|
Cover Stories Spring 2004 Lure Accident Kills Greyhound at Wisconsin Racetrack Kenosha: The Greyhound Protection League lodged a formal complaint with the state Division of Gaming against Dairyland Greyhound Park after a lure accident claimed the life of WJS Larkana during the 18th matinee race on June 9. The white and fawn greyhound was 3 years old. According to Bill Apgar, the track's general manager, Larkana collided with Glo's K Peabody in the first turn and both dogs went down. Larkana fell into the electrified rail, was shocked and then struck by the still-moving motorized lure that severed her front and rear leg. Apgar said the track veterinarian responded immediately and euthanized Larkana within two minutes of the accident. Glo's K Peabody suffered a broken leg and reportedly has been put up for adoption. According to eyewitnesses who contacted GPL president Susan Netboy, the track made no attempt to stop the lure. "Stopping the lure would have resulted in a 'no race' and a financial loss for the track," Netboy said. Apgar said the power to the lure was shut off, but it continued to drift as it slowed down. He said track personnel were unable to reach Larkana in time. "This is a very tragic, unfortunate accident." GPL has been tracking safety issues at Dairyland and contends that the track has one of the worst safety records in the industry. According to a GPL analysis, many problems occur at the first turn, which frequently result in jam-ups, falls and collisions. A review of three race cards from May 1 and May 2 - 45 races involving 360 greyhounds - revealed that 27 percent of the dogs were involved in bumps and collisions with other dogs and the rail; 83 percent occurred around the first turn. According to Apgar, Dairyland's injury rates are not out of line with other greyhound racetracks. He said 169 greyhounds were injured between January and May; a total of 288 greyhounds were injured while racing in 2003. Tom Solberg, a state official, said the Division of Gaming has begun a review in response to the complaint letter, which also requested a formal investigation into the dangerous racing conditions that exist at Dairyland. Solberg said the agency would also check track procedures and equipment to determine if any corrective action was needed.
|