep. Salimbangon as to why they sponsored this bill and who would be the principal beneficiary. We learned that the main beneficiary is the Fox New Millennium Amusement Club, Inc. (FNMACI) a new face in the business world. But if they are truly legitimate, why hasn't anyone from Fox Millennium responded or reacted to this column or the column of Neal Cruz? to read the full story: http://208.184.76.175/Article.aspx?articleId=491506&publicationSubCategoryId=109

update on fight against greyhound racing *late post

This is a very crucial issue and it bangs in the minds of people who really care about animal welfare..

*paws
Dear animal advocates,

Some updates on our lobbying to block Greyhound Racing:

1. There is another Bill

As can be gleaned from Ted's online petition, there is another Greyhound Franchise Bill in the Lower House called H.B. 5648 "AN ACT GRANTING THE SOUTHEAST ASIA GREYHOUND RACING CLUB, INC. A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A GREY-HOUND RACETRACK IN RIZAL OR PAMPANGA OR
LAGUNA" so we need to lobby with our Congressmen, as well.

PAWS has already written to the Lower House and will send everyone more info in the coming days.

Meantime, please continue to ask friends to sign the online petition:

http://www.thepetit ionsite.com/ 1/save-the- philippines- from-greyhound- racing

2. Seven (7) senators now

Senator Biazon met up with us yesterday and gave his"word as a soldier" that he will vote no to HB 5291. The Office of Senator Villar also assured us that the good senator will be voting NO to Greyhound Racing Franchise bill.

This brings our list to seven (7) senators:

1.Sen Chiz Escudero

2. Sen. Gringo Honasan

3. Sen. Pia Cayetano

4. Sen. Miguel Zubiri

5. Sen. Jamby Madrigal

6. Sen. Rodolfo Biazon

7. Sen. Manny Villar

3. AAF Action

Our friends from Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) wrote a letter to the Philippine Government and launched a call for supporter action at their website at:

http://www.animalsa sia.org/index. php?UID=A2W4HGKY OQG

Thank you AAF!

4. Tune in to RX 93 (FM Radio) tonight

PAWS will be a guest on "H.O.T. on Thursdays" radio show
RX 93 (FM Radio) tonight, Thursday, July 16, 10pm

We hope to get the chance to talk about Greyhound Racing, as we talk about PAWS' other programs. =)

-The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

no to greyhound racing online petition * late post

PLS SIGN THIS PETITION

For those who have not yet written letters to the Senators to urge them to vote against House Bill No. 5291, PAWS' Coordinator in New Jersey - Ted Teodoro - has crafted this petition: http://www.thepetit ionsite.. com/1/save- the-philippines- from-greyhound- racing

Now all you have to do is sign and we'll take care of the rest. =)

Remember, we need as many signatures as we can to convince lawmakers and government officials that this is a serious issue.

Thank you.

upsates on greyhound racing petition

Kathy Moran of the Philippine Star put out our and PETA's position papers on the Greyhound Racing issue today, please check out the attachment or click on the link below:

http://www.philstar .com/Article. aspx?articleId= 485549&publicationSubCateg oryId=447

Update on our campaign:

Five (5) senators have contacted us to say that they are voting "NO" to House Bill 5291 or "An Act Granting The Fox New Millennium Amusement Club Inc. (FNMACI) A franchise to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Greyhound Racetrack in Any Place Within the City of Mandaue, Province of Cebu", viz:

1. Senator Chiz Escudero

2. Senator Gringo Honasan

3. Senator Pia Cayetano

4. Senator Miguel Zubiri

5. Senator Jamby Madrigal

Call to Action:

Calling all PAWS volunteers, please give us a copy of your emailed letters to senators on this issue. Volunteers are required to render eight (8) hours of service per month. We shall consider those who have written to all senators as having complied with the eight hour requirement for the month of July 2009.

We are attaching the directory of senators once more. Please "cc" philpaws@yahoo. com with your letters.

Thank you.

- The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

stop greyhound racing *late post

* Note in this post:to view petition go to: paws' yahoo group and subscribe


Dear volunteers and animal advocates: We are re-sending this important alert with the correct link to the Directory of Philippine Senators. Please write to our Senators today--

Dear advocates,

Please find attached the PAWS Position Paper on Greyhound Racing and why citizens should write to all their Senators today to ask them not to approve House Bill No. 5291 (also attached).

Animal advocates, you can help prevent the deaths and suffering of thousands of dogs --please write your personal letter of appeal to our lawmakers today. ASK THEM TO BLOCK OR OPPOSE THIS BILL WHEN IT COMES UP FOR PLENARY DISCUSSION IN JULY.

Sponsor of House Bill No. 5291 in the Senate is Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.

Click on the link below for a directory of the Senators' email addresses and fax numbers:

http://www.senate. gov.ph/misc/ 14th%20Congress% 20Senators' %20Directory. pdf

Thank you.

- The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

Anna Hashim-Cabrera Program Director The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) 87 Small Horseshoe Drive, New Manila, QC 1112 Philippines Telefax: 632-724-1986 www.mefindhome. org / www.paws.org. ph